Global sea levels are rising at an increased rate which is projected to be even greater this century. With temperatures across the globe rising each year, seawater is expanding and occupying more space.
In order to create awareness on the issue, the motto for World Environment Day 2014 is declared as 'Raise Your Voice, Not the Sea Level’ and the theme will focus on 'Small Islands and Climate Change'.
While green activists across the globe have been working towards environmental protection drives, Vizag, too has seen a silent movement taking shape along its coast towards the cause.
City-based Mother Earth Environmental Consciousness Society (MEECONS), a voluntary non-profit organisation, has been spearheading a series of awareness programmes and projects for a ‘green’ culture in the city. The organisation that was started in September 2012 has organised over 10 programmes for environmental awareness and more than 15 events in joint collaboration with other organisations.
“Our aim is to make people environmentally conscious and be responsible for clean and green surroundings,” said Sathi Ravi Kanth Reddy, Founder and President of MEECONS.
To mark the occasions of World Environment Day and World Oceans Day, MEECONS is joining hands with over 7,000 volunteers across South India for the ‘India Clean Sweep’ programme on June 8.
As part of the event, a beach cleaning drive will held at R.K.Beach. This initiative will involve cleanup drives in eight different cities in South India with more than 120 organizations. The Vizag event will be held from 6 a.m. to 8 a.m. from RK Beach to YMCA. Those interested to join the campaign can converge at the place.
MEECONS have recently completed the first phase of ‘Project Backyard’ during which 100 bird nest boxes, plant saplings and water bowls were distributed at a nominal cost. In the second phase, 120 boxes will be distributed. Those interested to purchase a nest box can contact: 9346360919.
The organisation in association with Trendsetters Charitable Trust (TCT) will be starting a ‘Wealth out of Waste’ project from June 1. “As part of the project, we will be collecting old books and will start a library at MVP Colony,” said Vivek Rathod of TCT. For this, drop boxes will be kept at various locations in the city. “We will also be collecting old and used notebooks and give it for recycling to corporate firms like ITC. The recycled notebooks will be distributed to needy students,” Rathod added.
With the idea of creating awareness at an early age among students, MEECONS and TCT are working on a module for conducting eco-workshops in schools in the city.
The modules will highlight rainwater harvesting systems and importance of wetlands through models showcasing the concept of sustainable development.
