Excessive and indiscriminate use of natural resources by mankind is the primary cause for global warming and controlling pollution is not just a country-specific concern as it involves the entire world, according to Minister for Forests Siddha Raghava Rao.
Speaking at a seminar held to mark World Environment Day at Tummalapalli Kalakshetram here on Monday, the Minister said it was the responsibility of every citizen to strive for a pollution-free society and industrialists should be committed to controlling all sorts of hazardous pollution by strictly sticking to norms.
“Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi are taking steps to increase green cover and reduce pollution. In fact Mr. Naidu talks about pollution at every Cabinet meeting,” the Minister said.
He said, “a good number of laws are implemented and strict action is being taken against violators. Planting more number of trees should be taken up on war-footing. It is our responsibility to hand over the earth to future generation with less percentage of pollution.”
AP Pollution Control Board Regional Director Madhusudhan said that industries, automobiles and pesticides were the main reasons for the pollution. “Owing to toxic pollution, the Ozone layer gets depleted paving way for ultra violet rays hitting the earth directly causing skin caner and eye ailments,” he added
He said more trees should be grown to restrict carbon dioxide and generate more oxygen. “Usage of plastics is another major issue causing harmful pollution as they are not biodegradable.”
‘Avoid plastic covers’
The pollution expert asked the general public not to carry eatables in a plastic cover produced with more than 50 microns as it (the cover) would have harmful chemicals.
Mr. Madhusudhan also said the electricity was another major pollutant as hundreds and thousands tonnes of coal used for generating power cause immense amount of carbon dioxide.
He advised everyone to follow four principles with which one can prevent 50% of pollution. “First avoid creating waste and if it is not possible try to reduce it and later reuse it. As a final measure, try to recycle it,” he said.
He said waste was no longer a waste as it can be a resource to other sectors and cited various examples. Later, several industrialists, hospital managements and others were honoured for their commitment to reduce pollution.
Pollution experts B. Sen Gupta, Mahima, S. Ramakrishna, B.S.S. Prasad and others took part in the meeting.
