Andhra University Rector calls for energy conservation

Modern technology owes an apology to ecology, he said at a World Environment Day celebration in Visakhapatnam

Andhra University Rector A.V. Prasada Rao distributing saplings to children at a programme organised by the AP Pollution Control Board in connection with World Environment Day in Visakhapatnam on Wednesday. Photo: C.V. Subrahmanyam

The importance of saving available energy sources for the benefit of posterity was highlighted by the speakers at a meeting organised by the AP Pollution Control Board (APPCB) at the Platinum Jubilee Guest of Andhra University in connection with World Environment Day celebrations here on Wednesday.

AU Rector A.V. Prasada Rao, who participated as chief guest, said the earth has sufficient resources for man’s need but not for man’s greed and modern technology owes an apology to ecology. Referring to the theme of World Environment Day – 2013 “Think, Eat, Save”, he said one should think wisely, eat judiciously and save something for the next generation.

He also called for greater use of public transport and minimising the use of personal vehicles to save precious fuel and prevent pollution. Expressing concern at the changing climatic conditions all over the world, he underlined the importance of thinking of remedial measures.

Principal of AU College of Science and Technology Veeraiah recalled how pleasant the weather used to be in the city, when he came 36 years ago. While Araku Valley used to be referred to as the ‘Ooty of Andhra Pradesh’, Vizag also used to be quite cool.

The growing number of industries, haphazard development and felling of trees to make way for concrete jungles were responsible for the change in the climatic conditions, he felt, adding “we are now facing the consequences with severe hot weather conditions during April and May every year”.

Eco awareness should be created right from the school stage among children, said E. Udaya Bhaskara Reddi of the Department of Environmental Sciences, AU.

He advocated the distribution of saplings among schoolchildren and ensuring that they grow them in their backyard or garden. They could be allotted some marks to encourage them to raise the saplings.

Those living in apartments could grow the plants in their balconies and terraces. The biodegradable kitchen waste could be used as compost for the plants instead of throwing it in the garbage and wasting precious fuel.

A member of the APPCB K. Kameswara Rao, a professor in the Department of Geography, AU, B. Hema Malini and a professor from GITAM University S. Ramakrishna Rao spoke.

Joint Chief Environmental Engineer of APPCB K. Venkateswara Rao presided.

Senior Environmental Engineer K. Sree Rama Murthy was present.