The importance of growing trees to bring down carbon dioxide emissions and thereby prevent depletion of the ozone layer was stressed at an awareness campaign organised by The Hindu in association with Essar Steel Limited at Visakha Valley School on the occasion of International Ozone Day on Thursday.
Andhra University Vice-Chancellor B. Satyanarayana, who participated as chief guest, planted a few saplings on the sprawling school campus to mark the occasion.
Later, addressing a meeting, he said that school education was the basis for a strong foundation to develop all-round knowledge. Turning to the students, he said: “If you spare 10 minutes to plant a sapling and ensure its growth, it takes care of you round the clock.” The ozone layer, which was located 10 km to 50 km above the earth, prevents high frequency ultra violet radiation of the sun from reaching the earth. Depletion of the ozone layer could lead to skin cancers and a host of other diseases.
Alternative energy
Prof. Satyanarayana underlined the importance of developing alternative energy systems, preventing wastage and recycling to reduce carbon dioxide emissions.
Head – Technology of Essar Steel A.S. Prasad said that the easiest way to reduce carbon dioxide emissions and thereby prevent further depletion of the ozone layer was to plant saplings. He suggested that all students plant a sapling each before leaving their school and come back to see its growth. K.S. Rao of the Pollution Control Board said that the operation of compressors using CFCs has been dispensed with by the government. He felt that eco-awareness should be inculcated from the school stage itself.
Principal of Visakha Valley School Sharada Reddy expressed concern at the contamination of air and water due to toxins and chemicals released into the atmosphere. She said that 50 pits were dug up on the school campus to plant saplings on the occasion and added that their growth would be ensured.
NIE programme
Regional General Manager of The Hindu T.V. Suresh spoke about the activities of the organisation in promoting eco-awareness among schoolchildren. He announced that The Hindu was planning to offer Newspaper in Education (NIE) programmes in government schools in future.
Joint General Manager of Essar Steel D.S. Varma was present.
Conservator of Forests B.T. Rao arranged the supply of 1,000 saplings free of cost for the plantation programme.
Later, saplings were planted at Sri Prakash Vidya Niketan, Vignan Vidyalayam (Timmapuram), Kendriya Vidyalaya-Waltair, Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, Delhi Public School, Chaitanya Public School, Sri Aurobindo Ideal School and Siva Sivani School (all at Ukkunagaram).
