Not much is known or discussed about electro-magnetic pollution and the ill-effects of advanced communication technology, particularly mobile telephones, Vice-Chancellor of Andhra University G.S.N. Raju said here on Monday.
While people have to protect themselves from the natural solar and cosmic emissions, suitable technologies have to be adopted to avoid the man-made electro-magnetic pollution, caused by cell phone towers, etc., Prof. Raju, a professor of ECE said at a discussion on solution to pollution organised by Growth Foundation and Praja Spandana. He also launched Society To Oppose Pollution (STOP), promoted by the Growth Foundation. “We can’t see, sense or hear the electro-magnetic waves which are all around us. We can’t escape from them but only apply technology to overcome the problem,” Prof. Raju said. Convenor of Praja Spandana and a former IES officer C.S. Rao said growth was meant for all but should not be destructive.
It was unfortunate that the civil society would not pose questions to the politicians and the government would not bother to consult people, Mr. Rao observed. He explained about his experiences in Delhi in conducting a relief programme and the fight to retain the greenery on the old Central Jail site here. An environmental consultant from Chicago and native of Vizianagaram Prakasam Tata, who is running an organisation Bharathi Theertha, wanted people to shed the feeling that “Karma” would guide in all matters, including pollution. “Unless everyone is involved and showed concern, pollution can’t be controlled. This feeling must be inculcated in every one and particularly the youth, students and women have a major role to play. Every individual has to work hard at his or her level”.
Prof. Prakasam gave a presentation on solid waste management and water protection. He presented a computer to an environmental activist and editor of Green Climate magazine J.V. Ratnam. Chairman of Sneha Sandhya K.J.R. Sharma also spoke.