The massive multiple earthquakes that hit Nepal, the terrifying landslide that ravaged Uttarakhand, and the severe heat wave condition experienced in Visakhapatnam this summer post cyclone Hudhud are just a few examples of how environment has been badly affected by over exploitation of natural resources, Chairman of Visakhapatnam Port Trust M.T. Krishna Babu has said.
He was addressing NCC cadets and NSS volunteers and students of various colleges who gathered at Visakhapatnam Public Library to take part in the tree plantation drive organised jointly by the Essar Foundation and The Hindu to mark World Environment Day on Friday.
“Do not adopt a wait-and-watch approach to deal with environmental issues. Perhaps, considering small steps to reduce, reuse, and recycle in your day-to-day activities would go a long way in creating a better world for future generations,” he suggested.
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After taking up the initiative of planting 40,000 saplings worth Rs.3.20 crore, Mr. Krishna Babu said that the VPT was likely to tap renewable energy resource by setting up a 20 MW solar project on its premises.
Advocating various eco-friendly measures to save the planet, Director of Centre for Policy Studies A. Prasanna Kumar recommended “stop honking” initiative and creation of a dedicated cycling track to bring down noise pollution and carbon footprint.
In all, 300 plants of Spathodea, Tabebuia rosea, and Pelta varieties were planted on the library premises and at Convent Junction opposite Chavulamadum, covering about 300 metres stretch opposite the burial ground.
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“The initiative does not stop here as we are also taking care of the maintenance part,” says Head-HR Operations of Essar D.S. Varma.
CMD of Vijay Nirman Company S. Vijay Kumar, chief operating officer of Essar Steel, Vizag, K. Bhaktavatsalam, DGM (Environment) K. Satya Prasad, DGM (Civil and Horticulture) M.S.S. Sharma, AGM Deepak David, Environmental Engineer of APPCB R. Lakshmi Narayana and Regional General Manager of The Hindu T.V. Suresh took part in the drive.
‘Stop honking’ initiative and creation of dedicated cycling track to bring down noise pollution and carbon footprint mooted