Of all the protocols framed by the United Nations, only the Montreal Protocol concerning the depletion of the ozone layer is being followed by most of the countries, said Joint Chief Engineer of A.P. Pollution Control Board T. Rajendra Reddy.
“If all countries follow the protocol, as is being done at present, we can fully replenish the depleted ozone layer by around 2050-60,” he said.
Mr. Rajendra Reddy was speaking at a prize distribution ceremony for elocution and scientific model competitions for schoolchildren organised by The Hindu and Essar at the Visakha Public Library on Tuesday, as part of the World Ozone Day celebrations.
“Develop a love for the beauty of nature and things will fall in place, as love for nature is the seed for a better environment,” he said, urging students to adopt a green lifestyle.
Joint Collector of Visakhapatnam N.V. Suryakala, in her address, said that greenhouse effect is of prime concern as the rise in frequency of natural disasters is directly linked to it. “From the government’s side, our prime objective is to plant more trees as only that can sustain the planet for the future generations,” Ms. Suryakala said.
Talking about the Miyawaki forest concept, D.S. Varma of Essar said that it was a proven and tested model to grow forests in urban areas.
“We have grown such a forest in 750 sq yds in our facility, which houses over 1,900 trees. Such models can be replicated in urban spaces, as emission of more oxygen can repair the the ozone layer,” he said.
Mr. Varma highlighted the ill-effects of ozone depletion and how it can be repaired by planting more trees.
Creativity on show
Students from 17 schools set up around 22 models showcasing green technology.
While some students exhibited the usefulness of renewable energy, such as harnessing solar and wind power and how they can be replicated in houses, schools and factories, a few models showcased how flyash bricks can be used to build green buildings.
The students touched upon a number of areas such as water harvesting, green buildings, terrace gardens and renewable energy.
Prizes
In the elocution competition, the first prize was won by Deepa Sri of Little Angels School. R.N.S. Tanmayi from Keystone School came second while Kritika Pattjoshi from Sri Prakash Vidyaniketan, Kapuluppada won third prize. Consolation prizes were won by G. Lakshmi Aravinda from A.P. Model School, Marupaka, V. Pranathi, Bethany School, and S.P. Sai Praneeth of Bhavan’s Public School.
In the working model making competition, the first prize was won by A.P. Model School, Marupaka. The second prize was won by A.P. Social Welfare School, Tallapalem, while third place went to Balaji Highfields School, Madhurawada.