Polythene cause for all human, environment ailments: SKUAST experts

            Srinagar, May 31  – This year Environment Day in Kashmir will be celebrated as anti-polythene day and throughout Kashmir, vigorous public awareness will be launched to protect environment and beauty of Kashmir”, this was decided at a high level meeting of environmental experts and scholars held at Sher-e Kashmir University of Agriculture & Science Tecnoligy Kashmir (SKUAST-K ).

            Director Resident instructions, Prof. Sajad while chairing the meet appreciated the SMC particularly its Commissioner for taking bold initiatives to check the use of polythene in Srinagar city in the first instance. He said polythene was really a menace which has destroyed environment of Kashmir during last three decades. The experts revealed that the cause of methane contents present in polythene carry bags in abundance, had acted as toxic due to which not only bone, blood, stomach and head ailments were detected but overall it was found that its toxic effect had also adversely affected the entire nervous system of the human body. The experts lauded the state government for taking bold step in imposing ban on polythene. The experts said that the J&K Chief Minister, Chief Secretary and others who played vital role in a promulgating the eco-friendly law will be remembered in the environment history of Jammu and Kashmir.

            On this occasion, the Environmental Experts including Dr. Shafiq-u-Rehman, Environmentalist, Dr. Rather, HoD, Environment division, Srinagar, Dr. Zargar Assistant Professor, Dr. Farooq Aaga, Dr. Ara, Dr. Geelani (Dal Experts) Mr. Galib, Environmentalist, researchers and sizeable number of students were present.

            All experts unanimously said that the time has come that all people of state should work with dedication to protect the natural environment bestowed upon them by nature.

            The experts said that the Dal is presently passing through environment crisis and emergency measures are required to be taken by the government by declaring separate Dal Protection Act in the same manner as SRO 122 of 11th May, 2009 was issued with regard to banning of polythene. The experts were of the opinion that in case Dal and other water bodies are saved at present, it will be a big contribution for the future generation.

            The experts also appealed all those units who are distributing food and essential items in polythene pocket to shift over immediately to paper bags keeping in view the disastrous effect of polythene on children’s bones and blood. The experts also revealed that in entire Kashmir Valley, the reason for reduction of rice production and other vegetable products is because of polythene content which has gone deep in the soil and its toxic effect has caused havoc in plantation. The experts appreciated Forest department, Pollution Control Board, Agriculture, Horticulture and Floriculture departments who have now started taking emergency measures in removing polythene content from their respective areas which definitely shall prove beneficial in saving the plantation of entire Valley. The experts said that Kashmir being seismological zone requires greenery and plantation in abundance which proves balanced factor in seismologic zone and helpful in avoiding frequent earthquakes.

            Concluding the meet, all experts were of the opinion that on June 05, a rally will be taken out by all experts and eco-friendly people to protect the fragile environment of Kashmir and ensure that not only Srinagar but entire Kashmir is declared as zero polythene zone.

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