Indian Journal of Science and Technology

Abstract

Since 1970s, the Chipko movement, deforestation, peaceful methods of protest and slogan “ecology is permanent economy” has made a remarkable impact on about environment in rural and urban settings in India. With many intellectuals, organizations, government policy and conferences working towards sustainability and organic farming has definitely making progress but in slow pace. Based on research articles one burning environmental issues that poses an unprecedented challenge to developing nations like India and others. India opened up world trade a decade ago that is just hitting its stride growing the economy fast enough to lift millions of people out of poverty. However, growth based on carbon-intensive fuels like coal and oil is already clogging urban air and undermining improvements in health and welfare. In addition, increase in carbon emissions adds up to rising global warming and possibility of making things much worse. On the other hand, China has just opened for world trade with a caution to save health and environment. In this background, I would like submit the observational study on ‘non-use of Plastic Polythene bags by ‘Religious agencies, Sweet Shops and lower class group vendors as ‘Role model’ in awareness building with respect to growing urbanization’. India being a vast country with varied community people living and practicing respective cultural and traditional rituals—Plastic bags comes handy to suit in all walks of life. As it has become a habitual practice to be depended on plastic polythene bags and without which the life does not exist. Policy formulated on ‘Ban on use of plastic bags’ is imposed. Nevertheless, in reality rights from street vendors to a well to do executives have become dependent on this product ‘plastic’. Much awareness on plastic and plastic related products is being made, yet the uses of plastic bags are increasing day by day. The plastic bags that comes handy to carry many things right from solid, semi solids and liquids. The major problem arises when it is disposed in garbage, littered on roadsides, lakes, nallas and in open areas. This is one among the major bothering environmental problems of urban cities in India. Just a ‘ban on use’ does not help unless ban is imposed on ones practice or habit. Dependency on plastic bags is more or less like addicted to the use of plastic bags. In the process, the environment is getting damage leading various problems like water pollution, overflow of garbage, littering on roadside, nallas logging and in turn, giving rise to various mosquito and other insects breeding affecting the health of one and all, particularly the children. Working with the poorer sections of people has helped to realize that lack of awareness is creating deficiencies in social actions, leading to deterioration of the Environment. During my previous work and present research work I have come to this understanding that, no doubt awareness campaigns and workshops on ecological concerns helps in sensitizing people about the issue and pursues a handful to proceed further to tackle with same or to take up preventive measures. In practice and reality, the main objective to bring a wholesome change or practice is affected. It again remains concentrated only among upper class or elite group. On the other hand, common mass belonging to low-income groups, lower strata those who residing in slum settlements are the real victims, who remain as an ignorant and innocent common mass. The awareness is needed here to strengthen them to give up the practicing habitual practice and adopt to live without it for better environment and better living. This paper focuses on environmental management through reformation in practice and attitude. The paper focuses on the observation made on some of the religious agencies of a popular sweet shop and vendor community of Hyderabad city as role model in helping in conservation of urban environment.
Keywords: Chipko movement, deforestation, burning environmental issues, vendor community, urban environment.