WHEN THE second batch of youths arrive at IIM-L to participate in the environment-awareness campaign launched by the premier management institute, they would not just confine themselves to theoretical concepts.
IIM-L Prof Dharmendra Sengar has already chalked out plans to make these budding ‘environment ambassadors’ conduct an on-spot study about the status of medical and biological waste management in various hospitals and nursing homes of the city.
He says, “Often, used syringes are carelessly thrown about at the hospitals and nursing homes. These their way back in circulation via unscrupulous people. This is one of the reasons why we want to create an army of environment-conscious people who would be aware about the laws and can check negligence.”
Also, if you see a vehicle on the road not conforming to pollution norms, there are ways in which you can step in, interfere and get the support of the law as well, he adds.
The environment volunteers enrolling for the IIM-L programme would also be informed about laws like Water (Prevention & Control of Pollution) Act, 1974, Air (Prevention & Control of Pollution), Act, 1981 and Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 and how the common man make use of them. “Many are not aware that there is a Public Liability Insurance Act of 1991 that came into being after the Bhopal gas tragedy. This Act empowers people to claim instant damages to the tune of Rs 25,000 from the guilty person/organization/industry besides suing them for further damages. If only people become more aware, the authorities would have to eventually take steps to improve the environment,” Prof Sengar added.
{{/usCountry}}The environment volunteers enrolling for the IIM-L programme would also be informed about laws like Water (Prevention & Control of Pollution) Act, 1974, Air (Prevention & Control of Pollution), Act, 1981 and Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 and how the common man make use of them. “Many are not aware that there is a Public Liability Insurance Act of 1991 that came into being after the Bhopal gas tragedy. This Act empowers people to claim instant damages to the tune of Rs 25,000 from the guilty person/organization/industry besides suing them for further damages. If only people become more aware, the authorities would have to eventually take steps to improve the environment,” Prof Sengar added.
{{/usCountry}}The volunteers would also be told how PILs regarding environment can be filed. “Under Article 22 of the Constitution a citizen can file a PIL in the HC and under Article 32, a citizen can approach the Apex court. Everyone can contribute in improving the environment around us if they are aware,” he added.
Also, what are concepts like ‘environmental impact assessment’ would be told to the volunteers.