NEWS LETTER
PUNE MUNICIPAL CORPORATION INDRADHANUSHYA ENVIRONMENT EDUCATION AND CITIZENSHIP CENTRE January 2016–August 2016 Vol. No.5
About Indradhanushya: In this Issue: Indradhanu Eco –Club Indradhanushya is a public facility of the Workshop Pune Municipal Corporation to create Environment Day environment awareness and promote responsible citizenship, thinking and action EDITORIAL BOARD towards sustainable development in Pune. Shri. Mangesh Dighe. Environment Officer The main thrust of Indradhanushya is to Pune Municipal Corporation spread the message of environment
Ms. Prachi Kangutkar. conservation in society and develop skills Taxonomist and attitude in citizens which could improve Pune Municipal Corporation their environment literacy and environment performance of the city. Ms. Yashshree Ranade. Environment Educator Indradhanushya focuses to sensitize the Pune Municipal Corporation public by infusing a sense of responsibility
Mr. Chintamani Kamble. through behavioural change. Environment Educator Pune Municipal Corporation
Contact us at: Indradhanushya Environment Education and Citizenship Centre Address: Opposite Sachin Tendulkar Jogging Track, Anant Kanhere Path Rajendra Nagar, Pune 411030 Phone No: 020-24530077
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.indradhanushyapune.wordpress.com Indradhanushya not only conducts its own programs but also provide a platform to organize the programs/workshops/seminars, documentaries/movie shows on environment, presentations on environmental issues, celebration of significant environment days by conducting competitions (quiz, drawing, debate, speech etc.) for students etc. arranged by other NGOs/organizations based on themes of environment. Indradhanushya is recognized as an environment resource for citizens and is available for environment related programs for free of cost.
International students under any exchange program or as a part of their curriculum also visit Indradhanushya as an interpretation center for the city which delivers them the required and appropriate knowledge about Pune’s environment.
ROLE OF INDRADHANUSHYA
1. Environment education
2. Environmental information
3. Environmental outreach
4. Forum for citizenship
5. Environmental stewardship
PROGRAMS / ACTIVITIES AT INDRADHANUSHYA:
To make Indradhanushya a hub for environmental activities and develop it as a resource for Pune city is main goal of Indradhanushya. To conduct non- formal education programs/workshops/seminars for students, teachers, professionals, senior citizens etc. on environment concerns with a focus on Role of Individual’, ‘Solutions and ‘management aspects’. And to develop linkages with various schools, colleges, research institutes, NGOs and other related organizations working for environment and conduct programs in collaboration for our own environment.
School / College Visit at Indradhanushya
The interior of Indradhanushya has been conceptualized on environmental theme. With the help of 3D exhibits, panels, outdoor signage, activities, films etc. Indradhanushya explains the systems in our city, its linkages to environment as well as the role of citizens in helping civic systems to function well without degrading the quality of environment. Various themes give a glimpse of past, present and future of Pune city.
MSW students visited To Indradhanushya Documentary screening at Indradhanushya centre
Workshop of Eco Friendly Life Style – Herbal Cosmetics at Indradhanushya Indradhanushya School Outreach Program
Water Conservation is the optimum use and better management of all natural water resources for all living things on the planet. Everyone can play their role in preserving our nation’s water resources.
In order to create awareness with the simple steps Pune Municipal Corporation’s Indradhanushya Environment Education & Citizenship Centre has successfully arranged Power Point Presentation & lecture on Water Conservation at Pune Municipal Corporation’s Middle School, Katraj, Pune dated 23rd March 2016.
Currently, water scarcity is the burning issue in our city to solve this problem water conservation is very much essential. To create awareness about water conservation Ms. Prachi Kangutkar and Mr. Chintamani Kamble, Environment Educators from Indradhanushya Environment Centre had organized lecture for 95 students of 9th Std. Why water conservation is necessary and what are the small practices that can be adopted to save the water? During the presentation it was highlighted how people are wasting water than their actual needs such as washing their vehicles, leakages in pipelines, wrong way of watering garden etc. It was also discussed how people in various regions are facing difficulties in their livelihood because of water scarcity.
Life on the earth is possible only because of water. Furthermore information was given about how water is important and some simple green tips regarding how one can avoid wastage of water. To conserve water through various best and most suitable methods by making the motto of “Save Water, Save Life, Save the World” was also conversed.
th Eco -friendly Holi colours workshop on 19 March 2016.
Pune Municipal Corporation’s Indradhanushya Environment Education and Citizenship Center had successfully conducted an Eco -friendly Holi colours workshop on 19th March 2016. The aim of the workshop was to create awareness of Eco- friendly lifestyle. In this workshop Eco- friendly Holi colours theme was chosen because they are made up from natural resources. Colours available in the market contain chemicals which are harmful to human health and environment. These chemical colours are highly concentrated and may give adverse effects on human body such as skin burning, various types of skin allergies, eye irritation, skin cancer etc. These colours are also harmful to the environment and it increases water pollution when get mixed with water. It also gets accumulated into the body of aquatic animals and reduces the growth of aquatic vegetation. Whereas Eco-friendly or natural colours are not harmful to the human health and environment. In this workshop 60 students had participated from Kai. Shri Vasantrao Vaidya Vidyalaya and PMC School. Miss. Yashshree Ranade, Environment Educator of Indradhanushya guided students for saving environment, controlling water pollution and importance of Eco- friendly life style. Guest faculty Mr. Prashant Dharane was given demonstration on preparation of various natural colours as given below: Green colour- Spinach Magenta colour – Beetroot Yellow colour- Turmeric Black colour-Aamla Red colour-Mayalu seeds Orange colour - Bicsa seeds and pomegranate peels. In this workshop students learnt about importance of natural Holi colour for an Eco-friendly life style and water pollution control measures that can be adopted in our daily life. Workshop was conducted under the guidance of Mr. Mangesh Dighe, Environment Conservation Officer, PMC.
International Migratory Bird Day Celebrated 14th May 2016
Birds are very important living creatures in maintaining ecological balance in the nature. They are very good pollinators. Birds play a vital role in the food chain and food web. They are the indicators of good or bad environment. Birds do have significant social or religious value in all civilization.
Pune Municipal Corporation’s Rajiv Gandhi Zoological Park and Wildlife Research Centre celebrated International Migratory Bird Day in collaboration with Indradhanushya Environment and Citizenship Centre on 14th May 2016. On this occasion Photo Exhibition on Birds was organized at the Zoo. These photos selected for the event were submitted by the renowned photographers in Pune during various competitions organized by the PMC. Aim of the exhibition was to generate awareness among the Zoo visitors about bird conservation and to let them know various facts about migratory birds. Photo Exhibition was inaugurated by the Senior Police Inspector of Bharati Vidyapeeth Police Station Mr. Balasaheb Surve. International Migratory Bird Day officially takes place on the second Saturday in May. International Migratory Bird Day is a conservation initiative that brings awareness on conserving migratory birds and their habitats throughout the Western Hemisphere. This program is dedicated to international conservation efforts and environmental education. Birds migrate to move from areas of low or decreasing resources to areas of high or increasing resources. The two primary resources being sought are food and nesting locations. Birds that nest in the Northern Hemisphere tend to migrate northward in the spring to take advantage of burgeoning insect populations, budding plants and an abundance of nesting locations. As winter approaches and the availability of insects and other food drops, the birds move south again. Escaping the cold is a motivating factor for many migratory species of birds. Indian subcontinent plays host to a number of migratory birds in summers as well as in winters. Asian Koel, Black crowned Night Heron, Eurasian Golden Oriole, Comb Duck, Blue tailed- Bee Eater and Cuckoos these are the few birds coming to India in summer season whereas Siberian Crane, Greater Flamingo, Black winged Stilt, Common Teal, Yellow Wagtail, White Wagtail, Rosy Pelican, Wood Sandpiper, Spotted Sandpiper, Starling and Long billed Pipit these are the some migratory birds come to India during winter season.
WORLD EARTH DAY CELEBRATION April 22
Each year, Earth Day—April 22—marks the anniversary of the birth of the modern environmental movement in 1970. Earth Day aims to inspire awareness of and appreciation for earth's environment. Earth Day 1970 gave voice to that emerging consciousness, channelling the energy of the anti-war protest movement and putting environmental concerns on the front page. By the end of that year, the first Earth Day had led to the creation of the United States Environmental Protection Agency and the passage of the Clean Air, Clean Water, and Endangered Species Acts. Earth Hour City Challenge programme is implemented by Worldwide Fund for Nature (WWF) and International Council for Local Environmental Initiatives (ICLEI). To declare the Capital of Earth Hour City Challenge award they have evaluated sustainable development initiatives under taken by the 45 cities from 21 countries, in which Rajkot, Pune and Coimbatore have been shortlisted. To secure resources and be sustainable, Pune has already established dedicated Energy Saving Cell and innovative Eco-Housing project to conserve energy, cut emissions and boost renewable. Elsewhere, an integrated mass transit system is enhancing journeys while the sun is shining on its plans to install over 5000 solar powered water heaters and 16000 LED streetlights. Environmental awareness programmes implemented by the PMC has also showcased. To get the Capital of Earth Hour City challenge Award 2016 citizens of Pune are appealed to log on to http://www.welovecities.org/pune/ and vote for Pune. This time Earth Day was focused on global warming and a push for clean energy. In this regard Green Energy Fair and Greeting/ Poster making competition was organised by the joint venture of Rajiv Gandhi Zoo and Indradhanushya Environment Centre of the Pune Municipal Corporation on 25th April 2016. 150 students from 7 different schools had participated in this event. With the very innovating ideas students spread message of use of renewable energy source, reduce the carbon emission and address the global warming issues through their greetings and posters. Event was addressed by the Honourable Deputy Mayor of Pune Mr. Mukari Algude. Solar lanterns, trophies and certificates were distributed to the winners at the hands of Assistant Director, WWF Ms. Suchesmita Mukhopadhay and Mr. Ashish Verma, Manager, ICLEI. Mr Santosh Kamble, Garden Superintendent, Mr Mangesh Dighe, Environment Officer, Dr Rajkumar Jadhav, Zoo Director and Dr Navnath Nighot, Dy. Director Zoo was also present during the event. Mrs Ashwini Yadav, Educational Officer and Indradhanushya team were coordinated the programme.
Earth Day had reached into its current status as the largest secular observance in the world, celebrated by more than a billion people every year, and a day of action that changes human behaviour and provokes policy changes. Today, the fight for a clean environment continues with increasing urgency, as the ravages of climate change become more manifest every day.
Pune Municipal Corporation organize the bonfire of weeds and other obnoxious plants
Pune Municipal Corporation with non government organization Biosphere organizes the bonfire of weeds and other obnoxious plants, including water hyacinth and cosmos. The event at the Savarkar Smarak on Karve Road would largely be symbolic in nature. It would be attended by Mayor Mr. Prashant Jagtap, Municipal Commissioner Kunal Kumar and member of Biodiversity Board.
“We have to regularly clean up the city’s lakes and rivers of such weed and obnoxious palnt like water hyacinth. They cause immunes damage to biodiversity. Such plant blocks large part of water bodies and make navigation in them very difficult. A lot of aquatic life is also often destroyed” said Mr. Sachin Dodke, the Chairman of Biodiversity Management Committee Of Pune Municipal Corporation.
Jividhata Mahotsav 2015-16 (Biodiversity Fest)
Biodiversity Fest arranged 9th Feb to 11th Feb At Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru Sanskrutik Bhavan, Ghole Road, Shivaji Nagar, Pune. It was organized by Pune Municipal Corporation (Indradhanushya Environment Centre) collaboration with Biospheres Organization.
Program started by launching of brochures on Biodiversity of Amboli, Ceropegias Of Maharashtra & Fungi Of Western Ghats – Part I. Inauguration of Harit Phalak rare tress of Pune - Gorakhchinch at abhinav Chowk, Walunj at Pune hospital Bridge, Surangi at Goodluck Chowk was done. On this occasion workshop organized on Wildlife Photography & biodiversity Conservation at Indradhanushya Environment Centre. Bird Fest 2016 Pune Municipal Corporation with non government organization Nature Walk organized “Bird Fest 2016” On 29th Jan To 31st Jan at Indradhanushya Environment Center. The Bird fest 2016 comprise of various interesting sessions which brief the populace about the amazing avian fauna. The sole aim of these walks & talks is to spread awareness and to carve hardcore nature lovers out of common citizens.
Role of Birds in Nature, Birding Session by Hemant Dhadnekar & Team, Birds of Rajendranagar by Master Aniket Vaidya, Birds of Himalayan Foothills and Smart cities – citizens & birds lectures on such topics ; Khijadiya Bird Sanctuary, Chilika- Jewel of Oldisha- The Jewel of wetlands – Sarus Crave, Rajhans- Swan of India such films screened in this 3 days schedule programs. Artificial Nesting workshop also taken by Vishwjeet Naik.
Paryavarn Chawadi
A ‘Chavadi,’ a traditional facet of Maharashtra’s rural life, is a place where the village community gathers and public business is transacted.
Obsolete concept rejuvenated by activists, PMC and forest dept, to bring the public together to discuss and resolve a range of environmental problems
It is this very thought that has sparked the rejuvenation of the ‘Chavadi’ in the city — an age- old concept of community gatherings, typically in villages, under the shade of a large tree, involving discussions and problem-solving spanning a number of issues. Obsolete in urban lives for decades now, this democratic notion is being brought back by some citizens — this time round, focused solely on the resolution of environmental issues. The Paryavaran Chavadi was held at Sambhaji Garden to discuss the rejuvenation issue of Mula and Mutha river. The life cycle of fishes in Mula Mutha river is getting destroyed , When british was ruling India at the time there were 120 types of fishes in river of which most of the types are getting destroyed
With Maharashtra facing its gravest water crisis in decades, a group of environmentalists and water conservationists in Pune has decided to revive an age-old tradition to formulate innovative solutions. Two non-governmental organisations — Biospheres and Tellus — with the backing of the Pune Municipal Corporation and the Pune Forest Division, held ‘Paryavaran Chavadi’ — an assembly to discuss environmental problems at the Parvati Hills.
Talk on Plantation Vs Restoration By Ketaki Ghate & Mansi Karandikar at Indradhanushya
Ecological restoration is the process of assisting the recovery of an ecosystem that has been degraded, damaged or destroyed. There are two major challenges involved when undertaking ecological restoration. One is how to undertake restoration across large areas comprising a variety of land-uses. The second is how to equitably balance the trade-offs between improving biodiversity conservation and improvements in human well-being. This large- scale tree planting project will enhance biodiversity, protect the soil, restore ecological balance and provide livelihood opportunities for thousands across the state. Mass awareness campaigns were planned to establish a culture of care for the environment. Indradhanushya in News