Team Herald

PANJIM: The consumer and civic rights activists have lined up a number of activities to create awareness on protecting environment. The month-long drive which began on Monday, will also educate people the use of solar energy and rain water harvesting. 

“GOACAN is observing a Green Consumer Awareness Campaign till May 22 being the International Day for Biological Diversity. During this month, our volunteers will create awareness to promote discussion on the themes of these important days ‘Protect our threatened and endangered species’ and "Our Biodiversity, Our Food, Our Health,’” GOACAN Co-ordinator Roland Martins said. 

Forum volunteers have begun special drives at the local level to collect used batteries and e-waste, promote the use of reetha soap nut, the use of solar energy and rain water harvesting, and also awareness to save frogs from being poached this monsoon.

During the month, the volunteers will meet officials of the Goa State Pollution Control Board (GSPCB), Goa Waste Management Corporation (GWMC), Goa Energy Development Agency (GEDA) and the Goa State Biodiversity Board (GSBB) to understand the role and responsibility of these agencies.

“The volunteers will also take steps to promote the importance of the Biodiversity Management Committee, Village Water and Sanitation Committee, and the Village Garbage Management Committee at the forthcoming village Gram Sabha meetings,” Martins added. 

In a special effort to encourage kitchen gardening and organic farming, the volunteers will take up different steps and involve women, youths and others. This will also include mobilising support for the forthcoming Konkan Fruit Fest to be organised in Panjim by the Botanical Society of Goa (BSG).