In observance of the International Day of Clean Air for Blue Skies, a seminar-cum-activity titled "Pure Sky, Bright Future" was organized at Project High School, Patamda. The event, centered on the theme "Invest in #CleanAirNow," aimed to raise awareness about air pollution and its impact on both health and the environment.
The seminar highlighted a startling report from the World Health Organization (WHO), which revealed that air pollution is responsible for 7 million deaths annually. In addition to its direct health effects, air pollution is a significant driver of climate change, leading to detrimental effects on agriculture and creating challenges for farmers. The event sought to educate local residents and students about the long-term effects of daily habits that contribute to air pollution, particularly on agriculture, horticulture, and the overall agricultural cycle.
Principal Priyanka Ma'am addressed the gathering, sharing her personal observations about how changing weather patterns were affecting students’ gardening activities. “Students often tell me how difficult it’s becoming to grow plants in the school garden due to unpredictable weather. After learning more about the link between pollution and agriculture, I’ve encouraged our school’s Eco Club to focus on small actions to reduce pollution,” she said.
The principal emphasized the importance of individual responsibility, explaining that small behavioral changes can make a significant impact over time. The school’s Eco Club, which focuses on sustainable environmental practices, has been actively promoting initiatives like waste reduction and tree planting.
Soni Kumari, a cleanliness expert from Towaso Private Limited, was the guest trainer at the event. She led an interactive session on the benefits of composting and how it can significantly reduce methane emissions, which contribute to air pollution. She explained that improper waste disposal—especially waste tied up in plastic bags in landfills—produces methane, a potent greenhouse gas. “Burning mixed waste also releases harmful gases, leading to respiratory diseases and worsening air quality,” Kumari warned.
She further demonstrated practical composting techniques to students and their parents, encouraging them to adopt these methods at home to reduce landfill waste and its harmful effects on the environment.
During the seminar, students shared their own experiences with promoting environmental awareness at home. Members of the school’s Eco Club revealed how they’ve been educating their families on the dangers of burning waste and the importance of composting. They’ve also led tree-planting drives in their neighborhoods, emphasizing the role of trees in purifying the air and combating climate change.
