The 50-kilometre human chain formed in Dehradun to raise awareness against polythene while also attempting to set a Guinness World Record has elicited appreciation for its purpose. However, interacting with the participants, this correspondent found that many participants were unaware of the aim of the event and were only informed about forming a human chain.
Many school students thought that they were there to welcome the Chief Minister.
College students questioned the efficacy of such a human chain in ensuring the desired result. “I don’t think forming a human chain will make any difference. The Government could have come up with something better to spread awareness,” said college student Pratyush.
Many complained about the event being organised on a weekday. Few people also argued that had it been the case of the people cleaning up or disposing of the litter, the optics would have definitely generated curiosity in people. Merely standing and forming a chain was categorised as a futile exercise by many irrespective of their age.
Some questioned why students were made to participate in it when voluntary participation is a critical element of mass awareness programmes.
Though forming a human chain to spread awareness was deemed to be ineffective by many participants and observers, all supporter the idea of polythene ban and a plastic free Dehradun.
“If today we will reduce the use of plastic and become successful in eradicating it from our daily lives, our present and future generation will lead better and healthy lives,” said school student Arushi.
“We are trying our best to make our school and localities plastic free by making our students aware. I am doing my bit by teaching them techniques of recycling and segregating waste,” said school teacher Anita Joshi.
Meanwhile, many pointed out that the cordon tape put up by police along stretches of the human chain route was made of plastic.
They cited this to question the seriousness of the event organisers.