TOI/Pune/30th July, ‘09: The Environment Status Report (ESR) of the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) for the year 2008-09 has set the alarm bells ringing about rising levels of water, air and sound pollution in the city.

The ESR, which will be tabled before the general body (GB) meeting, states: “The Mula, Mutha rivers stand in class IV category rivers, according to the central pollution control board. Human interference, water from nullahs and untreated sewage water are the main reasons for river pollution. Also, the residential waste water which flows from nullahs and small-scale industry waste water flowing in river is major cause for concern” states the ESR.

The oxygen in the water at Khadakwasla dam was found to be 5.98 mili gram/litre, which turns to zero when the water reaches the city. The water from the Mula and Mutha rivers can be used for agriculture and industrial processing. Water from Katraj and Pashan lakes fall in the class II category and can be used for drinking purposes, after purification, the report states.

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ALERT in association with PMC Environment Dept and CEE is organizing a one-day event on 5 June for youth titled ‘CO2- Pick Right’. Anyone above 16 years of age can enroll in the training programme.

To register, send a mail to indradhanushya.pune@gmail.com or call Laxmikant Deshpande at 25898447 or 25887009 before 4 June 2009. Seats are limited.

During the training, participants will be oriented about the reasons for climate change, and make smart choices that reduce CO2 contributions through our everyday actions to adapt to climate change. Interactive slide show, case studies presentation and distribution of training kit will be done. After 5th June event, participants are expected to use the acquired knowledge and the training kit to create awareness among their own community; such as eco-clubs in the school, college or neighbourhood.

Programme Venue: Indradhanushya Citizenship and Environment Education Centrre, Opp Sachin Tendulkar Joggers Park, Anant Kanhere Path, Dattawadi, Pune 400 030.

Sorry for the delayed post. Due to increased work at the parent site, from now on, we shall have a weekly compilation post.

For now, let’s take a quick walkthrough of what’s been happening about the garbage piles and finally its disposal, chronologically, from various online news sources:

• 11th May: Garbage impasse continues… Villagers sceptical of promises
• 13th May: PMC put on notice over garbage
• 13th May: Garbage piles up: 8000 tonnes so far
• 13th May: Tackle issue at ward level: municipal chief
• 14th May: PMC tries to bury garbage secretly on private land
• 14th May: Garbage stir ends on pledge to stop dumping
• 14th May: Now, operation clean-up begins

The Election results have reached the headlines and the since the PMC has pledged to take care of the garbage disposal, since the highly media splashed dose plus a notice from the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board, we can’t find any further news for now. Will update as something reaches us.

Hoping that Kalmadi brings a change to the city like he did during CYG.

PS: If you’d prefer news snippets along with the links to the full-length articles, drop in a comment. We’ll look into it.

Pune and Bremen, Germany have been sister cities for the past 30 years. To provide a more open, more citizen oriented forum for young people, NGOs etc to exchange ideas, and strengthen the relationship that Bremen and Pune have, the two cities are launching a web portal for the same.

Invitation

Pune-Bremen Citizen’s Forum invites you to the launch of its new website

Internet technology for partnerships between Pune and Bremen/Germany

Pune maintains friendly relations and partnerships with the city of Bremen in Germany for nearly thirty years. A group of committed citizens in both the cities would like to strengthen this partnership by establishing a network between NGO’s from both the cities.

With the generous help of software company Neeti Solutions a website has been created to facilitate exchange of information across borders. NGO’s from both cities can use the website to find partners, coordinate for events and announce their activities. The website also encourages direct people-to-people contact through a billboard, a blog and a photo-gallery.

It is available at:  http://www.punebremen.org

You are cordially invited to witness the launch of this new communication tool. We will establish a link with partners in Bremen to inaugurate the new facility. Celebrated actor and theatre personality Dr. Mohan Agashe will be the guest speaker. Representatives of leading NGO’s from Pune will be present.

Speakers:

• Michael Flucht, Director, Max Mueller Bhavan, Pune
• Dr. Mohan Agashe, Psychiatrist, Theatre Personality, Actor
• Arvind Bondre, Arbutus Children’s Cultural Centre
• Sujit Patwardhan, Pune People’s Transport Forum
• Sanskriti Menon, Centre for Environment Education
• Parag Mankeekar, Neeti Solutions
• And a Guest from Bremen/Germany

Venue: Max Mueller Bhavan, Boat Club Road Wednesday, April 8th, 4 p.m.  (16.00 hrs)

Pringoo.com is e-commerce company which provides people to customize gifts like t-shirts, sweatshirt, mugs, chocolate wrappers, etc. with their own messages and images. With t-shirts, which are obviously worn, they made sure that they use Eco-friendly ink only.

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