‘Check use of items that create non-biodegradable waste’

To prevent environmental degradation and facilitate efficient management of solid waste by civic bodies, units of Rotary International have decided to launch a coordinated movement to spread awareness about the necessity of minimising generation of garbage by curtailing extravagant distribution of invitation cards and packaging material.

Intensive healthcare, career counselling and education of poor children, were cited among other avenues of service.

Assistant Governor Surinder Pal Sofat said presidents and secretaries of various units of the Rotary had been imparted training in undertaking service in seven areas of service that would be in focus, according to needs and priorities of their localities.

“Having identified solid waste management as a major impediment in achieving the desired targets under the Swachh Bharat Mission of the government, District Governor Bhupesh Mehta has launched a coordinated movement to spread awareness about the necessity to minimise generation of garbage,” said Sofat.

Appreciating the concern shown by Rotary leaders during the president and secretary-elect training seminar held recently, Bhupesh Mehta said the Secretariat would be providing organised support to all units for spreading awareness about the necessity to minimise generation of garbage to check further degradation of the environment.

Mehta claimed that the process for roping in authorities at the Municipal Councils has already been started so that various units can undertake projects jointly with their civic bodies, thus facilitating them in efficient solid waste management in future.

Bipan Sethi and Munish Dhand, presidents of Rotary Club, Ahmedgarh, and Rotary Club Dynamic, said Rotarians of their respective units had assured to rationalise extravagance while distributing invitation cards and gift packets during social and family functions besides celebration of festivals.

“Before seeking cooperation from other social organisations and the general public we have decided not to promote extravagance on items which multiply non-biodegradable garbage generation, that is a major threat to the environment,” said Sethi.