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NEED FOR PUBLIC AWARENESS IN INDIA

With the advancement of technology, depletion of natural resources,deterioration of hygienic conditions and socio-economic problems,one need extensive study of the environment, particularly in relation tohuman survival and benefit.

As environment is facing serious threats, the responsibility of all sections ofthe society towards environmental protections is of much importance.

Therefore the role of individuals, community, national andinternational agencies towards sustainable development are ofimmense significance. Each one of us can spread the message ofsustainable development for the conservation of natural resources. Thepeople, as a community must be aware about their role towards theenvironmental issues.

Theoretical knowledge cannot be successful until the people understand the

negative environmental implications of non-biodegradable substances,exploitation of natural resources, pollution etc. . People need to beeducated about the reality that how they are degrading our environmentand creating adverse effects on environmental conditions. An educatedsociety will be more aware about the concept and means of attainingsustainable development and also environment.

Every individual cannot afford formal education in India. Therefore NationalGovernment Agencies and Non-Government Organization (NGOs) like WWF,Greenpeace etc. must play the leading role in promoting environmental

awareness among the masses.Government is also making efforts in various ways to create environmentalawareness among people. For example, the Ministry of Environment andForest, Govt. of India, has one full division called Education and InformationDivision. Its main role is to create awareness among all classes of people,help in informal education related to environment and provide informationrelated to environment.

In order to create general awareness, this division undertakes variousactivities. There is one important programme known as National

Environment Awareness Campaign, which has been organised every yearsince 1986. The campaign aims at creating environmental awareness at thenational level. Environment Month is the period of maximum activity underthis programme.

Funds are provided to voluntary organizations, universities, schools,colleges, government agencies to conduct programmes for environmentalawareness.

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In 1986, as many as 115 organizations were provided funds, whereas 207,204 and 305 organizations were provided funds in 1987, 1988 and 1989respectively. These organizations create awareness through rallies,exhibitions, padyatras (rally), drama, dance and film shows, easycompetitions, painting and drawing contests, seminars, workshops, etc

The need for public awareness of environment and ecology can beexplain by the flow chart.