“Environment matters as Good Timber dose not grow with ease; the stronger the wind, the stronger the trees” (Anon).
Continuously worsening and all the more polluted environment is one of the core issues in the present day world, especially the third world. It poses a serious threat to an already burdened & burgeoning population. The gleam of rapid industrialization is quickly worn out when environmental pollution is taken in to account. On top of this one of the most dangerous and ecosystem damaging elements are pesticides, whose free and irrational use is sadly causing a catastrophe yet to be felt fully in the very near future. With fresh water resources already depleting to alarming levels, the pesticide poisoning of underground water reservoirs represents a high time for authorities worldwide to wakeup to the seriousness of the problem and act accordingly.
In this regard NCLSW is initiating a grand study in Pakistan highlighting the level of health deterioration of children, especially in the agricultural countryside. As a part of this thorough study plans are also underway to promote alternates to pesticides, viz., IPM (Integrated Pest Management), NPM, (Non-Pesticidal Management) & Organic Farming. In this regard detailed recommendations will be submitted to the relevant quarters for policy formulation. Currently funding is being solicited from Government of Pakistan and the project is waiting for light at the end of the tunnel.
The Society has been actively participating in many activities to work towards a better and healthier environment for our coming generations.
Some key achievements have been:
- In Year 2001 – A health & education research project on ‘Child Scavengers’ was conducted under guidance and assistance of JICA. Mrs. Chida Ho and Mr. Suzuki moderated the research campaign.
- In Year 2003 – Tree Plantation Campaigns on Fateh Jang Road, Khaur. 10,000 saplings of Poplar planted. Assistance provided by Social Welfare Organisation Khaur.
- Holding of Seminars and Workshops to raise awareness among the masses and conduction of conscious raising efforts in the form of Walks and Colloquiums.
- In Year 2003/04 – Noise Pollution Campaign, Installation of silencers in approx 5,000 Rikshaws and removal of pressure horns to control Noise Pollution in the city of Rawalpindi. Assistance was provided by the City Commissioner & Secretary RTA.
- In Year 2006 – Solid Waste Management in 10 villages of Gujar Khan (like village Saroba) cleaning them of plastic bags.
- A pre-feasibility study about effects of pesticides on human health especially children is currently underway.