post news network, Bhubaneswar, May 29: A number of environmentalists from the state Friday flocked to the Hotel Keshari in the city to talk about the surge in temperature in the state and dissect the possible reasons behind the heatwave condition that sapped the vitality of its people. Noted personalities from the fields of environment, forestry, wildlife and other related areas, alongside members of several NGOs took part in the event.
The event was organised by Prerna, an NGO, which works for the preservation of the culture and the environment. Speaking during the event, Sarat Chandra Sahu, director, Meteorology Centre, Bhubaneswar said, “Drastic and visible changes have come to the fore, if we compare the present days and the summer days during the 90s. Even at that time, sometimes temperature rose to 45 degree Celsius, but it was never persistent. These days, very high temperatures persist for many days. This is a matter of concern.”
Commenting on the solution to the degrading environment, he said, “The only viable solution to tackle the heat and heat-related problems is to ensure, a good portion of the land is covered with plants, which can potentially help in averting the possible damages from heat.”
Mohammad Faiyuddin, a retired IFS officer said, “Rapid development of cities and dwindling countryside are prime reasons behind the degradation in ecological balance. One needs to understand that only water bodies and plantations are potential elements, which can help in maintaining the ecological balance. These days, many people are opting for gadgets to keep the heat and other environmental problems at bay without bothering on how to check these.”
S N Patro, president Orissa Environmental Society, said, “There are only two ways to tackle climate change. One is through mechanical interventions and the other is through biological means. However, mechanical help is only temporary; only biological and natural means of preservation and care can take on the harmful effects of climate change. A large percentage of forest cover is decreasing in the state. It is estimated that by the end of 2030, a large part of forest area will be converted into flat land.”
Several other experts from related fields, during the course of the seminar, suggested other ways to keep the not-so-friendly manifestations of climate change under a tight leash.
Dillip Srichandran, president Prerna said, “There are different ways through which the harmful effects of climate change can be negated. The need of the hour is to plant as many plants as possible. I urge the new generation to make sure they plant many plants in their surroundings to ensure they help in creating a better earth to live in. The role of the people and the civil society is very important to live in this world with harmony.”
Surendra Nath, another expert from the field of environment said, “Unregulated urban and industrial growths have impacted the climate in a bigger way. This year, many parts of the state witnessed very high temperatures. Climate of cities like Bhubaneswar was largely affected by the urban development. Now many factors, including unplanned development of the city, are preventing the sea breeze from the Bay of Bengal to enter the city.”
Bhagirathi Behera, an IFS officer, who has played a crucial role in documenting the Orissa government’s action plan to tackle climate change, which was launched recently by the government, also spoke in detail about the problem of rapid change in environment and the possible solution to it.
