Differently-abled kids create awareness on dangers of Yamuna pollution

New Delhi, Feb 3 : 'Parayavaran Haat,' an initiative by Society For Child Development, to give specially-abled children a platform to show their creativity by participating in interactive workshops here.

The event held in collaboration of the Ministry of Environment and Forest through the National Green Corps and eco clubs saw participation of both abled and disabled students.

Organized on the banks of the river Yamuna at Kudesia Ghat, it gave a unique and magnificent platform for children to flaunt their affinity towards nature through various creative and healthy competitions.

The organisers felt that these children should also take part in mainstream environment consciousness events.

"Specially disabled children are left out from these mainstream events. If we have to ensure holistic development of children and holistic care of environment then everybody has to be responsible for it and not just the able," said Dr Madhumita Puri, President, Society For Child Development.

Children were taught various means to be adopted to reduce the increasing pollution levels in the river.

They were actively participated in the cultural events and also showcased a satirical story revolving around the theme of pollution.

"Everyday we recycle flowers. We should not throw flowers in the river since it creates pollution, so we want the river to be cleaned and through these programmes we want to convey the same message," said Shekar, a specially disabled person.

"We are making posters to convey the message that people should stop polluting the river Yamuna. The pollution level is high in the river and it is very important to stop it now," said Surbhi, a school student.

A major pollutant of Yamuna is Delhi. Delhi alone contributes 3,296 MLD (million litres per day) of sewage falling into the river.

The Yamuna Action Plan started in 1993, with the aim of conserving the river has met with no success despite billions being spent on it.

ANI