E-Weekly-6/16
Green Earth Movement
An E-Newsletter for the cause of Environment, Peace, Harmony and Justice
Remember - “you and I can decide the future”
Learn to save water, recycle waste from these
college students
Badri Chaergee, Hindustan Times, Mumbai
Aug. 10, 2015
Worried about water wastage, improper garbage management, electronic waste and pollution?
An educational institute is offering solutions.
The South Indian Education Society (SIES) College of Arts, Science and Commerce in Sion last
month inaugurated a rainwater harvesting plant, estimated to save more than 30 lakh litre of
rainwater annually. This water is supplied to the college’s restrooms, and also irrigates a garden
situated in the one-acre campus. Manure for the garden comes from composting the wet waste
from the college’s canteen. “Our aim through these projects is to develop an eco-conscious
approach in our students, so they can make a difference to Mumbai,” said Harsha K Mehta,
principal.
With a catchment area of 1900 sq feet on the roof of the college, the collected rainwater is
channeled through pipes into three different pits – one for filtering the water through
sedimentation, the second to recharge the ground water and third to a ring well that stores the
water supplied across the various restrooms. George Abraham, vice-principal said, “The plant
cost Rs6,60,000, which was sponsored by SIES, Coca Cola and Mahindra finance.”
The garden the plant helps irrigate has been maintained by the botany staff and students since
2007. It includes 150 plant species, comprising ornamental, medicinal, fernery plants and even
fruit trees. A dedicated nursery is also located here. “Our nursery is around 1250 sq feet and we
have been trained how to chop, clip and trim the plants,” said Malvika Kasbe, botany student.
Organic composting is another practice at the college, where close to 100kg of manure is
generated from 1,000kg of waste over a span of 40 days. The manure is used for gardening and
the remaining is sold at Rs30 per kg. The money from this is given to helpers at the college.
“The wet waste from the canteen is dumped at a six-foot by four-foot composting pit. We cover
the waste with dried leaves and even use paper to convert it to manure. We add bacterial
culture to it, so there is little stench,” said Aditi Karnik, student.
Students are provided with gloves, aprons and masks while working at the pit. “We invited a
NGO to brief the students before they began,” said Rajani Mathur, associate professor,
Economics Department.
Other green initiatives at the college
Recycling E-waste: Since 2014, the college collects all of the electronic waste it has generated
over a span of five months, and with the help of a local NGO Ecofriend, sends it for recycling
“We collect all electronic waste at the centre of the college and with the NGO’s help, we dump it
all in a tempo and send it for recycling. Close to 1000kg of e-waste has already been recycled in
four collection drives up till now,” said Harsha K Mehta, prinicipal.
LED lights: After conducting an energy audit in 2014, the college decided to replace the regular
tube lights in most of the classrooms with LED lights for lesser consumption of electricity from
the grid. “Old fans and lights were replaced and we tried to show the students the importance of
saving electricity. We will also install solar panels soon,” said George Abraham, vice-principal.
For educational and awareness PowerPoint presentation for school/college
students, church groups, NGOs, housing societies etc visit
www.stfrancisxavierpanvel.in. Go to GEM section for the following PPTs.
Twenty Simple Tips
Solar Energy
Junk Food
Plastic – a boon or bane?
Green Passion
Zero Garbage
Soft drink – A Health Hazard
Waste to energy
Rain Water Harvesting
Eco-friendly Religions
Happy Green Diwali
Climate Change
The future of Biodiversity
Genetically Modified Foods
Waste Water Treatment
Give thanks, Give Life (Body,
Organ, Tissue Donation)
Organic Farming
Waste to cooking gas
Reduce, Reuse. Recycle
Protect Mangroves
Say NO to Bottled water
Save Lakes and Ponds
Forests are green lungs
Coal Mining and Ecology
Sin of Food Waste
Climate change and Poverty
Stop Water Pollution
Carbon Footprints
Parks and Open Spaces
Rising Sea Levels
Laudato Si - Praise be you to you,
My Lord
Air Pollution
Mumbai: A sixth of city’s waste is plastic, paper &
glass
Richa Pinto,TNN | Aug 30, 2015
MUMBAI: Mumbai generates 8,866 metric tonnes of waste every day, of which nearly 17% is
non-biodegradable material like plastic, paper and glass.
The data, accessed from a recent unreleased report of the civic body indicates that the city has
not yet learnt its lessons despite the severe environmental impact of plastic witnessed especially
during the 2005 deluge where it choked drains, creeks and ultimately the city. Even on June 19
this year when heavy downpour had crippled Mumbai, civic officials had complained about how
plastic once again had choked several water outlets.
The BMC's yet-to-be-released Environment Status Report for 2014-15 shows plastic, glass, metal
and paper account for 17% of the total waste generated everyday while 73% is grains and
vegetables. Plastic waste is particularly a great cause of concern for the civic body as there is no
way of processing the same. Recently the civic body took a decision to offer discount in property
tax to housing societies which implement 'zero garbage' scheme in their premises. With two
(Deonar and Mulund) of three dumping grounds in Mumbai having reached their full capacity
and the civic body facing stiff resistance from environmentalists and NGOs over the Kanjurmarg
landfill, the BMC is keen to reduce the total quantum of waste the city generates.
Dry waste vehicles go to each of the 24 administrative wards and the BMC recently uploaded
details of dry waste collection dates, routes and timings for all wards on its website mcgm.gov.in.
This dry waste, which includes plastic, paper and glass, is collected and sent to the over 30
segregation centers operated by NGOs who have engaged ragpickers. However, the challenge
faced by civic officials is that despite these measures, garbage generated from households is
unregulated and most of that plastic reaches dumping grounds.
However, Chembur resident and NGO AGNI coordinator Rajkumar Sharma blames the BMC for
the situation. He says they have always pointed out that segregation is the only solution, but that
is not sufficiently pursued by the BMC. "The dry waste collection routes on the BMC website are
not properly updated. Besides, how many people visit the website frequently? It's sad that the
BMC is not promoting segregation, which is the need of the hour," said Sharma.
Decide on Kanjurmarg and Taloja dumping grounds or
will halt construction, Bombay high court warns state
government
Shibu Thomas | Sep 2, 2015
MUMBAI: Calling the city's garbage situation "alarming", the Bombay high court on Tuesday
gave the state government a week's time to take a decision on permissions for the Kanjurmarg
dumping ground and the one proposed at Taloja.
"On the one hand, dumping grounds do not conform to waste disposal rules, while on the other
hand, a large number of residential and commercial projects are coming up in the city," said a
division bench of Justice Abhay Oka and Justice Vijay Achliya. "The state will have to consider
that when the city does not have facilities to dispose of solid waste, should it allow such large
number of constructions." The HC reiterated that if a solution was not found, it would be
constrained to order a ban on permissions for construction in the city, like it was done in
Kalyan-Dombivli.
While the Deonar and Mulund dumping grounds do not comply with the disposal rules, the
Kanjurmarg dump can take only 3,000 metric tonnes of waste daily for treatment. Mumbai
produces over 10,000 metric tonnes of waste daily. "This means that 7,000 metric tonnes is
being dumped on sites that do not comply with rules. This makes the situation alarming and the
state has to take urgent steps," said the HC.
Senior advocate Venkatesh Dhond, counsel for the state, sought time so that the authorities
could take a decision on whether to permit the BMC to sign a lease with a private contractor so
that the Kanjurmarg dump can take in more waste. The HC also asked the state to place on
record the status of a proposal to set up a waste disposal facility at Taloja.
The court was hearing petitions filed over the failure to follow norms at the dumping grounds in
the city and the pollution to neighbouring areas. The BMC too has filed an application over the
failure of the state to permit it to sign a lease with private contractors at the dumping grounds in
the city.
In April 2013, the HC had ordered that all dumping grounds across the state that do not meet
the municipal solid waste rules or have exceeded their capacity would have to be shut down. A
report by the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board found that at both Deonar as well as Mulund
composting of waste was not being carried out and all dumping was taking place in an
unscientific manner.
The HC deadline for meeting the waste disposal rules at Mulund and Deonar expires in
November; the BMC has sought an extension of the deadline. The HC has scheduled further
hearing of the case on September 10.
TOI DATED 28/8/15
MUMBAI: To help reduce rising garbage quantum in the city, the
BMC has decided to give incentive to citizens. The civic body has
decided to offer discount in property tax to housing societies which
implement 'Zero Garbage' scheme on their premises. The civic body
has sought feedback from people on this scheme.
To encourage people to implement the 'zero waste
generation'concept, BMC will give them incentive of discount in
property tax.
Citizens can e-mail feedback to: cleanmumbai.report@gmail.com
WHY DOES INDIA’S THIRD CLEANEST CITY
STINK SO BADLY?
By Sharmeen Hakim Indorewala, Mumbai Mirror
National Green Tribunal busts Navi Mumbai's
party
Just weeks after the city was ranked 3rd under Swachh
Bharat Abhiyan, tribunal says a 2010 plan to stop
environmental degradation has failed miserably.
The celebrations in Navi Mumbai on being ranked third in a cleanliness survey have been
brought to an abrupt halt by the National Green Tribunal's stinging criticism of the satellite
city's poor air quality and environment degradation. Responding to claims of success made by
the City and Industrial Development Corporation (CIDCO), Navi Mumbai's town planning
agency; and the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) in tackling air pollution and
protecting the city's green cover, the tribunal put forth a question that both the agencies don't
have an answer to - how come Navi Mumbai still stinks?
In observations that are bound to embarrass both CIDCO and MPCB, the tribunal has said the
ambient air quality in Navi Mumbai is below par and unpardonable damage has been caused to
its green cover, including mangrove forests. Trashing a 2010 action plan for controlling
pollution set in motion by MPCB, the tribunal said the plan was clearly 'not working' and
ordered its comprehensive review in four weeks' time. The tribunal has also sought a monthly
report on the plan's progress.
Apart from demanding that steps be taken to install ambient air quality monitoring stations in
critically polluted areas within six months, the tribunal has also formed a committee under the
chairmanship of chief conservator of forest (mangroves cell) to 'assess and verify' the extent of
damage to mangroves in the area. The petition was filed by Janardhan Patil, president of
Talavali Village in Navi Mumbai and Yashwant Patil, a fellow villager, in 2006. The petition had
complained of a constant stench hanging over the city and blamed the presence of large chemical
and petro-chemical industrial units for it.
The petition had also pointed out that certain green zones marked in earlier development plans
had been converted into residential zones without considering the environmental impact. The
petitioners had also brought to the tribunal's notice the absence of a green belt separating the
residential areas from the industries, directly exposing residents to pollutants.
While CIDCO and MPCB told the tribunal that under the 2010 plan 57 major industrial units
were shut and all clean-air parameters, except presence of dust particles, were met, the tribunal
pointed out that according MPCB's own data on its website pollution in Navi Mumbai is on the
rise. "During the hearing it was revealed that the air pollution data present on their website
indicated higher level of pollutants," the tribunal's judicial member V R Kingaonkar and expert
member Dr Ajay Deshpande wrote. The tribunal said Navi Mumbai does not have any facilities
to monitor pollution nor does it have labs to carry out tests. "It is necessary that such regulatory
bodies should be equipped and capable of monitoring all the parameters prescribed. It is
observed that samples are neither taken in the presence of officials, nor is it clear that which
agency is engaged by MPCB to test them," he tribunal said.
Darryl D'Monte chairperson, Forum of Environmental Journalists of India said: "It is my
impression that Mumbai is way more polluted that Navi Mumbai and if such an order has
indeed been passed I wonder what we would rate pollution levels in Mumbai. The problem with
Navi Mumbi is its heavy vehicular traffic. The MPCB doesn't seem equipped to deal with it.
While it is still working on petrochemical plants that have considerably decreased in the area,
there is absolutely no concentration on traffic," he said.
Mangalore diocese holds ‘My earth My
Responsibility’ to save nature
Fr Richard D’Souza, courtesy: daijiworld.com
Mangaluru, Aug 29: As a response to pope’s encyclical Laudato si, the
Mangalore social awareness committee organized ‘My Earth My responsibility’
and preserve nature at Milagres Church hall on Saturday, August 29 at 10
minister, Ramanath Rai inaugurated the programme by unveiling the
symbolically planting and watering a plant by the guests present on the dais.
diocese of
to promote
am. Forest
globe and
In his inaugural address, Ramanath Rai, appreciated the move of Catholic Church of
Mangalore diocese for its concern for the earth as a response to Pope's encyclical. “Forest
department has taken up keen interest by bringing laws like forest conservation Act etc to
preserve our nature. There must be a balance in nature. Global warming, change in
climate are results of human selfishness and irresponsible use of nature. All the religious
centres will be given a letter in order to preserve environment”.
Fr Onil in his key note addresses spoke about the relevance of the programme quoting
Pope’s encyclical Laudato si preserving our common home, which was well appreciated by
all the leaders of the world. Pope gave a call to consider this earth as a temple and see the
wonders of God. Use the earth with responsibility and pass it on to the next generation.
Responsible use of natural resources, water, minerals etc are important to preserve the
earth. MLA J R Lobo in his address quoted the popes’ encyclical and appreciated the efforts
of Catholic church in preserving nature. He caught the attention of the audience by
speaking about light pollution and its effect on biodiversities. “In our agricultural fields,
there are no frogs or snails, no fish in our streams, no crow, no sparrows around our
houses. Therefore, all must join hands to preserve our common home”.
Bishop in his presidential address stressed the need of preserving the forest and
environment. he also appreciated the efforts of the committee and organizers. Mayor
Jacintha Alfred led the oath taking ceremony on the occasion and opened the signature
campaign to save nature. In her address, she gave a call to reduce and recycle the waste
material to protect the earth.
Bishop Aloysius felicitated all those have taken initiatives to preserve the earth by planting
saplings to grow forest, use solar energy, biogas and establishing water treatment plants
with gifts and plants. Bishop of Mangalore, Dr Aloysius Paul D’Souza, Ramanath Rai
minister for Forest, J R Lobo MLA, Mr Ivan D souza MLC, Jacintha Alfred Mayor Mangalore,
Fr Oniel D’Souza convenor of the committee and M P Noronha secretary diocesan pastoral
parishes were present on the dais.
M P Noronha welcomed the gathering Fr Onil proposed the vote of thanks and Mallika
Shetty compered the programme.
COMMANDMENTS FOR AN
LIVING
1] Carry reusable bag (jute, cloth, thick plastic) when you go for bazaar. Refuse to
take thin plastic bags.
2] Avoid using vehicles for short distance. Walk.
3] Carry your own water bottle wherever you go, and avoid buying mineral water.
4] Try to save cooking gas by avoiding heating food repeatedly. Family can eat food
together and avoid heating food repeatedly by each member.
5] Avoid compulsive shopping. While shopping question yourself – do I really need
this item (cloth, utensil, gadget, furniture etc)
6] Try to use the household items, gadgets etc till it becomes completely useless
(use it as long as possible).
7] Reduce, reuse, recycle – Reduce means buy things only if it is really needed. Reuse
means, use things which can be used repeatedly (example - plates, glasses, spoons),
recycle means, instead of sending certain items to the dumping grounds, sell them to
the scrape dealers who use the items for recycling purposes.
8] Segregate garbage into wet and dry. Wet waste can be used for composting. If
you are staying in a housing society, convince the members to start zero garbage
project.
9] Save water creatively – if possible avoid using washing machine which takes lot of
water, avoid big size toilet flushes or pour water in the mug instead of pressing
flush after each time you use the toilet, recycle the water – example, after washing
clothes, the water left out can be used for plants, washing floor/toilets etc.
10] Save electricity by using energy saving bulbs. Wherever possible make use of
the natural light.
11] Do not discard papers without making full use of the blank space. Example use
both sides of the pages, reuse envelopes for internal correspondence
12] From time to time take the inventory of the things lying at your home. Question
‘do I need these things’? Things which are not used by you for long can be donated
to charitable NGOs or needy families.
Fr Felix Rebello
KITCHEN WASTE TO FRESH VEGETABLES
Picture courtesy: Internet
(For photographs of Jogeshwari terrace garden visit gem facebook http://www.facebook.com/gemenewsletter
At Infant Jesus church, Jogeshwari, Mumbai, the kitchen waste going to the dumping grounds
creating pollution has been prevented in a productive way. Since the last 3 months, all the wet
kitchen waste is used to produce compost to grow fresh, organic, pesticide free vegetables. The
method followed is very simple as follows:
1] The wet waste like vegetables peels, fruit skin, used tea powder, spoiled food etc is put in a
separate bin.
2] Daily or alternate day, this wet waste is carried to the terrace and put in a plastic pot.
3] A layer of soil (bought from the nursery) is spread over it.
4] This process is repeated each time.
5] When the plastic pot gets nearly filled, the vegetable seeds like spinach, lal bhaji, raddish etc
are sown.
6] In 3/4 days the seeds are sprouted. In about a month or so you will have fresh, juicy, home
grown, pesticide free vegetables.
Fr Felix Rebello
No construction in Aarey Colony till September 10, says
National Green Tribunal
Friday, 28 August 2015 , dna
The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has been ordered by the National Green Tribunal
(NGT), western zone bench to not issue any no-objection certificate (NOC) for construction within Aarey
Colony.
In February 2013, the chief conservator of forests (CCF) forwarded a proposal to the Ministry of
Environment and Forests (MoEF) which stated that areas less than 2 kms from Sanjay Gandhi National
Park (SGNP) should be declared as eco-sensitive areas (ESA) and hence no construction can take
place there. Another proposal arrived in May, 2015 by the CCF stating that the boundary must be
increased from 2 kms to 4 kms.
This year in March, Vanshakti NGO and Aarey Conservative Group filed another petition regarding the
proposal made by the state government in 2013. A member of the citizen group said, "There was a SC
judgment in 1996 which ordered all the states to send a proposal of the buffer zones. We then filed a
petition so that the new proposal be considered before any construction work begins."
According to the order given by NGT, assistant conservator of forest Sanjay Laske stated that no such
activity will be allowed until the MoEF takes a decision. It further states that the CCF, director of Aarey
Colony and BMC need to maintain status quo till the next hearing which is on September 10.
In wake of rising air pollution in Delhi-NCR, NGT orders
roadside mixing plants to be closed
By: ANI | August 31, 2015 5:51 PM
In wake of rising air pollution in Delhi-NCR, the National Green Tribunal (NGT) on Monday ordered all
roadside mixing plants to be closed immediately. Lawyer Balendu Shekhar told ANI, “It was today listed
for hearing in NGT. In that matter, the court today had said to DPCC (Delhi Pollution Control Committee)
, MoEF (Ministry of Environment and Forests) and CPCB (Central Pollution Control Board) to seal all the
machineries whosoever is using a hot mixing plant on the road, or using any such stone crasher chips.”
“Even the police have said that they are expected to give adequate support to all three departments,
whosoever has been assigned to seize their machineries,” he added. Shekhar said, “NGT has also asked
the Delhi Government to furnish details of points for entry and exit of vehicles. The Delhi Government
has said that in compliance of the NGT order, we have not been able to deploy our manpower at all the
points. However, at this juncture, we have deployed our manpower at seven points.”
” To scrutinize and to get the actual details, the NGT has appointed several advocates as local
commissioners, who will do surprise visits to all those seven points to assess whether the stand taken by
the Delhi Government is true or not,” he added. “On that basis, day after tomorrow, this is expected to
come to the court, and on that day, court may pronounce a final judgment,” he said.
Air pollution levels in 80 per cent of the city fluctuate between satisfactory to moderate, while these levels
are bad in the remaining 20 per cent, according to the recent Air Quality Index (AQI) maintained by the
Union Ministry of Environment and Forests (MoEF).
Environment conservation, development must go
together: Prakash Javadekar
PTI | Aug 31, 2015
DEHRADUN: Union minister Prakash Javadekar on Monday underlined the need to strike a
balance between environment conservation and development, saying both are equally important
for the survival of humanity. Addressing the annual convocation of IFS probationers at the
Indira Gandhi National Forest Academy, Javadekar said, "Environment conservation and
development must go hand-in-hand for the overall development of humanity."
The key is to develop sustainable utilisation of natural resources with a strong commitment to
eradicate poverty and hunger globally, and this can be achieved most effectively by putting
common people at the centre of the development process, the Union minister of state
(Independent Charge) for environment, forest and climate change said. Observing that the
strong foundation of local self governance in the form of panchayats and gram sabhas uphold
people's representation in the governance process, the Union Minister called on the young
officers to work in close coordination with these decentralised institutions. He also advised them
to become facilitators in converting the threats to forests into opportunities by eradicating
poverty.
As young professionals, the officers should keep in mind that decisions to be taken by them shall
have far reaching long term consequences on ecological foundations of nation. Javadekar also
advised the foresters community to address climate change impacts which is emerging as a
global concern. He exhorted the young officers to always remember Mahatma Gandhi's advice
of always pondering over how their action is going to impact the life of the poorest and most
miserable person they have seen in their life.
He expressed confidence that the training imparted at the IGNFA will prepare the officers for
tough challenges that lie ahead of them in their careers. IGNFA Director Vinod Kumar informed
that all the Indian Forest Service officers in India and around 341 forest officers from 14
neighbouring countries have been trained at the institution which has served the country for the
past 75 years.
A total of 76 IFS probationers have been trained at the institute in the present 2013-15 course,
Kumar said.
Noise levels near hospitals beyond prescribed limits
Riyan Ramanath V,TNN | Aug 31, 2015
BHUBANESWAR: The noise levels near many hospitals — which are silence zones — in major
cities of the state have been found to be above the permissible limits during festive seasons, an
annual report released by Orissa State Pollution Control Board (OSPCB) revealed. The pollution
board has been monitoring noise levels near hospitals at Angul, Balasore, Berhampur,
Bhubaneswar, Cuttack, Keonjhar, Rayagada, Rourkela and Sambalpur.
Citing the instance of Dussehra, the report said in the day time (before, after and during the
festival) the noise level exceeded the prescribed standard of 50 decibel and at night it was 40
decibel. Noise levels were fund to be within limits only at IGH hospital, Rourkela, during the day
and at the district headquarters hospital in Sambalpur at night. SCB Medical College and
Hospital, Cuttack, recorded the highest noise pollution.
Such high noise levels pose a threat to trauma patients, said K Sridhar Kumar, a medicine
specialist. "Too much noise near a healthcare centre is bound to affect patients, especially the
elderly and heart patients," he said. Tribikram Sahu of Cuttack said festival times are difficult
for patients at SCB College and Hospital. "We have urged police to discourage people from
bursting crackers during Diwali. Several commercial complexes have come up nearby
contributing to noise. The road also witnesses puja processions during peak festive seasons,"
said Sahu.
The OSPCB also conducted noise studies in residential, commercial and industrial zones. The
report shows an alarming trend of increasing noise pollution near residential areas in all nine
towns. The noise was found within the limit only at Sector 4 in Rourkela and at Amlapada in
Angul in festive seasons. In the day time, noise level shouldn't exceed 55 decibel in residential
areas.
In commercial zones, where the prescribed limit is 65 decibel, only Gol Bazar in Sambalpur and
Santi Bazar in Angul met the standard. The noise level in all the industrial areas was also found
to be far above the prescribed limit.
Setback to BBMP in dealing with garbage crisis
The Hindu
Whenever the issue of garbage piling on the streets and in residential areas comes up, the
BBMP’s ready answer is that six new processing units are on the anvil. The first of these units —
at Lingadheeranahalli in Banashankari VI Stage — was inaugurated during the run-up to the
civic polls, but has run into legal troubles. The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has stayed
operations and questioned the Environment Clearance (EC) to the processing unit. With this,
the BBMP’s grand plans of setting up waste processing units have begun unravelling. The five
other units — with a combined capacity of 1,600 tonnes per day — too are facing intense protests
by residents of nearby villages.
The Lingadheeranahalli unit has a capacity to process 200 tonnes of wet waste per day. It has
been in the eye of a storm since inception, as it is surrounded by BDA layouts, two villages and
Turahalli forest. Hearing an appeal filed by Jayaram Gouda, a site owner in Banashankari VI
stage, NGT Southern Zone, Chennai, in its order dated August 17, notes that the EC provided by
State Environment Impact Assessment Authority (SEIAA), Karnataka had not taken all
environmental aspects into consideration and stayed the operation of the unit till further orders.
The next hearing is on September 15.
It is important to note that Karnataka State Pollution Control Board had also denied clearance
for the unit in August 2014 citing proximity of residential layouts and the reserve forest.
Amidst heavy police protection, BBMP had started sending nearly 300 tonnes of un-segregated
waste to the unit daily in the past 15 days. This came to a halt after the NGT order.
BBMP Administrator T.M. Vijay Bhaskar told The Hindu that the Lingadheeranahalli plant is
crucial to Solid Waste Management in the city. “We are employing a good advocate and are
working hard to get the stay vacated at the earliest,” he said.
The five other units too are facing intense protests by residents of nearby villages
What to do? The pope's practical tips for
helping the environment
By Carol Glatz, Catholic News Service, VATICAN CITY (CNS via CNUA)
Pope Francis' encyclical "Laudato Si', on Care for Our Common Home" is a call for
global action as well as an appeal for deep inner conversion. He points to numerous
ways world organizations, nations and communities must move forward and the
way individuals -- believers and people of good will -- should see, think, feel and
act. Here are some of the pope's suggestions, with references in parentheses to
their paragraphs in the encyclical:

Do not give in to denial, indifference, resignation, blind confidence in technical
solutions. (14, 59)

Have forthright and honest debates and policies; issues cannot be dealt with
once and for all, but will need to be "reframed and enriched again and again" by
everyone with plenty of different proposals because there is no one way to solve
problems. (16, 60, 185)

Reduce, reuse, recycle. Preserve resources, use them more efficiently,
moderate consumption and limit use of non-renewable resources. (22, 192)

Slash pollutants and greenhouse gas emissions. Transition to cleaner and
renewable energies and replace fossil fuels "without delay." (26, 165)

Promote green construction with energy efficient homes and buildings. (26,
180)

Protect clean, safe drinking water and don't privatize it with market-based fees
for the poor. (27-29, 164)

Keep oceans and waterways clean and safe from pollutants; use biodegradable
detergents at home and business. (30, 174)

Be aware that synthetic pesticides and herbicides will hurt birds and insects
that are helpful for agriculture. (34)

Leave room for wandering and migrating species by creating "biological
corridors;" don't let dams, highways and construction lead to their extinction. (35)

Protect biodiversity, especially wild forests, wetlands, coastal areas, mangrove
swamps. (39)

Promote smart growth. Create livable communities with beautiful design and
plentiful green spaces for everyone, especially the poor. Tackle noise and "visual
pollution," and save cities' cultural treasures. Design spaces that help people
connect and trust each other. (44-45, 113, 143, 147)

Put an end to "mental pollution." Think deeply, live wisely, love generously.
(47)

End the tyranny of the screen, information overload and distractions. Watch
out for media-induced melancholy and isolation. Cultivate real relationships with
others. (47)

Get down from the ivory tower and stop the rhetoric. Get to know the poor
and suffering; it will wake up a numbed conscience and inspire real action. (49)

Stop blaming problems on population growth. The real threat is excessive
consumerism and waste. (50)

For genuine change, put the common good first. Special interests manipulate
information, offer "superficial rhetoric, sporadic acts of philanthropy and perfunctory
expressions of concern." (54)

Sweat it out. Increasing use and power of air-conditioning seems "selfdestructive." (55)

Even if it doesn't fix the world, beautification and goodwill gestures inspire and
remind people that "we were made for love." (58, 113, 212)

Get back to nature -- "the caress of God" -- to recharge. Be more attentive to
its beauty and wonder and revisit places that left you with happy memories. (84,
97, 215, 233)

Be consistent. Pro-life, environmental and social justice movements are all
connected. Protecting vulnerable species must include the unborn, endangered
animals and the exploited. (91, 120)

Use technology to solve real problems and serve people, helping them have
more dignity, less suffering and healthier lives. (112)

Believe in a happy future, a better tomorrow. Slow down, recover values and
the meaning of life. Putting the brakes on "unrestrained delusions of grandeur" is
not a call to go back to the Stone Age. (113-114, 225)

"Business is a noble vocation." Create jobs that allow for personal growth,
stability, living out one's values. (124-128)

Listen to, protect lands of and involve indigenous peoples. The disappearance
of cultures is even more serious than losing a species. (145)

Create neighborhood networks and improvement programs. Create welcoming
spaces that help people connect and trust each other. Do something nice for your
community. (148-150, 152, 219, 232)

Make public transportation a priority and a more pleasant experience. (153)

Provide essential services to rural areas. (154)

Accept and care for the body God gave you. Value sexual differences and your
own gender. (155)

Join, implement and police global agreements on sustainable development,
caring for the ecosystem, limiting greenhouse gases, handling hazardous wastes,
ozone protection. Nix the "ploy" of trading carbon credits. (164, 167-171)

Politicians: don't be afraid of long-term goals and upsetting people with
measures that affect levels of consumption, financial risks. Citizens: put pressure on
your representatives. (177-180)

Less is more. Stop needless consumption. (193, 203, 222, 211)

Harness purchasing power. Examine what you buy and know that boycotts
make a difference. (206)

Plant a tree. Take mass transit. Car pool. Turn off the lights when you leave
the room. Chilly? Wear a sweater. Little things add up. (211)

Moms and dads: teach kids to use things properly; to respect, take care of
others; to ask permission politely; to say, "Thank you;" to control temper; to ask
forgiveness; share. (213)

Find happiness in simple things: get-togethers, helping others, honing a
talent, enjoying art and music, praying. (223-224, 226)

Say grace before meals. (227)

Love your enemies. (228)

Practice "the little way" of St. Therese. (230)

Go to Sunday Mass; receive the sacraments; encounter God in everything;
rest on Sundays. (233-237)

Sing as you go. (244)

Pray. (246)
Philippine activists urge Vatican to divest
from fossil fuel holdings
Call comes as Pope Francis prepares to release encyclical on the environment
Joe Torres, Manila, Philippines
Faith-based communities and climate justice groups hold a candlelight vigil in Quezon City to
call on Pope Francis to lead on climate action by committing to divest the Vatican Bank from
fossil fuels during the pontiff's Philippine visit in January (Photo by LJ Pasion/350.org)
Climate advocates in the Philippines on Thursday lauded Pope Francis' forthcoming
encyclical on the environment even as activists urged the Vatican to put into action the
message of the encyclical by divesting its alleged financial investments in fossil fuel
corporations. The encyclical, titled Laudato Si, or “Be praised”, will be released on
Thursday and is expected to lay out the pontiff’s position on the human impact on climate
and the moral responsibility for protecting the environment — themes that Pope Francis
has expressed in previous public addresses.
"Perhaps a miracle is happening before our eyes with the encyclical”, said Columban priest
Fr John Leydon, co-convenor of the Global Catholic Climate Movement. “Our leaders have
failed us and continue to fail us. All people of good will need to act decisively and act now,”
he said. Jose Leon Dulce, a campaign coordinator for the Kalikasan People’s Network for
the Environment, said the encyclical should lead to more concrete action by the Church to
protect the environment.
“We pray that [Laudato Si] will reflect the commitment of the Catholic Church to withdraw
their financial investments in fossil fuel corporations and other activities that contribute to
the alarming increase in global carbon emissions,” Dulce said. Naderev Sano, former
official of the Philippine Climate Change Commission, said the pope's encyclical would be "a
powerful indictment" of a global economic system that has exploited the poor and the
planet.
"Pope Francis has proven to be a pope of the poor and has lived [as] an example of a true
leader. He has become the epitome of spiritual strength, solidarity with other faiths, and
hope for the exploited," said Sano, who is leading a six-month “people’s pilgrimage”
around the world to places hit hard by climate change. The pilgrimage was launched earlier
this month in the Pacific island of Vanuatu to highlight the effects of climate change. It will
end in Paris before the November 30 start of the highly anticipated United Nations Climate
Change Conference, during which nations are scheduled to negotiate a new global climate
accord. A growing number of faith-based groups have called on the Vatican to divest from
fossil fuel corporations after the World Council of Churches last year announced that it was
phasing out all such holdings.
"The climate change crisis is a reflection of a profound global moral crisis and as such,
Church organizations play an important role in untangling us from this mess," said Sano.
"We hope Pope Francis’ teachings will further advance the just demands of the people of
the world for a climate agreement that will legally bind capitalist countries and their
corporations to drastically reduce their emissions," said Kalikasan's Dulce.
He added that environmental groups in the Philippines hope the papal encyclical "will put
forward the rallying cry of the global environmental movement for a world economic and
social system that prioritizes the people and the planet over profit".
Archbishop Socrates Villegas, president of the Bishops' Conference of the Philippines, said
"the roots of our indifference to environmental and ecological concerns ... and the sinful
dispositions in all of us" make the faithful "contributors to the depredation of a world
entrusted to our stewardship".
Making A Difference
A Loan Helps Women Set Up Papad Business,
Changes Lives
By Frank D’Silva, Email: frank_dsilva@yahoo.com
Sita does not have to worry about her next meal anymore. She is in charge of marketing
papads—a thin, crisp disc-shaped Indian food based on seasoned dough made from black
gram—a commodity close to her heart. She has contacted restaurants in her area and most have
agreed to buy papads from her village, Bahadarpur, about 100 kms from Jalgaon, the nearest
city in Maharashtra.
When Sita lost her husband many years ago, she was concerned about her future and that of her
two children. During the monsoons she found work in the agriculture fields, but after harvest in
November there was little or no work. Life was difficult as she was unschooled and had no skills.
Then she heard about a papad-making machine in the neighbouring town of Parola, where
women had to wait two days to get access to the machine.
Sita and four other women formed the Self-Help Papad Group and decided to venture out and
see if they could buy this machine. Earlier, they made papads by hand, which was a timeconsuming process and getting harder. The group believed that purchasing the machine would
benefit women from Bahadarpur and other adjoining villages and towns.
Nileema Mishra, founder of Bhagini Nivedita Gramin Vigyan Niketan (BNGVN), a local NGO,
decided to help the women. She contacted Rang De, a micro-finance organisation based in
Bangalore, to seek a loan of Rs 450,000 (USD 7,258) to purchase this machine. Nileema thought
it would take a long time to get a loan, but was pleasantly surprised when Rang De informed her
that someone from Perth, Australia had agreed to finance the entire amount. Thus, the papadmaking machine came to Bahadarpur in January 2015.
Between 40 and 50 kilos of papad are made through this machine every day and this volume is
expected to increase. As the unit becomes fully utilized, Sita and her group plan to set up a shop
to sell lentils and masalas used in making papads. The shop will be complemented by a small
flourmill, so it should be possible for a woman with some money and an empty bag to walk out
a bit later with ready-to-cook papads.
On June 25, I took an overnight train from Mumbai and got off at Jalgaon station, about 525
kms away. After a 90-minute car trip, I was welcomed in Bahadarpur by Nileema and her team.
At the prayer meeting that morning, two women from the papad group thanked me for the loan
and explained how this machine had changed their lives.
Bahadarpur village also has a Self-Help Kurtha Group that has trained many women to sew
clothes. The group was established to help local women become self reliant and instilling
entrepreneurial skills in them to earn their own livelihood. Initially, professionals trained 10
women from the village to start tailoring operations. After the incubation period, the initial 10
will be able to train more women once the business expands.
On my way back to Australia I reflected on my three-day stay at Bahadarpur. I realised how
these women had stepped out of their comfort zone and acquired skills to provide for their
families. The ones earning additional income from hard work seemed happy and grateful for the
opportunities that came their way.
Nileema Mishra, through her NGO BNGVN, has gone beyond the traditional way of assisting the
needy, by laying down some criteria that help build social capital: no consumption of alcohol, no
cutting trees, and no defecation in our around the village. Villagers are encouraged to use a
privately owned or community-built toilet, and send girls to school. BNVGN provides
microfinance’s and logistical support to farmers and village entrepreneurs, organises women
into self-help groups to encourage savings, and imparts livelihood skills.
I believe micro-finance is a good way to help those for whom lack of money is an obstacle. I have
been loaning money through Rang De and Kiva for the last five years. When I first came across
the papad-making project in Bahadarpur, my initial thoughts were to donate a small amount.
But when I realised, on further research, that over 3,000 women could potentially benefit, I
decided to cover the entire loan. It was a large sum of money, and I was not certain that the
project would succeed. But I have to say that Rang De, BNVGN and the Self Help Papad Group
have overcome many teething problems and got the project running. Photo to be removed
Catholic nun receives award for excellence
Sister Marisa was presented with a citation, memento, bouquet and a book on the life of
Phule.
Courtesy: Ucannews
Pune: he prestigious Kranti Jyoti, Savitribai Phule Award was presented to Apostolic
Carmel Sister Marisa, considering her outstanding contribution for education and
welfare of students, especially of girl children in Maharashtra. Sister Marisa,
principal of Mount Carmel convent school Lullanagar in was awarded at a function in
Aannabhau Sathe, Sanskritik Bhavan in Pune on August 19. Tejaswini Sanstha
selected for her the commendable work done in empowering the girl children in the
field of education.
The award perpetuates the name of great social reformer of Maharashtra Savitibai
Phule, who worked tirelessly to make every girl child stand on her own with dignity
in the male dominated Indian society. The award committee commented the nun
has always walked in the footsteps of Venerable Mother Veronica, foundress of the
Apostolic Carmel Congregation, but achieved the social goals of Phule.
Sister Marisa was presented with a citation, memento, bouquet and a book in
Marathi on the life of Phule by chief guest Sulabha Ternekar. The catholic nun
attributed her achievements God and thanked those who chose her for the award.
WANTED HELPING HANDS- Courtesy: Daijiworld.com
For more appeals visit – www.daijiworld.com - charity
Gracy Pinto (53), Ganada Majal House, Navada Post, Bantwal 574211
Friday, August 14, 2015
Gracy Pinto (53), W/o John Baptist D' Souza, Ganada Majal House, Navada Post,
Bantwal 574211 is suffering from Rheumatic heart disease, severe calcific MS, mild MR,
severe TR and mild PH. She is undergoing treatment at A J Hospital and Research Centre
and requires mitral valve replacement (MVR) through an open heart surgery and coronary
angiogram (to r/o CAD) prior to surgery. The cost of these procedures including Coronary
angiogram, Cost of surgery, Cost of valve and other expenses is Rs 3,12,000/-.
She is suffering from the disease since the last four years. Her husband does not have a
permanent or regular job. Their only daughter just finished her studies. The family being
poor cannot afford the high cost. She needs help from kind and generous people otherwise
it is impossible.
Kindly remit generously for the worthy cause so that she can have the heart surgery and
return to health. Your remittances may please be sent to her following bank account.
Bank Account No.: 0602101033817
Name of the Account Holder: Gracy Pinto
Canara Bank, Damodar Complex, Main Road,
Bantwal, Dakshina Kannada 574211.
IFSC Code: CNRB0000602
Telephone No.: 8722428926, 8970741515
Baby Thejas (2 years), Door No. 1-276,Thumbe House, Kilenjar
Village, Kuppepadavu Post, Mangaluru
Thursday, August 13, 2015
Baby Thejas (2 years), D/o Chandrashekar Poojary, Door No. 1-276, Thumbe House,
Kilenjar Village, Kuppepadavu Post, Mangaluru is undergoing treatment for serious heart
ailment at KMC, Attavar.
He was diagnosed with Buddchairi Syndrome with gross ascites and Oliguria with
tachypnoea for which MRI lever was done followed by IVC cavogram and Transjugular and
Percutaneous Re-canalization of right hepatic vein was done on August 5, 2015 using
balloon and stent (Balloon angioplasty and stenting under GA)
following which patient required further management at PICU Attavar. Total expenditure
for the same may come up to Rs 5,00,000/The family is extremely poor and unable to bear the cost of medical treatment of the child.
They have appealed to kind hearted donors to help them to save the life of the child. Your
remittances may please be sent to the following bank account of the child's father:
Bank Account No. 113101010008971
Name of the Account Holder: Chandrashekar Poojary
Vijaya Bank, Kuppepadavu branch, 1st floor,
Anvitha Arcade, Kelinger Village, Kuppepadavu 574162
Bank IFSC Code: VIJB0001131
Mobile No. 9901145018
Published by Fr Felix Rebello
c/o Infant Jesus Church, Jogeshwari
Mob. 9819688630, Email:frfelixrebello@gmail.com, gemenewsletter@gmail.com
website: www.stfrancisxavierpanvel.in
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