Public awareness-raising on POPs in Andhra Pradesh.
POPs as an environmental concern has gained little momentum in smaller cities and towns in India where other environmental concerns are rampant. Consequently, the Environment Centre took on the task of awareness building on POPs at the local level in Andhra Pradesh. Activities included an awareness campaign in eight schools, including a workshop for teachers on POPs and Stockholm Convention obligations. A State level seminar on POPs was also organized, with the State Pollution Control Board participating. In the campaign, POPs was linked with local issues, such as the proposed ship breaking units, in order to increase effectiveness of the campaign and reduce the environmental impact of such industries. A small study and survey of farmers and pesticide dealers was also conducted to confirm overall use of banned POPs in the District. Alternative processes, such as application of bio pesticides in agriculture were suggested. A local-language (Telugu) educational pamphlet on POPs and health hazards, with special reference to the health of women and children, was also produced and disseminated.
Outputs:
Awareness-raising among students and teachers
POPs educational manual produced in the local Telegu language
POPs seminar held with local industrial and government stakeholders
Study conducted on POPs and district pesticide consumption and use in agriculture