World Environment Day was on 5th June, and we had the privilege of talking to (Dr.) MRS. SHAILA DEVARI, A DOCTOR BY PROFESSION AND AN ENVIRONMENTALIST BY HEART, here's what she had to say
Here's what she had to say about the environment, the excerpts have been picked up by: Nisha Bhatia
What is your take on 'World Environment Day'?
Doc: I feel that the Environment issue is a very sensitive issue, it is not enough to dedicate a single day towards it and finish it thereby. We should celebrate our 'environment' every day.
Can you please elaborate on what you mean?
Doc: See my point here is that every individual should take at least one step in a day that shall better our environment. I sincerely thank those who don't waste cooking gas and electricity to heat water, the solar energy is a great option. You can make a difference just by walking up to the Municipality dustbin to discard your domestic garbage. This one deed serves two purposes- Primarily the garbage reaches the correct place from where the Government has to play its part. And the hidden benefit is if you walk that distance, you save that much fuel as compared to going by bike or car.
What you see as the biggest threat to Goan Environment?
Doc: People. The more the people, the more the pollution. Besides the increasing number of concrete houses and apartments are leading to a destruction of Goa's 'Green' life. All people must plant trees around their houses or on their terrace. Even ornamental plants in the living room shall improve the environmental situation.
Please tell us the ill-effects of non-environment friendly stuff on our body
Doc: Improper garbage disposal results in more flies, mosquitoes and several such creatures that result in spreading diseases such as malaria, typhoid, filarial, etc. also, the harmful chemicals that are used in the production of food grains have long term ill effects on the body. The body fails to extract its needful vitamins and minerals resulting in weaker systems and weaker bones.
Besides this, the contamination of water has got several ill effects. The industrial waste is dumped in wells, rivers, lakes and seas. Making that water unfit for any purpose. You can definitely not drink such water but also having bath in such water can cause you many types of skin diseases. Besides, the fish does not survive in such water, even if it manages to survive, it is contaminated and inedible.
Name any 4 things that can help us to save the Environment.
Doc:
1. Reduce the usage of cars and bikes, use public transport as far as possible.
2. Dump your domestic waste in proper place. Dump the bio-degradable waste around your house only. It serves as manure to your plants too.
3. Use solar alternatives such as water heater or domestic electricity equipment
4. Rain water harvesting
What are your comments on our website?
Doc: I'm really sorry but I am yet to visit this site I here it's new. But whatever I hear from you makes me feel that it's a wonderful site and a must visit for all Goans. I shall soon view the site and also tell everyone around me to visit it. Thank you so much for valuing my comments. I wish e-goa all the success in future.