Media workshop

13 August 2008

ALL MAJOR civilisations, which came into existence in this world flourished on the banks of some river or the other. Whether we talk of the ancient civilisation in Egypt, which came all along the banks of river Nile or we take our own Indus valley civilisation, which got its habitation on the banks of river Indus. Water being an essential constituent for the survival of a human being, settling down near rivers was preferred and colonies were build near them. Thus rivers became the source of fresh water and to save these rivers from getting polluted the Hindus started worshipping them so that their future generations would understand the value of fresh water and them from dying. Centuries have gone by and these rivers are still considered sacred. Members of the Hindu community worship these natural resources of water till date.

As urbanisation took place and major cities witnessed industrial growth, these natural sources of water began getting polluted. The unplanned growth of cities and rise in population resulted in the rise in all sorts of pollutions. These rivers became the dumping ground for domestic and industrial wastes. The uninterrupted release of toxic materials into the rivers not only affected the aquatic life of these rivers but also turned these natural sources of water virtually into a nullah carrying all the city waste.

The government sanctioned million of rupees for various river conservation projects, which was welcomed by all the environment friendly people. Several Hindu saints and their sadhu samaj extended their wishes for the success of this ambitious river cleaning project and promised their full cooperation and support for the cause. Several Non Governmental Organisations (NGOs) too jumped into the bandwagon of these projects. However the much expected results are far from reach.

Looking into the severity of situation, the need of the hour is to spread the message across as well as to convert individual efforts into joint effort, where all stakeholders take equal interest in saving the pious water. Keeping this purpose in mind, Sahbhagi Shikshan Kendra as Facilitating Agency for the Social Engineering Cell of Uttar Pradesh Jal Nigam plans to work in close partnership with local media towards this cause. Local media is instrumental in not only spreading the message to all but also in sensitizing a wider audience in less time through highlighting the initiatives.

The workshop was held on 13 august 08 at SFA’s office in Ghaizabad wherein state level as well as local media has been contacted well in advance and confirmations were received too. The media briefing was attended by 5 correspondents (including bureau chief of amar ujala) and joint Director and Deputy Director of UPJN, Ghaziabad. The concept note was handed over media representatives well in advance so that thematic discussions are carried out without much delay. A power point presentation was made by SFA team highlighting the key issues in river water conservation and the expectation of media. Discussions following the same were centred on the initiatives of Govt under the Yamuna Aciton plan II and some of the initiatives of the NGOs. The example of Gomti River Cleaning was shared with all so as to highlight the results and achievements if effective partnership is developed amongnst various stakeholders.

As follow up of the same, the media representatives have asked for more case studies on initiatives undertaken as well as regular press conference so that the communication flow is enabled.