As a Person who had been associated with the National Green Corps and green movement for so long where do you think the environmental activism in the country is heading?
Tough question! The progress is slow. There are two driving forces for the environmental activism in the country today. One through the class room and other through the like minded NGOs. Classroom teaching effect is consistent, the impact is very little. On the other side, NGOs try to bring about a sudden change. The overall situation is pessimistic but our hopes are optimistic.
How are you planning to bring about this change?
Institutions have a structured behavior. They always tend to maintain status quo. So, we are trying to change this. Dealing with institutions is like a child dealing with parent. When you get 100 percent marks (benefits here) they will readily accept your wishes otherwise you will have to wait. So we are trying to induce a tilt from status quo towards environmental issues.
Do you think people are changing towards being ecological? What is the main problem you face in this movement?
Yes people are changing their mindset. The main problem is the hypocritical attitude. We love to talk more about change but, change less. Saying things without doing things is very dangerous. We gradually tend to become more cynical.
Coming to the international conventions, how far do you think the CBD (Convention on Biological Diversity) has been successful?
The CBD has so far conceived many strategy and action plans. I must say they have not been so successful. If you ask me why, institutions are driven by economical interests rather than ecological interests. In short term, ecology and economics are conflicting. But, in long term, they go hand in hand.
There is a tussle going on between the central and state governments about the funds to be invested to organize COP 11. Are we not projecting a bad stance to the world countries?
Suppose you want to buy something. You ask your grand father for money and, he refuses. Then you ask your father and he too refuses. What would you do? Naturally spend from your own pocket money. If not now, your grandfather or father will give you later. Who would like to project themselves inefficient? We will definitely make the event successful.
How are the preparations going on for the convention?
We have a lot of support. Many organisations, individuals, media and student society are backing us. We also are having a massive training session for around 2000 student volunteers being trained for over 3 months for COP 11.
What are the challenges you think you may be facing during COP 11?
The only challenge we are expecting during the COP 11 is the Hyderabad traffic while commuting the delegates from the venue to their hotels and elsewhere. We along with the traffic police are planning to see that no traffic problems occur.
What are your plans for Post COP 11? How should we plan to continue the momentum that will be gained through the COP 11?
The bureaucracy is keen now on environmental issues. Because of this conference there is a lot of awareness and discussion even at the local levels on these issues. We hope for a thorough follow up and local level conventions for deeper penetration.
Mr.Prasanna Kumar hopes that the mindset of the people towards the environmental issues changes and man learns to live in harmony with all other living beings. "Living in this world is relating ourselves with the world.We can't live alone" He adds.
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