Rise and shine: Students, senior citizens walk for environment protection

Students made drawings on deforestation and air pollution

LAHORE: A walk was held at Lalik Chowk, Defence Housing Authority (DHA) early on Sunday morning to raise awareness about environmental issues. School children, senior citizens and a large number of DHA residents participated in the walk organised by the DHA. The walk ended at a park near Wateen Chowk.

“I ran all the way here,” said Muhammad Karim, a student of DHA Junior Campus. He said even though it was a Sunday, he did not mind waking up in the morning and participating in the walk. “All my friends were here and we agreed to race on the way here,” he said.

Imaan Rashid, a grade 7 student from DHA Senior Campus, said she had enjoyed the fresh air. “I did not feel tired at all,” she said, adding that it was a new experience for her walking on the road. “We usually use our cars instead of walking even if it is a short distance,” she said.

Ahmed Fawad, who had accompanied his son to the walk, said it was a great opportunity for children to get out. “They are running around getting some exercise. They are also learning about the environment in the process,” he said. Ali Hassan, another DHA resident, said it was a good initiative to raise environment awareness. “It shows that those responsible for the management and maintenance of the area are thinking along environmental lines,” he said. Hassan said it set a positive precedent for the residents as well. The school children also delivered speeches on environmental issues. The students were given a list of topics. They highlighted the importance of growing more trees and decreasing various forms of pollution. They also spoke on energy conservation by being more conscious of electricity consumption.

Students also created drawings to highlight deforestation and air pollution. Students whose drawings stood out were given mobile phones and bonsai trees as prizes.

“Almost 1,400 people participated in the walk. The idea is to encourage thought and discussion about environmental issues that people encounter daily such as energy conservation or the use of plastic bags,” said Ejaz Masood Hayat, the DHA public relations officer. He said that they had tried to make learning fun for children by including face painting and drawings.

Speaking after the walk, Col (r) Zaeemur Rehman, the DHA secretary, said the event highlighted the DHA’s commitment towards environmental issues. “Through tree plantation and other such activities, we are trying to create a good environment for residents,” he said. The event ended with plantation by senior citizens.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 18^th, 2016.