Earth Day Summit today: policymakers, environmentalists and scribes to brainstorm sustainability strategies

Greater Sharda Sahayak Vikas Pradhikari, a government agency under the state irrigation and water resources department, is organizing a summit on the occasion of Earth Day in Gomti Nagar on Monday. Themed ‘Planet vs Plastic’, the summit aims to “highlight and catalyze important environmental action and awareness around three crucial themes: water (jal), forests (jungle) and land (zameen)”.

The summit will witness the participation of environmentalists, policy makers, academicians, Padma Shri awardees and journalists from over 50 districts of the state, who will discuss ideas and strategies for environmental sustainability.

Reputed organizations such as the Aga Khan Foundation, Action Aid, City Montessori School Society, WaterAid, William J Clinton Foundation and Irrigation Association of India will also attend the summit.

There will be four panel discussions led by a diverse group of panelists from different sectors.

Program mentor Heera Lal, special secretary, irrigation department, said, “Earth Day is celebrated to raise awareness about the need to protect the earth’s natural resources for future generations. On April 22, we celebrate the 54th Earth Day. The discussions will aim to provide participants with knowledge and tools to advocate and implement sustainable practices in their communities.”

The day-long event in Lucknow will feature an array of esteemed keynote speakers such as Deepak Kumar (Additional Chief Secretary, Home and Finance), Heera Lal, Padma Shri recipient Sudha Singh, Asad Umar (Director of WASH), Aga Khan Foundation, Prof Geeta Gandhi Kingdon, (Chairman, City Montessori School Society), Sandeep Chachra, (Executive Director, ActionAid India) and Rajiv Yadav (Additional Commissioner, Greater Sharda).

In addition, a district level workshop will also be organized in 55 local offices of Greater Sharda.