Environmental Activities

Environment protection has become a key issue today. Environmental challenges confront not only Kashi and Ganga but the whole world. Today, the environmental problems transcend political divisions and geographical boundaries and pose a major threat for the present century. The scale and magnitude of human activities are affecting the climate, ecology and environment. Climatic changes, global warming, acid rains, forest loss, ocean degradation, etc. are pressing issues, which need to be tackled collectively, by all countries.In India, degradation of the natural environment has taken place over the years. In this regard, we may do well to take recourse to the ideals and principles laid down in our ancient philosophy and religion, The Vedas, Upanishads and Puranas (ancient hindu scriptures) are replete with discourses on how men should behave with Nature, and their duties, obligation and indebtedness to it. A verse from the Rig-Veda states, that ‘The sky is like father, the earth like mother and the space as their son. The Universe consisting of the three is like a family and any kind of damage done to any one of the three, throws the universe out of balance.’ The religions which prevail in India - the Hinduism, Jainism, Buddhism, Sikhism and Islam - have environmental overtones and an ecological code of conduct, prescribing reverence towards Nature. Environmental ethics as practiced in ancient India and the ideals of sustainable development without destruction of environment need to be revived. The awareness among the people is still lacking. So the need of the hour is to change the mindset of the people so as to encourage them to act according to Dharma.In ancient India, the environment protection was the Dharma of each and every individual. It is our fundamental duty to protect and improve the natural environment ,i.e the forest, lakes, rivers, wild life, and to have compassion for living creatures.To protect and preserve environment, Ganga Seva Nidhi:

• Cleans the river surface everyday and clear the water of wastes like- flowers, polythene, packets, carcass of livestock etc.

• GSN is looking into ways and means to utilize and convert these wastes into fertilizers.

• A couple of boats are being pressed into service to cleanse the river with nets and sticks.

• Appealing the Municipal Corporation of Varanasi for arrangements to prevent the disposal of unidentified dead bodies, animal carcasses, ash, cinder, unburned pyre wood, etc. into the river.

• Organizes anti-pollution camps, rallies and torch processions.

• Organizes poster exhibition, debates, group discussions & workshops.

• Organizes lectures by noted national and international environmentalists.

• Publishing literature and pamphlets on Ganga pollution.