Bhamla Foundation, an 18-year-old umbrella of environmental activism in the city, celebrated World Environment Day on the busy streets of Carter Road in Bandra on Sunday.
The event was supported by NGOs Swachalay, RaddiConnect, Bandra Cycle Club, Agni, D-Ert and ChakaChakBandra, a group formed by eight collegians of Bandra. The initiative had The Indian Express as its media partner.
The Bhamla Foundation was founded in 1998 by Asif Bhamla in the Khar Gymkhana.
Bandra Cycle Club (BCC) with Burning Wheels initiated a cyclothon on Carter Road. BCC founder Vishal Sharma said, “This is the fifth time we are partnering with Bhamla Foundation to send a message of going green.”
Under the campaign ‘One world one ride, 2017’, Vishal Sharma of Bandra Cycle Club with four bikers will be travelling around 35 countries across six continents to spread the message of love and hope.
Union Power Minister Piyush Goel, Mumbai BJP president Ashish Shelar, MCGM Deputy Mayor AlkaKelkar, former MP Priya Dutt, Assistant Municipal Commissioner of G North Ward Sharad Ugade, actors Zarine Khan and Sanjay Dutt, singers KunalGanjawala, Soham Chakraborty and celebrity chef Vaibhav Mahajan also attended the function.
Speaking on the occasion, Goel said, “Nowhere in the world there is a programme on renewable energy as India has embarked on. The government stands committed to supporting the environment.”
Sanjay Dutt said newspapers could be used to make eco-friendly bags, which could carry 10-kg material. He demonstrated the process of making a paper bag to an engaged audience. Dutt said he had learnt the skill while completing his jail term in the 1993 Mumbai blasts case.
Addressing the gathering, Priya Dutt said, “We need to educate our children about basics like segregating garbage. The Earth is not ours to destroy.”
Asif Bhamla said, “We have been hosting this event for the last eight years and we are grateful to residents who always supported the endeavour. In the future too, we will be focusing on green revolution, composting of garbage and rainwater harvesting, which is the need of the hour.”
There was a mime act too to spread the message of environment conservation, and a dance performance by ShiamakDavar group. ChakaChakBandra group performed a play with an added element of humour to highlight the society’s negligence towards garbage.
