A compilation of Photographs, Artworks and Creative Writing samples of winners and runners-up.
AKS is one of the many initiatives launched as a part of Ismaili CIVIC Pakistan in the first year of its execution that centralises the environment as a core theme for this year. AKS, a national art competition, encourages youth across Pakistan to articulate their relationship with nature and their ideas for environmental sustainability using diverse artistic expressions. The theme of AKS is “Coexist – Living in Harmony with Nature.” AKS was launched under the categories of Photography, Creative Writing and Artwork (painting and sketching) in Pakistan in September, 2021. This competition was open to Pakistani youth aged 8 to 25. Through AKS, Ismaili CIVIC aimed to identify environmentally conscious leaders who promote environmental sustainability in Pakistan to articulate their relationship with nature and their ideas using diverse artistic expressions. AKS received 238 submissions who were judged by a team of professionals in each category. We thank our participants and esteemed judges for their efforts in contributing towards environmental protection.
“AKS” Co-Exist - Living in Harmony with Nature Page - 2
“AKS” - National Arts Competition Page - 3
The picture was taken in Bohreek, a beautiful area in Darkut Valley in Yasin. The picture depicts the famous tradition of Yasin called ‘Yarayum’ – a Burushaski word which means shearing. Between March and July, the villagers of Bohreek send their livestock for grazing. Towards the end of the season, they shear their animals to help keep them healthy and comfortable. This picture shows an everlasting relationship with nature. WINNER Category: 18-25 Years Khosh Baz Gamgeen “AKS” - National Arts Competition Page - 4
1ST RUNNER-UP Category: 18-25 Years Ubaid Ullah Baig This picture was shot in Lupdur, a remote region in the Batura Valley. Once a famous rural destination for tourists and a grazing ground for livestock, the valley has recently undergone abrupt changes as the local communities move towards a more urban lifestyle. Nonetheless, the valley offers breathtaking views; the lush green valley is surrounded by mountain ranges and embodies one of the longest glaciers in the polar region. Hours of trekking and tiredness vanish once you reach here and find serenity in the panoramic landscapes and feel the cold breeze coming from glaciers. “AKS” - National Arts Competition Page - 5
“AKS” - National Arts Competition Page - 6 Spring is the season of change; a season of blossom both for the trees and an individual’s life. Like flowers growing on a tree after the autumn and winter seasons, the spring season depicts the arrival of good things coming for everyone. It is a season of hope, new beginnings and joy. Somewhere in the mountains, there is life. Amid the canopy of towering hills, the snow-covered lands, there are people who look forward to life, knowing that one day the snow will thaw, the mountains will widen, there will be warmth and life will begin again. 2ND RUNNER-UP Category: 18-25 Years Jalal Ud Din Qarabash
“AKS” - National Arts Competition Page - 7 Nature has always inspired humans. I waited a long time to capture these pictures to have a perfect view. I usually take 20 to 25 shots to find the perfect picture. This lengthy process does not bother me; the results are worth the wait! Every dawn and dusk, I went outside with my mobile and camera to take photographs. I believe that chasing a dream is always hard but having good result is a joy. WINNER Category: 13-17 Years Hussain Khan
“AKS” - National Arts Competition Page - 8 Environmental sustainability means the responsible interaction of humans with the environment to avoid degradation of natural resources. This photograph depicts the importance of plantation to have a sustainable environment and a healthy livelihood. 1ST RUNNER-UP Category: 13-17 Years Kinza Khan
“AKS” - National Arts Competition Page - 9 This photograph was taken in Ayubia National Park in Murree. The fallen tree trunks and verdant views depict competing priorities of deforestation and preserving trees. This is aptly summarized by Martin O’Malley in the following words, “Reversing deforestation is complicated; planting a tree is simple.” 2ND RUNNER-UP Category: 13-17 Years Lamees Anza
2ND RUNNER-UP Category: 13-17 Years Zohaib Ali Chitral is a town nestled in the mountains of the Hindukush Range, settled on Kabul River in Northern Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa. It is famous for its natural landscape, wildlife, snow-capped mountains, and lush green surroundings. The natural beauty of Chitral is fading due to deforestation and inadequate land use. With the abrupt wave of industrialization and increase in population, the demand for timber and firewood has increased which results in deforestation. This stresses the ecosystem and risks the loss of wildlife habitat and native environment. The local administration should take serious notice to address these issues. “AKS” - National Arts Competition Page - 10
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“AKS” - National Arts Competition Page - 12 “Coexistence” means that all beings come from a singular source; hence, all creation in our environment represents and reflects nature in its unique way. I have drawn representational elements such as a female who is surrounded by different creatures as they all breathe, prosper, nurture, grow and die within it. The female represents a source of creation, sustenance and sacrifice. The horse represents enlightenment, strength and healing power. The birds represent transformation of life. The snake represents power of creation, transmutation, life, death and rebirth. The squirrel represents intelligence, reservoir and protection. The swan symbolizes loyalty, grace, self-love, trust and inner beauty. I hope everyone who sees my artwork discovers their inner self in it. WINNER Category: 18-25 Years Husnain Ali
“AKS” - National Arts Competition Page - 13 I aspire to create an environment where people and nature can coexist. The artwork I have created reflects the same values. The existence of the walls, bars and other man-made elements show the barriers that exist in our life. The existence of these barriers, however, does not determine the separation of human from nature; the broken metal bars through which the deer protrudes to feed itself represents coexistence and harmony. The bird outside the other window, behind the bars represents the same. Another idea I have tried to represent through my artwork is the importance of a plant-based diet. Switching to a plant-based diet and similar alternatives will result in decreased emissions and conservation of the environment. WINNER Category: 18-25 Years Komal Rehman
“AKS” - National Arts Competition Page - 14 1ST RUNNER-UP Category: 18-25 Years Nazia Ismail People who live in harmony with nature feel more alive and cheerful. All human beings require vigour for their survival and wellbeing. People should be environmentally conscious by planting more trees and refraining from using plastics, which take hundreds of years to decompose. As a mother carries her child, our Earth holds us like a child. To save our Earth, it is critical that we live in peace with nature. Living in harmony with nature can help us physically and socially. Our thinking capacity will also increase when we will live in harmony with nature.
“AKS” - National Arts Competition Page - 15 WINNER Category: 13-17 Years Noornama Faqir I have made this drawing to show how air and water pollution are threatening nature. It has led to depletion of the ozone layer making a hole in the layer which damages Earth by the ultraviolet radiation. Air pollution began with the burning of wood and fossil fuels. In addition, people started cutting trees to make shelters, to get warm and to cook food. Nature’s resources are depleting by such activities. The ecological balance disrupts due to oil that leaks from big ships, which not only pollutes water but also kills marine life. Man has become his own enemy and the enemy of our planet. We can do environment friendly activities to avoid these dangerous things. My message is that a clean environment can make the Earth like Heaven!
“AKS” - National Arts Competition Page - 16 1ST RUNNER-UP Category: 13-17 Years Samreen Rasool For me, harmony with nature is a cycle of giving and receiving. I have tried to show the same in my picture by showing a small boy who is putting all his love into planting a tree. After some years, he sees that his small act of responsibility is paying back in the form of the clean air he breathes in, the sweet fruits he and his grandson eat, the shade which saves him and many others from the scorching sun, and the herbal medicines which save him and many others’ lives. This single tree in my painting is just an example of how our small efforts can turn into a huge reward for humanity.
“AKS” - National Arts Competition Page - 17 In a world where natural resources are misused, it is rare to explore a divine connection with it. Humans often fail to coexist with nature, but nature has its own laws to remind humans how minuscule we are in this infinite universe. This painting depicts a scene from a movie where a girl plays "kabaddi' with the sea which reminds me of the inextricable link that exists between me and nature; the feeling of oneness that provides me with an invincible sense of strength. More so, this painting makes me realize how nature can contribute towards human well-being, if humans treat it with the same significance and dignity as it deserves. 2ND RUNNER-UP Category: 13-17 Years Nirmal Nazeer
“AKS” Co-Exist - Living in Harmony with Nature Page - 2 “AKS” - National Arts Competition Page - 18 WINNER Category: 8-12 Years Batool Fatima We should refrain from cutting down trees and aspire to keep our environment clean. We should also avoid polluting the water by throwing rubbish in the water as it affects the marine life. Similarly, we should avoid excessive use of vehicles that emit smoke as it causes pollution; we can ride on a bicycle instead to commute. Moreover, we must conserve water as it is a precious commodity, and we must use it responsibly.
“AKS” - National Arts Competition Page - 19 1ST RUNNER-UP Category: 8-12 Years Minaam Huda The theme of my art piece is "Environmental Harmony.” Like we, human beings, call this planet Earth as our home; similarly, it is home to animals and plants. Our Intellectual superiority does not mean that humans should sabotage the habitat of other species. Industrialization is leading to deforestation which is directly affecting the lives of millions of species, leading to the extinction of wildlife. However, my message through this art piece is to promote environmental harmony, by planting more trees. Doing so will allow us to save this Earth, save the wildlife and make this world a better place for both humans and other species. We can also help our environment by following the three Rs: recycle, reuse and reduce.
“AKS” Co-Exist - Living in Harmony with Nature Page - 2 “AKS” - National Arts Competition Page - 20 2ND RUNNER-UP Category: 8-12 Years Ismail Asif The area where we are living is clean because the municipal committee is highly active. There are parks for families and children; these parks have plants, flowers and trees which makes the environment clean. On the roads, there are trees, flowers and plants. In the morning, our roads, markets and homes are cleaned - the government is strict in applying the rules for the environment. Some of the ways to keep our environment clean include reducing the use of cars, preferring to walk or using public transport for short distances, maintaining a healthy ecosystem and recycling waste products.
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“AKS” - National Arts Competition Page - 22 WINNER Category: 18- 25 Years Piyar Ali
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“AKS” - National Arts Competition Page -25 My piece of writing primarily focuses on the relationship between nature and environmental sustainability. It focuses on the importance of discovering, respecting and loving Allah's creation and nature. By doing so, we can resolve environmental issues and create a sustainable environment where everyone of us can live in harmony with nature. The most important message to take from my piece of writing is to leave the world in a better condition than we found it. Earth is our only home, and we need to realize its worth. 1ST RUNNER-UP Category: 18- 25 Years Sara Momin Don't put yourself in great danger By not living in harmony with nature Look deep into nature to understand everything better It's one of the most important matter Respect and care for Allah's creation Play your part and become someone's motivation Don't break the harmony with nature Respect and guarantee the rights of nature Coexisting with nature should be everyone's mission Try your best to achieve this ambition Develop and utilize resources rationally Environmental issues should be given attention internationally Don't break the balance of Earth's system Otherwise it will lead to collapse of the system Take care of each and every creature In each and every corner of the nature Construct a better social and physical environment for the next generation All individuals and communities must give it concentration Don't exceed the limits of natural system Don't disrupt the delicate balance of system Discover, respect and love your nature Prevent wildlife from getting endanger Reestablish harmony with nature for sustainable development To build the future of human development Coexist - Living in Harmony with Nature (Poem) ... Cont Don't be unconscious of what, why and how much are you consuming Live in harmony with natural world and start resuming Let's coexist and live in harmony with environment It's the best path to enlightenment By this, you will experience real peace and serenity And we will be able to create sustainable community Don't become unconcerned and prevent over consuming Nowadays environmental issues are booming Preserve, safeguard and sustain precious gifts of nature Promote awareness of ecological issues and don't denature Contribute and serve the natural environment you live in To thrive in the nature you survive in Don't ignore extreme changes in weather of Earth Avoid overconsumption otherwise resources will get dearth It's impossible to live independently from other elements of nature Observe and be thankful for beauty of nature End the system of consumption, waste and luxury Pledge today to act on this firmly Don't deteriorate and destroy our beautiful Earth It's the only home to us so realize it's worth It's our responsibility and obligation to care for nature Nurture, protect and conserve this beautiful nature Leave the world in better condition than you found it It's the most important, think on it a little bit
“AKS” - National Arts Competition Page - 26 Don't put yourself in great danger By not living in harmony with nature Look deep into nature to understand everything better It's one of the most important matter Respect and care for Allah's creation Play your part and become someone's motivation Don't break the harmony with nature Respect and guarantee the rights of nature Coexisting with nature should be everyone's mission Try your best to achieve this ambition Develop and utilize resources rationally Environmental issues should be given attention internationally Don't break the balance of Earth's system Otherwise it will lead to collapse of the system Take care of each and every creature In each and every corner of the nature Construct a better social and physical environment for the next generation All individuals and communities must give it concentration Don't exceed the limits of natural system Don't disrupt the delicate balance of system Discover, respect and love your nature Prevent wildlife from getting endanger Reestablish harmony with nature for sustainable development To build the future of human development ... Cont Don't be unconscious of what, why and how much are you consuming Live in harmony with natural world and start resuming Let's coexist and live in harmony with environment It's the best path to enlightenment By this, you will experience real peace and serenity And we will be able to create sustainable community Don't become unconcerned and prevent over consuming Nowadays environmental issues are booming Preserve, safeguard and sustain precious gifts of nature Promote awareness of ecological issues and don't denature Contribute and serve the natural environment you live in To thrive in the nature you survive in Don't ignore extreme changes in weather of Earth Avoid overconsumption otherwise resources will get dearth It's impossible to live independently from other elements of nature Observe and be thankful for beauty of nature End the system of consumption, waste and luxury Pledge today to act on this firmly Don't deteriorate and destroy our beautiful Earth It's the only home to us so realize it's worth It's our responsibility and obligation to care for nature Nurture, protect and conserve this beautiful nature Leave the world in better condition than you found it It's the most important, think on it a little bit
“AKS” - National Arts Competition Page - 27 WINNER Category: 13-17 Years Mahara Khowaja Whenever I feel sad, I close my eyes, and my imaginations led me to the world of paradise, where I see a waterfall running down to form a lake, surrounded by small rocks and some loose ice flakes, and then I look up to adore the beauty of infinite sky, where zillions of stars and galaxies caught my eye, thereby, I tried to trace a few constellation, because sky was clean without any pollution, and then I notice Eucalyptus competing with redwood tree, and suddenly birds starts chirping to celebrate the victory, I don’t know who won, but earth provides its own music, which is free, there are no two ways about it and that’s guarantee, after that I look down to admire the life under ocean, where I see mermaids, sea dragon and other beautiful creations, I can’t express my emotions, about the beauty of location, and their impressive locomotion, which obeys Newton’s law of gravitation, everything was nice until someone ignited an underwater explosion, it gave me goosebumps, but I tried to stop his nonsense, informing him about the consequence, before knowing, one after one he destroyed all trees and set The Amazon on fire, watching it burn like a sun, that’s what he admire, just to build his own house, he forgot he was breaking others peace, and he set new industries to fulfil his needs, he then went for hunting the wildlife, to frame animals head was his only pride, he left his feelings at home and killed many creatures, shooting endangered species to show off his talent and features, he was unstoppable cause he wasn’t happy yet, so he went for fishing and caught many with his electric net, and that’s where he started causing pollution, by dumping his industrial effluents into the ocean, which causes algal boom and other fishes also died due to suffocation, he wanted to achieve more so he did other explosions, the radiations left atmosphere and destroyed ozone, he gained all fame and money to buy a new car, and a tractor, some pesticides, more guns and axes to feel like a superstar, he was successful in generating heat and electricity, Human vs Nature (Poem) My inspiration behind writing this poem was the conflict between my imagination of seeing nature and the reality. Have you ever thought about how the Earth would be without humans? Or how humankind has changed the earth? Who can we blame? It's you, it's we, it's us, it's me! by burning fossil fuels, he can light up his country, he then bought crushers to mine the soil, while extracting he found precious metals and mineral oil, thereafter, he used materials made up of plastic, and then dumped it which made him feel fantastic, his desire of exploiting natural resources succeeded when things backfired, now was the time to get ready for the consequences of what he deserved, deforestation gradually increased CO2 concentration in the atmosphere, greenhouse gases and pollution added fuel to fire, changes in the temperature causes change in rainfall, this results in frequent storms, landslides and glaciers to melt all, eventually climate changes like changing behavior of a human being, nature give a comeback and that was a clear seeing, global warming causes ozone depletion, that increased the level of UV radiations, Not only explosions result in soil erosion, but also causes species extinction, which destroyed a balanced ecosystem, and artificial cloning was not the solution, Although he succeeded in advancement of technology, but wasn’t able to understand geology, ultimately destroyed planet earth and no one said sorry, In the end, Humans were the only reason, they should get high treason, because their carelessness made our motherland cry, and now they are asking the reason why? But the question should be how? How can we make our motherland shine again? by practicing eco-friendly steps without any complain, for e.g moving away from fossils and shifting to renewable resources, by planting more trees to maintain the concentration of gases, using public transport, not private cars but cycles & buses, boycotting use of plastic and bringing reusable shopping bags, utilizing energy-efficient LED bulbs to reduce greenhouse gas, by sustaining wildlife and conserving water, reducing pollution so it won’t get much hotter, operating adequate drainage system avoids water logging and salinity, not throwing litter on land that’s how we clean our vicinity, reusing and recycling purchased goods & commodity, that's how we show motherland our care and affinity, and suddenly I hear my name calling, I opened my eyes and my mother was shouting, I was late for school, is it real or am I still dreaming? But the lesson I learned was to live in harmony with nature, because the motherland is our only treasure.
“AKS” - National Arts Competition Page - 28 Whenever I feel sad, I close my eyes, and my imaginations led me to the world of paradise, where I see a waterfall running down to form a lake, surrounded by small rocks and some loose ice flakes, and then I look up to adore the beauty of infinite sky, where zillions of stars and galaxies caught my eye, thereby, I tried to trace a few constellation, because sky was clean without any pollution, and then I notice Eucalyptus competing with redwood tree, and suddenly birds starts chirping to celebrate the victory, I don’t know who won, but earth provides its own music, which is free, there are no two ways about it and that’s guarantee, after that I look down to admire the life under ocean, where I see mermaids, sea dragon and other beautiful creations, I can’t express my emotions, about the beauty of location, and their impressive locomotion, which obeys Newton’s law of gravitation, everything was nice until someone ignited an underwater explosion, it gave me goosebumps, but I tried to stop his nonsense, informing him about the consequence, before knowing, one after one he destroyed all trees and set The Amazon on fire, watching it burn like a sun, that’s what he admire, just to build his own house, he forgot he was breaking others peace, and he set new industries to fulfil his needs, he then went for hunting the wildlife, to frame animals head was his only pride, he left his feelings at home and killed many creatures, shooting endangered species to show off his talent and features, he was unstoppable cause he wasn’t happy yet, so he went for fishing and caught many with his electric net, and that’s where he started causing pollution, by dumping his industrial effluents into the ocean, which causes algal boom and other fishes also died due to suffocation, he wanted to achieve more so he did other explosions, the radiations left atmosphere and destroyed ozone, he gained all fame and money to buy a new car, and a tractor, some pesticides, more guns and axes to feel like a superstar, he was successful in generating heat and electricity, by burning fossil fuels, he can light up his country, he then bought crushers to mine the soil, while extracting he found precious metals and mineral oil, thereafter, he used materials made up of plastic, and then dumped it which made him feel fantastic, his desire of exploiting natural resources succeeded when things backfired, now was the time to get ready for the consequences of what he deserved, deforestation gradually increased CO2 concentration in the atmosphere, greenhouse gases and pollution added fuel to fire, changes in the temperature causes change in rainfall, this results in frequent storms, landslides and glaciers to melt all, eventually climate changes like changing behavior of a human being, nature give a comeback and that was a clear seeing, global warming causes ozone depletion, that increased the level of UV radiations, Not only explosions result in soil erosion, but also causes species extinction, which destroyed a balanced ecosystem, and artificial cloning was not the solution, Although he succeeded in advancement of technology, but wasn’t able to understand geology, ultimately destroyed planet earth and no one said sorry, In the end, Humans were the only reason, they should get high treason, because their carelessness made our motherland cry, and now they are asking the reason why? But the question should be how? How can we make our motherland shine again? by practicing eco-friendly steps without any complain, for e.g moving away from fossils and shifting to renewable resources, by planting more trees to maintain the concentration of gases, using public transport, not private cars but cycles & buses, boycotting use of plastic and bringing reusable shopping bags, utilizing energy-efficient LED bulbs to reduce greenhouse gas, by sustaining wildlife and conserving water, reducing pollution so it won’t get much hotter, operating adequate drainage system avoids water logging and salinity, not throwing litter on land that’s how we clean our vicinity, reusing and recycling purchased goods & commodity, that's how we show motherland our care and affinity, and suddenly I hear my name calling, I opened my eyes and my mother was shouting, I was late for school, is it real or am I still dreaming? But the lesson I learned was to live in harmony with nature, because the motherland is our only treasure.
WINNER Category: 13-17 Years Mehwish Sher Somewhere in forever, I'll dance and spin Under the cherry blossoms, my heart will sing In a vast desert, an oasis will spring On a lush mountain, I'll freely think. In the winter snow, I'll play and drink Beside the sea, at the afterglow, I'll wink Soaked in drizzles, In Him I'll sink Until time and space, Will bury me to shrink. “AKS” - National Arts Competition Page -29 Harmonizing with Nature (Poem) Harmonizing with nature means maintaining a sustainable state with everything that surrounds us. My poem narrates that all humans are connected with nature which inevitably results in a force of happiness. It describes how human life evolves from being nowhere to somewhere and how we unite with the One in this material world through nature.
“AKS” - National Arts Competition Page - 30 WINNER Category: 13-17 Years Aqdas Khowaja The idea behind this poetry was based on my observations; I always try to look and explore the things present in our nature. In nature, I see the reflection of the Creator and the Preserver of the universe. Nature always inspires me to think, process and explore the hidden ideas present in our world. My family and teachers always encourage and appreciate me to write my views on nature and its blessings.
“AKS” - National Arts Competition Page - 31 WINNER Category: 8 - 12 Years Syed Muhammad Mukarram
“AKS” - National Arts Competition Page - 32 1ST RUNNER-UP Category: 8 - 12 Muhammad Aaliyan
“AKS” - National Arts Competition Page - 33 My essay, “Expression of the Environment,” focuses on the environmental issues of my city - Karachi, Pakistan. These days, the environment of our city has changed drastically. All the beautiful natural sceneries like hills, mountains, waterfalls, etc. are ruined due to our carelessness. Modern technology had attracted us so much that we have forgotten about our natural surroundings. I authored my essay to create awareness among us, humans, that we need to recreate our environment and restore the natural beauty of our city. 2ND RUNNER-UP Category: 8 - 12 Years Muhammad Bilal When I look around myself, I can't comfort myself with the present condition of the environment in my areà, in my city Karachi. What I observe and see; broken roads, heaps of garbage, lack of trees and plants, open manholes with overflow of sewage lines and polluted air. I feel the urge to do something to make my place a better place for everyone. After all we, humans, are responsible for causing these difficulties for ourselves. Mainly rain is considered blessing of God and source of water and good for the environment. As soon as rainy clouds gather to shower everyone starts to get excited. But in my area, everyone seems disturbed and worried. After rain my area becomes flooded but not with the rain water but the sewage water and so many streets get affected and leave a thick layer of sewage mud on the road. Moreover, people think that by laying debris and rocks on flood water they can fix roads, but it is not true. It can cause harm to people and vehicles and it will also cause the water level to get high. On the other side, loads of garbage on the roads make the situation worse. These garbage stations at every corner also become the home of stray dogs. They not only eat the trash but also cause harm to people. Whenever the weather is pleasant and cool breezes create enjoyable weather but too dusty winds along with empty wrappers and trash can't allow me to enjoy at full. I would rather stay at home. Now come to the condition of roads and streets. Not everyone including me has a lush green lawn to walk and play. Either we like to go to parks/grounds or play on streets. but the condition of roads, almost in the whole city, is devastated. After every few STEPS we have to face pits and falls. My siblings love to cycle but due to uneven roads they can't ride on cycle. Senior citizens or patients can't travel peacefully especially if they are travelling by public transport. If you plan to travel by rickshaw, think twice otherwise you are surely going to have painful jolts that will surely leave backache to you. It we talk about the atmosphere that actually makes the environment, is also not pleasant. Though individually we can make our environment clean and safe by doing some common practices like planting trees and not burning garbage, but people don't do this. It should be a rule that in front of every house there must be a tree because it has a power to absorb harmful gases and to protect earth from it. As we all know, due to Expression Of Environment (Essay) growth of installation of air conditioners many harmful gases are being produced which can only be absorbed and converted into fresh air by trees. We should not burn fossil fuels or garbage because this process also produces harmful gases which can weaken the ozone layer and make space for the sun's ultraviolet rays to enter earth. Now a days we can also hear the issue that underground water level is getting lower and lower. As observed that during construction, we focus on building houses or apartments. We don't bother about maintaining the environment healthy. If I give the statistics of my street, in the whole lane out of 20 houses only two to three houses have trees and open spaces for plants. Earth needs to absorb rain water but rain water can't find flowerbeds or land to absorb water in the earth. We are using plenty of boring water but its not getting in return in the form of rain water that is the only source. It is essential to give awareness to people about maintaining the natural resources along with using them. Throwing trash on the roads is the common practice that no one bother to give a second thought. Once I said to my mother, "Mom! Why I can't litter on the road, already there are wrappers and trash." My Mom replied, "of course, there is. But you should not be the reason of this." People even throw garbage in the Nalas and that causes the blockage in the flow Eventually it results in the overflow of Nalas during rain. One important and true thing about waste material is that it can be recycled and reused, therefore we should try to recycle as much waste as we can. We can make cardboard and paper pencil holders, paper airplanes, plastic containers and many more helpful and easy crafts. It is beneficial for us because we can use it for many purposes and the roads can be kept clean for longer times. Precisely, creating the environment pleasant and healthy we should perform our responsibilities individually and collectively. I dream and wish to have a clean and peaceful environment where I can enjoy cycling during rain without any fear, as I can't in present condition.
When I look around myself, I can't comfort myself with the present condition of the environment in my areà, in my city Karachi. What I observe and see; broken roads, heaps of garbage, lack of trees and plants, open manholes with overflow of sewage lines and polluted air. I feel the urge to do something to make my place a better place for everyone. After all we, humans, are responsible for causing these difficulties for ourselves. Mainly rain is considered blessing of God and source of water and good for the environment. As soon as rainy clouds gather to shower everyone starts to get excited. But in my area, everyone seems disturbed and worried. After rain my area becomes flooded but not with the rain water but the sewage water and so many streets get affected and leave a thick layer of sewage mud on the road. Moreover, people think that by laying debris and rocks on flood water they can fix roads, but it is not true. It can cause harm to people and vehicles and it will also cause the water level to get high. On the other side, loads of garbage on the roads make the situation worse. These garbage stations at every corner also become the home of stray dogs. They not only eat the trash but also cause harm to people. Whenever the weather is pleasant and cool breezes create enjoyable weather but too dusty winds along with empty wrappers and trash can't allow me to enjoy at full. I would rather stay at home. Now come to the condition of roads and streets. Not everyone including me has a lush green lawn to walk and play. Either we like to go to parks/grounds or play on streets. but the condition of roads, almost in the whole city, is devastated. After every few STEPS we have to face pits and falls. My siblings love to cycle but due to uneven roads they can't ride on cycle. Senior citizens or patients can't travel peacefully especially if they are travelling by public transport. If you plan to travel by rickshaw, think twice otherwise you are surely going to have painful jolts that will surely leave backache to you. It we talk about the atmosphere that actually makes the environment, is also not pleasant. Though individually we can make our environment clean and safe by doing some common practices like planting trees and not burning garbage, but people don't do this. It should be a rule that in front of every house there must be a tree because it has a power to absorb harmful gases and to protect earth from it. As we all know, due to “AKS” - National Arts Competition Page - 34 growth of installation of air conditioners many harmful gases are being produced which can only be absorbed and converted into fresh air by trees. We should not burn fossil fuels or garbage because this process also produces harmful gases which can weaken the ozone layer and make space for the sun's ultraviolet rays to enter earth. Now a days we can also hear the issue that underground water level is getting lower and lower. As observed that during construction, we focus on building houses or apartments. We don't bother about maintaining the environment healthy. If I give the statistics of my street, in the whole lane out of 20 houses only two to three houses have trees and open spaces for plants. Earth needs to absorb rain water but rain water can't find flowerbeds or land to absorb water in the earth. We are using plenty of boring water but its not getting in return in the form of rain water that is the only source. It is essential to give awareness to people about maintaining the natural resources along with using them. Throwing trash on the roads is the common practice that no one bother to give a second thought. Once I said to my mother, "Mom! Why I can't litter on the road, already there are wrappers and trash." My Mom replied, "of course, there is. But you should not be the reason of this." People even throw garbage in the Nalas and that causes the blockage in the flow Eventually it results in the overflow of Nalas during rain. One important and true thing about waste material is that it can be recycled and reused, therefore we should try to recycle as much waste as we can. We can make cardboard and paper pencil holders, paper airplanes, plastic containers and many more helpful and easy crafts. It is beneficial for us because we can use it for many purposes and the roads can be kept clean for longer times. Precisely, creating the environment pleasant and healthy we should perform our responsibilities individually and collectively. I dream and wish to have a clean and peaceful environment where I can enjoy cycling during rain without any fear, as I can't in present condition.
© Department of Communications and Publications, Ismaili Council for Pakistan