Gauri Chhabra

While India pats itself onits back for a growingGDP and increasing cap-

italization, the national capital isslowly getting choked by the smogwhich seems to be worst in thepast 17 years. It is making childrenwheeze, inching them towards achronic cough and breathless-ness. The latest urban air qualitydatabase released by the WorldHealth Organization (WHO) saysthat India ranks among theworld's worst for its polluted air.Delhi is among the most pollutedcities in the world today.Thereport reconfirms that most Indi-an cities are soon becoming deathtraps because of very high air pol-lution levels.Whether it is landdegradation or river contamina-tion, India has it all and on a mas-sive scale.

The awareness of these and manyother issues necessitates the careers ofenvironmental consultants who pro-vide public and private sector clientswith advice on issues such as soil con-tamination, water pollution, air quality,industrial pollution, renewable energytechnology, environmental impactassessments, environmental audits,and waste management.

Eligibility and skillsetFor admission to bachelor's degree,

you must have passed 10+2 with sciencesubjects such as Biology, Mathematicsand Chemistry.For those aspiringopportunities on the technical side ofenvironment consulting, earning aBachelor of Science degree in environ-mental science, environmental studies,geology, environmental engineering, ora closely related field is the minimumrequirement.

Besides, you should have excellentresearch & data analysis skills, be ableto present complex information in sta-tistical format,adept with latest envi-ronmental laws and regulations in orderto ensure compliance.

Course Cursor*B.Sc in Environmental Science*Bachelor of Environment Man-

agement*B.Sc in Environmental Science

and Water Management*M.Sc in Environmental Manage-

ment*Master of Technology in Environ-

mental EngineeringInstitute Watch

*University of Delhi, offeringM.A/M.Sc. in Environmental Studies.

*TERI University, Delhi, offeringM.Sc. in Environmental Studies andResource Management

*Amity University, Noida, offeringB.Sc. and M.Sc. in Environmental Sci-ences, M.Tech in Environmental Engi-neering and M.Sc in Environmental Sci-ences and Management.

*University of Calicut, Kerala, offer-ing B.Sc in Environmental Science andWater Management and M.Sc in Envi-ronmental Science.

*Ranchi University, Ranchi, offer-ing B.Sc in Environmental Science andWater Management.

*Andhra University, AndhraPradesh, offering Post Graduate diplo-ma in Environment and M.Sc in Envi-ronmental Science.

*Indira Gandhi National Open Uni-versity (IGNOU), offering Certificatecourse in Environmental Studies, PostGraduate Diploma in Environment and

Sustainable Development.Career Scope

There are many career options thatoffshoot from Environment Consultan-cy. They are in the private and govern-ment organizations. Besides, the globalorganizations engaged in pollution con-trol and sustainable growth areofferingattractive compensation to the freshgraduates. Some of the options are men-tioned below:

EntrepreneurshipIf you have an entrepreneurial acu-

men, you may go in for freelance work.Here your strong academic backgroundcan hold you in good stead. Trainingcourses, conferences, workshops andnetworking events are often provided bychartered institutions and professionalsocieties, which must be constantlylooked into. These are essential forbuilding a long and successful career asan environmental consultant.

Teaching and ResearchTeaching is another area to explore

for environmental enthusiasts. It helpsspread the knowledge and create moreexperts in the arena. The opportunitiesare available in almost all universities.Research and Development could alsobe undertaken in this field. Environ-mental consultants design, plan, or per-form engineering duties in the preven-tion, control, and remediation of envi-ronmental hazards using various engi-neering disciplines. Work may includewaste treatment, site remediation, orpollution control technology.Environmental Communication

Those interested in mass media couldexplore environmental communicationas experts. Environmental writers aremuch sought after these days.

Social welfareNGOs or non-profit organizations

are coming up in a big way globally towork towards the environment cause.Starting your own NGO or being a partof an international NGO could be anoth-er option.

International Organizations:International organizations like the

World Bank and the United Nations rollout short and long term consultingopportunities in the various areas ofenvironment in different countries.Their websites could be checked for job

postings that keep floating on a regularbasis.

In Conversation with Dr. PoojaChopra, Environment & ManagementConsultant, Founder Director, OrlinaVentures Pvt. Ltd

In the current scenario, when 'Envi-ronmental Pollution' seems to be the'red alert' phrase, what is the role playedby Environmental Consultant?

In the current socio - economiclandscape, the environmental consult-ant plays an integral role in maintainingthe ecosystem by reducing the detri-mental impact of industrial, commer-cial and government initiatives on theenvironment. He works on environ-mental issues offering expert, advisoryand assessment services. The issuesmay be technical and non-technical. Hehas to evaluate current environmentalpolicy, management systems andprocesses through comprehensiveaudits, and measure environmentalcontamination inside and outside theconcerned organization.

He may also be responsible for rais-ing awareness on the importance of con-servation, sustainability and other envi-ronment-related matters.He needs tounderstand the clients' demands andconduct onsite visits. This is to be fol-lowed by a thorough research activity,so that environmental issues areaddressed properly and appropriatesolutions can be designed. To coordi-nate and collaborate with the team ofenvironmental scientists, engineers,technicians, experts in environmentallaws to discuss and resolve the environ-mental issue by ensuring compliancewith the environmental laws is anotherkey role.

Where do environmental con-sultants work?

As an environmental consultant,you would be working in areas of natu-ral environment as well as in the corpo-rate sector. In the natural environment,you would take care of protected areaslike National Parks, Zoos, Wetlands,Conservation Parks, Herbal Gardensand the like. On the corporate side,aspects like industrial pollution, wastemanagement, and recycling, corporateenvironment sustainability reporting,

renewable energy technology are takencare of. Besides, there are public privatepartnerships (PPP) initiatives world-wide that require the services of envi-ronmental consultants. For instance theGlobal Alliance for clean Cook-stoves isan initiative hosted by United NationsFoundation aimed at supporting large-scale adoption of clean and safe house-hold cooking to curb indoor air pollu-tion (IAP).

What is the scope of a career asan Environmental Consultant?

The scope in this field is huge. Need-less to say, the next decade belongs toEnvironmental consultants. You couldbe associated with private companies,all levels of government, wildlife organ-izations, and conservation groups. Typ-ically though, one will start as a juniorconsultant, before becoming an associ-ate consultant, senior consultant, andthen finally a principal consultant. Asyou move up the ranks, you will havemore managerial responsibilities andwill most likely take a step back fromhands-on fieldwork and the technicalside of things.

What are the challenges facedby you while working?

Well, my job is both challenging andexciting. It sometimes gets difficult toconvince the key stakeholders that weare on the verge of a depleting planet interms of necessary natural resourcesand that immediate actions arerequired.

However, once you follow your pas-sion, the challenges become your moti-vation and inspiration to do better. Con-sultants who work in biodiversity con-servation projects have to work inremote forest areas which are almost cutoff from the real world - be it in terms ofaccessibility through roads or technolo-gy. These areas of pristine naturethough offer challenges but implantthrill in the nerves. Unavailability offood, improper electricity supplies orlimited public transport also pose threatand adds to project delays. SometimesMother Nature itself hinders the workduring heavy monsoons, extreme heator foggy winters.

Another challenge is the weakintention of the client. Some of them are

looking for cosmetic changes in theirprojects that just give them a "GreenReputation", without truly aiming for agreen project. All they want to showcaseis they are pro-environment and areeco-friendly, but may not want to go for100% of it.

What advicewould you like togive to the students getting intothis field?

Those who love to work in diversework environment can take up a careeras an environmental consultant. Forthose interested in the softer side, man-agement degrees in communications,business and environmental manage-ment may also be very helpful in provid-ing prospective environmental consult-ants with relevant skills, knowledge andcompetencies. This assists in rising upthe professional ladder, especially if youchose to get into a job instead of becom-ing an entrepreneur.

To get into the international arena,you should aspire for scholarships dur-ing academics. This not only providesfor financial aid, but also opens up var-ious opportunities for getting associat-ed with the sponsoring organizations.You should explore the list of sponsorsboth within the university and thosesponsoring candidates externallythrough various programs.This gives apractical understanding of things onground.

The Road AheadThe Centre for Science and Envi-

ronment (CSE) suggests that Indianeeds to leapfrog to Euro VI standardsby 2020-21 in terms of air standards. Allcities need to implement clean air actionplan to curb pollution from all sourcesto meet clean air standards in a timebound manner. Also, government mustinform people about the air quality on adaily basis and issue health alerts forespecially children, elderly, and thosesuffering from respiratory and cardiacproblems. And there is other forms ofpollution that need to be curbed.

Therefore, if you wish to be part ofthe making of a green and grinning plan-et, being an Environment Consultant isTHE option for you.

Towards a Grinning Planet

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2016 (PAGE-2)

1. To all from Sanjay Dhar: “ Do good have good. As you sow, so shall you reap”.2. From Kanav Shama to all: “ Mother’s blessings and education, both are endless sources, much more

we use, thet increase, so respect both ”.3. To all from Neha Raina: “ Conviction is strong belief system that makes happen the desired goal

faster than it seems to be”.4. From K K Gupta to all: “ Ability is poor man’s wealth”.5. To all from Abhi Jandyal: “ Limitations live only in our minds. But if we use our imaginations, our

possibilities become limitless”.6. From Sharda Gupta to all: “ The greatest test of courage on earth is to bear defeat without losing

heart”. 7. To all from Sapna Choudhary: “ The best way to come out of a problem is to first get into it”. 8. From Rama Gupta to all: “ Contemplation often makes life miserable. We should act more, think

less”.9. To all from Suraj Dev Singh: “ Every king once a crying baby and every great building was once a

map. It is not important where you are today but where you will reach tomorrow is important”.10. From Surbhi Bharti to all: “ The biggest enemy of success is fear of failure. When fear knocks at your

door then send courage to open the door and success will wait for you”.11. To all from Abhi Jandial: “ Just remember, when you think all is lost, the future remains”.12. From Anil Kumar Nanda to all: “ Experience comes from bad judgements and good judgements

comes from experience”.13. To all from Mehak Sharma: “ Do not cut stones. To avoid more obstacles, better to throw them away

from you”.

OUR MESSAGEPlease do mention pin code number of areas while sending your mes-sage to EXCELSIOR.Your message must reach us by Friday evening.To send your message, use CIPHER-DECIPHER message chit.Your entries should be brief and original. We use those messagesdevoid of hurting the sentiments of the people.Out of the messages we receive, one of the message is selected for theaward.

HARESH SINGH

CIPHER—DECIPHERMESSAGE CHIT

Name.......................................................................................Address..................................................................................................................................................................................Message..............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Cut it Here

Cut it Here

Hi Friends! We are back with your favourite column for the week. Pleasehave a look at OUR MESSAGE before you send in your message to us.

BEST MESSAGEThe award of rupees 200 for this week’s best message has gone to Dr POONAM NANDA R/o

H.NO: 56-A(Pvt) GANDHINAGAR, JAMMU-180004 for the message “ The real champion is the onewho runs, fights and takes all obstacles one by one while not losing hope in between failures.That is success ”.

Congrats. The prize money would be sent to you through money order The Contestants are requested to send their mobile numbers,

as the winner will be intimated through SMS

Edited by: Neeraj Rohmetra, E-mail: editor@dailyexcelsior.com

INNER VOICE

THIS WEEK FOR YOU18th Dec. to 24th Dec. 2016

ARIES : Hang on to existing state of affairs as the

week opens. Maintain status quo!Mercury transiting in Capricornbecomes retrograde in motion. Thus,

refrain from attempting anything newfor now. Those in business will need to

stall development plans or launching new products tillMercury is retrograde. Don't even think of joining a newjob here, warns Ganesha. Next day, ruler of your Sign,Mars, enters a watery Sign Pisces. Hereon, you couldbecome more conscious of your responsibilities. Avoidbecoming temperamental. There is a likelihood of somemonetary gain, with Mars transiting through the twelfthHouse. Sun leaves its friendly Sign, Sagittarius, to enteran earthly Sign Capricorn, to connect with retrogradeMercury, posited therein. Nothing major to worry abouthere, as far as your health and well-being are concerned. TAURUS:

This week some important planetarychanges take place. First is about Mercurybecoming retrograde in movement.Mercury is concerned with matters relat-

ed to finance. With Mercury turning retro-grade, major financial involvement should be

avoided. Lack of communication with near ones may leadto misunderstanding and strain relationship. Be frank andforthright, advises Ganesha. Next day Mars shifts to awatery Sign Pisces and then connects with Ketu positedtherein. This union of Mars and Ketu does not spell well forharmony in relationship. Sun changes Sign to enter earthlySign Capricorn midweek. Married folks could benefit here.Their relationship with their better half will continue to beenjoyable. Ones suffering from a health issue for long willnow get some respite. However, there is a possibility ofyour catching a viral infection. Start preventive measuresearly on to save yourself from further harm. GEMINI :

The stars indicate stressful times ahead,especially on the personal front. The rulerof your Sign, Mercury, transiting throughCapricorn, turns retrograde around the

week's beginning. This indicates trouble.However, retrograde Mercury is a good oppor-

tunity to review decisions and rethink strategy for progress.Next day, Mars enters watery mystic Pisces, and starts influ-encing your Sign. From herewith, you will be active, ener-gized, and will be able to work for long hours tirelessly. Onthe flip side, you could get assertive and boastful of yourachievements. Ganesha advises that you should embracehonesty and humility for your own good. Around mid-week,Sun enters earthly Sign Capricorn. Remain careful abouthealth here. Do not neglect even the minor issues. CANCER :

The way you communicate has a big impacton your life. This week the stars hindereffective communication, unfortunately.Mercury turns retrograde at the begin-

ning. Although Mercury does not hold anyimportant portfolio for your Sign, its effects in

general will be there. A lack of effective communicationcould create misunderstandings and hurt relationships. Beopen and frank, advises Ganesha. Mars shifts into wateryPisces, ninth from your Sign. Mars seems now betterplaced to help. Your success rate could increase from hereonwards. Young singles wishing for romance will befavoured by planetary position. However, married coupleswill sulk and brood and feel deprived. Sun shifts into earth-ly Capricorn midweek. This change seems good for yourfinancial health. Problems related to respiratory systemcould turn bothersome. Those with asthma may have atough time keeping things under control. Keep a watch. LEO :

The stars look somewhat ominous thisweek. Not so good either for family orfortune. Although, Mars enters itsfriendly Sign Pisces, bit its influence over

the 2nd House (from your Sign), overRahu does not sound well for your financial

health or harmony in the family. Unexpected expensesrelated to family will not leave much for savings. A heat-ed argument with a family member could further buildtension. Mind your tongue in the coming days! Refrainfrom accusing or becoming too sarcastic about others'shortcomings. Such remarks sour relationships, warnsGanesha. With regards to health, you may be assailed bytooth, ear or eyes related troubles. People with respira-tory issues too will need to be careful. Overall, someway or the other, you may be left feeling under theweather. Take a break!VIRGO :

Some important changes in planetaryposition take place this time around.Ruler of your Sign Mercury turns ret-rograde here. This brings to foreissues in personal life. Lack of effec-

tive communication could lead to seri-ous misgivings. Mercury is also concerned with mat-ters related to your occupation. The retrogradeMercury does not support commencing somethingnew. No new project or product to be touched for thetime being, stresses Ganesha. However, as far asmoney is concerned, you will be comfortable. Marschanges Sign to enter its friendly watery Sign Pisces.Now, Mars directly influences your Sign, which willnot be supportive for harmony in marital life. Youmay get too aggressive! Around mid-week, Sun shiftsto the levelheaded, earthly Sign Capricorn. Love maymake an appearance, especially if you are seriousabout a crush.

LIBRA :Some attractive opportunity from abroad could

be beneficial. However, you may have toforego or postpone taking decisions about itfor the time being. Moon connecting with

malefic Rahu casts doubts on the concernedparty. And, Mercury turning retrograde at the

beginning does not seem a good omen to commence work ona new offer. Better you delay or defer making any commit-ment. Next day, Mars gets into its friendly watery Sign, themystic Pisces. With Mars now exreting its influence over the12th House (from your Sign) concerned with expenses, youmay end up spending money indiscriminately, driven more byinstinct than intellect, warns Ganesha. There is a strong possi-bility of your getting injured in the coming days. Take care!While driving a vehicle, remain cool headed to avoid mishap.Around mid-week, Sun leaves its friendly Sign, Sagittarius, toenter Capricorn. Things may suddenly start looking all grim -as Sun is not friendly with Capricorn ruler Saturn. SCORPIO :

Some noticeable changes in the planetary posi-tions shall take place, as the week begins.They come as warning signals, this time!Mercury turns retrograde. Since technology

and communications can get wonky, during aMercury retrograde, you shall need to take some

simple steps to keep your work on track and guard againsta computer/ network crash, suggests Ganesha. Take back-ups of important data from your computer and from anyother gadget on which your crucial files and folders are dig-itally stored. On Tuesday, the ruler of your Sign, Mars, shiftsto the mystic watery Sign Pisces. Mars and Ketu togethermay make you agitated and jittery. Find a hobby! Aroundmid-week, Sun comes out of its friendly Sign Sagittarius toenter Capricorn. Serious times! It will be good time to drawup your strategies for future action.SAGITTARIUS:

Those in business should be prepared for asetback here. This is because of craftyMercury turning retrograde at the begin-ning. You should pay extra attention to

schedules and appointments. The situa-tion appears bad. It could spiral out of hand,

if you do not get meticulous about details. And, if technol-ogy and communications go haywire during Mercury retro-grade, problems could further degenerate. Hence, take allprecautions to keep work on track. Next day, Mars shiftsinto mystic and intuitive watery Sign Pisces. Influence ofMars illuminates more directions to follow, but not manylook viable for you. Ganesha advises that you be focusedon the task at hand for the time being and work to the bestof your ability. Job holders may need to keep a low profileand maintain cordial interactive relations with seniors.Around midweek, Sun leaves your Sign to enter a down-to-earth Capricorn. CAPRICORN:

Multiple changes in planetary positionsunfold multiple stories. Mercury, con-cerned with communication, turns retro-grade. Issues in personal life could both-er you. You can use this period to renego-

tiate any aspect of your life, be it workinghours, working from home, lease for your business, addi-tional staff support or time off, even chores around thehouse. Like a perceptive person, you too get a clear visionon what's working and what's not. Do not waste thisopportunity, warns Ganesha. Next day, Mars changes Signto enter a friendly watery Sign, mystic Pisces. Mars maygoad you to take some risks to boost prospects. Aroundmidweek, Sun enters your Sign. The way ahead from hereappears smooth for planning for the future. Minor healthissue could keep bothering you. AQUARIUS :

It's time to take inventory of your gadgets andmachines. Mercury turning retrograde in the12th House from your Sign does not seem tobe a happy proposition. However, aRetrograde Mercury is the perfect time to

reevaluate your needs, especially when itcomes to technology. It may be time to re-think

your outdated computer, and invest in upgrade to a bettersystem and software. But hold on! Take stock, just evaluateand rethink; don't purchase anything right now. Let Mercurybecome direct and then plan to buy whatever is on agenda,suggests Ganesha. Mid-week, Mars leaves your Sign to enterPisces. This is the 2nd House from your Sign. Mars now getsinto the company of malefic Ketu. This company does notportend well for monetary gains. Matters related to familytoo may make you tense. Handle everything with due tact,ensuring that your family's happiness is not compromised.Later in the week, Sun changes Signs to enter Capricorn.Things begin to stabilise. PISCES :

Some technological glitches at workplacemay affect functioning. This is due toMercury, concerned with matters relatedto day-to-day activities, turning retro-grade. Also, emotions are often more

volatile during a retrograde. So strive forclarity and balance in your communications so

that misunderstandings may be minimized, suggestsGanesha. The next day Mars enters your Sign. This will saveyou from waywardness and set you on the right path.However, ruler of your Sign Jupiter does not seem to becomfortable with its position. In view of this, you are not tomake much headway. Businessmen will need to be satis-fied with routine gains. You financial position will behealthy during this phase. Around midweek, Sun enters theearthy Capricorn. Indirectly, this reduces your chances offalling sick.

CIPHER DECIPHERCIPHER DECIPHERe-mail: cipher-decipher@dailyexcelsior.come-mail: cipher-decipher@dailyexcelsior.com

Thank you, Mom...for the love, strength, and carefor in this world that is quite rarefor being my guardian and my guideon those sad days when I criedI'm proud of you because...you never gave up hope when the times were hardyou kept going forward through it all, yard by yardyou have never let others change who you areyou have always shown me thatyou're my favorite star

you move through the unknown with strengthno matter how far the lengthI would have never been here today....without your motherly advicewithout your ultimate sacrificewithout the support I neededI never would have succeededwithout your unbounded loveI could never stay aboveI just wanted you to know....I will always stand by your side

I will give back and be your guideI will fight for you in the hard timeseven if all I have are a few dimesI will never lose my faith in youmy love for you is always trueI will always be thereon those days you are hurt and sadand you feel everything is going badI will hold you in my arms and sayI'm glad to be with you here todaywhen you feel you are aloneI will be your chaperoneSo thank you, Mom, I love you so much! never forget, the support and love I have foryou will never diminish, you are one of the strongest people I know, so don't let anyone else's evil decisions orcareless actions change who you are today. you are better than all of them and strongerin every way.

Irfan Jalal Bhat Assistant Lecturer

Deptt. Of Computer Application & ITGovt. P.G College Rajouri.

ALL YOU ARE TO ME

It’s choking and I find it difficult to breathe,It’s rotting out here, like the chocolates do to my teethThe fumes, the smoke, the miasma are rising,The incidence of lung ailments and malady are arisingThe abuse and withering of the environment is happening,To inhale, fresh, cool, crisp air, we are battlingThe earth is mourning, sobbing and shedding bitter tears,But, who the hell cares??

We won’t barricade & cease our acts,The grades of poisonous gases are rising, just a matter of fact.Just brace up and be ready to anticipate the atrocities that mother earth’ll afflict,The catastrophe and the tragedies, we can’t even predict.The approaching generations will suffer and languish,It’s completely their fateFor we ate all that, we had in our plate

Sagrika Grover

POLLUTION

CAREER COUNSELLING

Abhishek Khajuria

Being a journalist leadsto the Press Club of Jammuregularly. Rarely would acasual person notice an artstudio in the vicinity. Espe-cially in a city where almosteverybody aspires for anengineering or a medicalcareer for one's kids; who'dbother to notice an art stu-dio. Little curiosity set myeyes on the words 'KesarArt Circle'. I went inside tomeet Bhushan Kesar, agentleman with twinklingeyes and a generous smile.

Born in the year 1948, Katra,Bhushan Kesar is an eminent andveteran painter of the state. Hebegan his studies from the LadyNoyce School, New Delhi. Begin-ning with hobby courses at the Insti-tute of Music & Fine Arts, Jammu,Mr. Kesar got further trained in thearts from the College of Art, NewDelhi where he got a 5 year Diplo-ma in Applied Arts.

Immediately after finishing his

studies, he pioneered to set upKesar Art Circle in Jammu in theyear 1975. A few years after settingup the studio, Mr. Bhushan got a jobof Print Making in the Institute ofMusic & Fine Arts, Jammu. With hisunwavering spirit to instill art cul-ture among Jammuities, he contin-ued working in his studio along withthe job. Although retired from thejob, he continues to work as ArtInstructor in his studio consistent-ly for the last 41 years.

The studio is open for casual toserious art lovers. Many of Mr.Kesar's students, including his son,have become professional artists,joined the prestigious NationalInstitute of Design while some areinstructing in art schools across thecountry.

Like other artists of the country,Bhushan Kesar, also, has presentedhis artworks in exhibitions and artshows all over the country. He hasbeen felicitated and awarded bymany government and non-govern-ment organisations but the mostinspiring part is that he did it all inspite of his limitations. Yes he's lim-ited by speech and hearing, yet hislife story seems like a success storyof any regular person. Although hecan't hear and speak, yet he facedlife like anybody and has earnedmore respect and success thanmany of us. Jammu is blessed tohave such an inspiring personality.

Man who chose colours over words

For queries contact gauri_nagpal @yahoo.com

Life is a dream that has come true,living and feeling every bit of it withouthaving any further clue.It's like a riddle that gets changed on everynew phase,making the ladder of its success wiggle in each race.For some it's full of light,that ensures them everything is alright.For some it's full of darkness, that calls a spooky sadness.

Sometimes it's a scary fact,Sometimes it's a calming lie.Sometimes it goes against our wish,Sometimes it serves us with our favourite dish.Amidst all these chaos,It's still an everlasting dream filled with a peaceful theme.

Ekta BhatAnand Nagar, Bohri

LAYERS OF LIFE

e-mail: innervoice@dailyexcelsior.com

PERSONALITY