Asia-Pacific Water Forum

Using the Pen to Right water concerns

Mr.Shafar was motivated as the outbreak of waterborne diseases in the twin cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad, particularly among children happened in 2001. The journalist accepted in good terms that his media remains silent on a lot of other water issues. The journalist worried that issues of mass public interest come at the bottom of the priority list as the advertising and money spinning news topped the list. Journalist needs to be trained and for which the organizations should come forward for training, he requested. It is an accepted request. The journalist was successful in drawing the attention of local authorities on the waterborne diseases attacking the residents of Rawalpindi by his first reporting on water issues. He felt that the problems are more now, and expected the bright prospects in near future. He openly invited his fellow journalists and media organizations to rise above job requirements and commercial interests and give priority to publish the water issues. He cautioned that we must give due importance to the different water issues and not just focus on the current, boiling issue. The journalist is optimistic in observation hat once the masses are involved, he could expect that tables can be turned.
The open hearted interview on water and journalism is really a thought provoking one on journalist point of view. The public should understand the role of journalism in environmental issues. Complex matter related to the water issues could be brought to the doors of lay man through journals. Hence Pen might change all problems related to water.

Dr.P.S.Navaraj, Madurai, India.

| by Dr.P.S.Navaraj | 06.11 2007 17:09 | url: |