Dr K. Vijaya Lakshmi, a Doctorate in Chemistry from Srivenkateswara University, Tirupati, has been associated with Development Alternatives (DA) over the last 18 years. Her main focus and achievements are in the area of Water Quality Testing associated with development and application of innovative technologies that address the problems of women. She is also responsible for initiating a unique, nationwide network of NGOs, school children and Resident Welfare Associations through the CLEAN-India (Community Led Environment Action Network, Website: www.cleanindia.org) programme to trigger community based environmental initiatives in urban growth centres with a preventive environmental management approach. Dr K. Vijaya Lakshmi is being honoured with the National Award for Women’s Development Through Application of Science and Technology on March 8, 2008 by the President of India at the Vigyan Bhavan, New Delhi. This is a candid interview on her winning such a prestigious laurel.

Q. First of all, DA would like to offer our heartiest congratulations on getting the National Award for Women’s Development Through Application of Science and Technology. How does it feel when your dedication in the field of environment is being recognised by the Indian Government?
It’s a great feeling. It’s an honor. This award is not only recognising an individual but also Development Alternatives. Without being associated with an organisation, you cannot get support for your ideas and, naturally, without an organisation’s support, you cannot transform your ideas into reality. So, I dedicate this award to Development Alternatives.

Q. Having obtained a PhD in Chemistry, what motivated you to become an Environmental Scientist?
Having obtained a PhD I became a Research Associate at the Venkateshwara College, Delhi University. My area of research was related to pesticides and its effects on cereals, pulses and soil. At this time I came in contact with environmental issues. Soon, DA needed to set up an environmental lab and I was appointed for this task. Since then I have been attached with DA and environmental issues.
 
Q. You have been attached with DA for the past 18 years. What has kept you here for so long?
DA is my first home. It has been great working with DA for so many years. Everyday brings forth a new challenge. My team supports me through thick and thin. But the most important reason I am in DA is our chairman Dr Ashok Khosla. He always encourages and motivates me and I get totally energised simply by talking to him.

Q. Your main area of function is Water Quality Testing associated with development and application of innovative technologies that address the problems of women. What made you choose this area of function?
DA has been working towards making water available to villages and also providing a clean and healthy environment to everyone, especially in the rural areas. Realising that 90% water-borne diseases are due to coliform bacteria and to a vast extent, women and the children in the rural areas and the urban slums are the prime victims, we decided to provide clean and safe drinking water to rural areas facing this scarcity. Unfeasibility of huge and expensive water-testing plants led us to make a portable and simple to use water testing tool ‘Jal-TARA water testing kit’. Now, with this tool, we can ensure safe quality of water.
 
Q. Why are Jal-TARA water testing kits validated by UNICEF and Shri Ram Lab?
Jal-TARA water testing kits are very accurate in nature. UNICEF and Shri Ram Lab have tested our kit on numerous occasions and every time we have passed the test. Water testing labs are generally expensive and cannot be carried to the fields as rural areas generally lack constant availability of electricity, connectivity and other important requirements for a lab. Here our Jal-TARA water testing kits come handy as they are portable and easy to carry as well as use. The kit provides semi-quantitative results and can be used even by an Anganwadi worker or a health worker after a short training.
 
Q. Being an environmental scientist, you work in a sphere of research, design, advisory, monitoring, evaluation, education & training, networking, grassroot support and field implementation. How do you manage to manage all these issues?
I have an army of motivated people working with me. This keeps me not only motivated but also encourages me to work on even more projects. And when you are excited you never get bored. With my dedicated team it’s not that difficult to manage all these things simultaneously.
 
Q. In India, are the government and people really aware of the danger of climate change?
Climate change has already started showing its impact on people’s lives. Though people are not aware of its global influence, they are aware of its local impact. The most affected are farmers and women. The government is aware of this problem and is sincerely working towards it.
 
Q. Nowadays environmentalists all over the world are protesting against the G8 summits and other high level meetings. Is this the right way of addressing environmental issues?
By protesting in a peaceful manner, environmentalists not only raise their voice for the environment but they also spread environmental issues across the globe. Protests do put pressure on governments and the various implementing agencies, but it should be done on a peaceful note.

Q. The UN as also many agencies working for environment are saying that we have very little time to save the Earth. Do you think climate change is really that much of a threat?
Yes, climate change is rapid. If proper and quick measures are not taken immediately, we will really face a tough situation. Our ecosystem system, food web, everything is collapsing. If we will not take immediate steps, I fear it will be too late for us. We need to protect our natural resources now.

Q. Apart from office, what do you do when you are at home?
Generally, at home, I like playing chess and watching TV. I used to read fiction but now I don’t get the time for it. I would like to get back to my hobby soon.

Q. What will you do with the cash prize of Rs 1 Lakh which you are getting with the award?
Oh! I haven’t thought about it yet. Hmm. Probably, I will spend this money in some project or improve the lab. q           

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