ONE ISSUE that has never been far from the public's imagination over the last decade is that of the environment with every passing year it gathers more strength internationally and India is not far behind due to the awareness campaigns NGO's painstakingly work on.

However, while we have to admit that awareness is on the increase, the same cannot be said about conciousness at the grass root level. It takes a lot to reach and activate the common man who is in reality, the most important protector of the environment.

The National Law School of India University, Bangalore, launches its first Post-Graduate Diploma Course on Environmental law on September 1 this year, the first of its kind in the country. This is one of the programmes being offered by the Centre for Environnlent Research and Advocacy (CERA) which was established in 1997 at the NLS.

Says Bibhu Prasad Tripathy, Research Officer, CERA, "This is the second phase of the evolution of the institution. Its aim is to pay focussed attention to the ever evolving frontier of environmental law and we have adopted a multi-disciplinary approach to the issue to encourage a better under standing."

With 150 applicants to the course the response is certainly very encouraging. Being a distance learning course and physical attendance required for only the last 15 days during which virtual reality classes will be conducted, it becomes easier for working people to pursue as well.

"It gives me an opportunity t.") equip myself further to handle en- vironmt'nt related assignments in tllC futl\re," says SK Pattana- yak, Exrise Commissioner, Government of Karrnataka. Having served as Secretary, Environment, he feels, for an adminstrator this is a great opportunity to learn about the legal aspect of managing the environment.

Teachers and practitioners of environmental law from allover the world have been involved in designing the course which will address both regional and international aspects of the issue.

The six papers include Pollution Control and Waste Management Law, Bio diversity related laws, Land lawR with par- ticular emphlISis on agriculture, law relating to environment and industry, Environmental Advocacy and International Environmental law. Applicants comprise administrators, industrial managers, activists and lawyers.

Research Associate, Nagarika Seva Trust Environment Support Group, Mahalakshmi, who already holds a Masters degree in Environmenta1 Science, expects to acquire a detailed understanding of her subject from thc course. She plaIts to work on Wildlife Protection as the object of her thesis.

Explains Tripathy, "By training various stake holders of the environment we feel the Centre can access the common man. It is he who will make a big difference once he is made conscious of his role and duties towards the environment at large."

CERA has 25 partners (Universities and Colleges) all over the country and by decentralising the execution of its project, it plans to place two lawyers, one judge and two NGO officials trained in environmental law in each district.

The entire project, undertaken on behalf of the Ministry of " Environment and Forests, will cost around $ 4.5 million and is being funded by the World Bank.

The city has one more 'first to do it' to show to the rest of the country and the best part is that it touches people from all over as much as it does the very core of our existence. Going by the interest the course has already received it won't be surprising to see it become one of those preceded by tough entrance tests in the years to come. For this course a graduate from any discipline is welcome.

In the mean time it certainly has aroused a lot of interest in important quarters. Even those not directly involved are keen to get on the boat. The media, for instance. The world knows how potent its contribution can be in the cause of environment protection.

For details contact NLS at phone numbers: 3219231 3213160 and 3211303