For some time now, I have been
thinking of writing something serious and society-conscious. There are ever so
many things that hurt me/my fellow citizens. So, was pondering which would be
the most apt subject. I am no eco-savvy buff, here. But yes, I am a responsible
citizen to say the least. Not just because I pay my taxes regularly but because
I have a huge longing for a clean, hygienic and litter-free world! Of course, I
do my bit but just that it is not sufficient.
About 2 decades back, when I
stepped out of India first, it was to Singapore. This in size and population is
just around the same as our own Chennai. What awed me when I stepped out of the
plane onto the airport Changi, was just not the grandeur but also the way it
was maintained – spic & span! In fact my awe started there and continued
until I left after a 4 months stay there! From the moment I stepped on the land
of S’pore, I cringed within myself thinking of My India. We were so bad, even
then, in every aspect of cleanliness and
maintenance from the word go! My longing to see a cleaner and greener India has
not subsided since then a wee-bit but only has been increasing by the year!
Reckless citizens, who care not
even to keep their own homes clean, will never even think of maintaining our
motherland. It is not just the education, I think, though that is an important
factor. It is the willingness to keep our city/country clean. We can notice
even stinking rich people, bring down the glasses of their multi-lakh worth
car, drop shreds of papers/cans/bottles as they whiz past the city roads.
Joggers/walkers, one can observe, spitting and littering the pathways. I am
assuming these are “responsible” and possibly “educated” citizens. What can we
say of the lesser mortals who know nothing of self-hygiene in the first place,
leave alone environment cleanliness?
And one thing that irks me is the
usage of plastics. When a small place like Ooty can say “No” to plastics, why
can we not bring that as a rule across the state/country? In retail shops, they
charge extra for plastic covers. Instead, let them supply jute bags and charge
extra for the same. It will make both business sense and eco sense.
There are ever so many
organizations/NGOs which strive hard for keeping city clean. But until we
“educate” people on the harmful effects of lack of hygiene and littering
around, how will there be any change in our city/country?
How do we effectively promote
this? Does anyone have an idea? I am all game to help/support the cause. But
how???
