LET’S COME TOGETHER TO SAVE MOTHER EARTH

22 Apr 2018

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We are six billion people and countless animals and plants residing in this one planet. From the air we breathe to the water we drink and the food we eat, we owe everything to this planet. It has selflessly been giving us everything we need to sustain ourselves; hence, it is our responsibility to conserve and protect our Mother Earth. We celebrate Earth Day on April 22. On this day, let us pledge to reduce plastic litter and pollution to meet the goals of sustainable development. 

One of the gravest issues we are facing today is global warming. According to an article by Down To Earth, India stands 4th in carbon emission from fossil-fuel use and cement production. Global Carbon Emission increased by around 36 gigatonnes in 2016. It is an alarming situation and we need to wake up now.

The plastic industry is one of the key causes of climate change. It creates billions and billions of tons of carbon pollution every year. Plastic take very long time to decompose and creates environmental hazards. In a bid to bring down plastic pollution, the Madhya Pradesh Government has banned the production, storage, transport, sale and use of polythene bags, except for sealed and branded polythene bags that are used for the sale of food grains and pulses. Regular campaigns are run across the state to spread awareness on perils of using plastic.

Non-biodegradable plastic has also started posing a big threat to the marine life and our rivers that are drying up very soon. In our attempt to create awareness on the need of conservation of rivers, we organized a five-month-long state-wide Narmada Seva Yatra. As a part of it, several major decisions have been taken to revive the river that serves as a lifeline to 7.5 crore people of the state. Sewage plants have been set up to treat waste and prevent them from flowing into the river, stringent sand mining policies have been introduced to stop illegal mining, platforms have been raised for proper disposal of waste and prevention of discarding them into Maa Narmada, crematoriums have been constructed on the banks of the rivers and liquor shops within 5km radius have been shut down. 

Realizing the important role played by trees in the rejuvenation of the rivers, we organized a never-heard-before mega tree plantation drive on July 2, 2017.  More than 6 crore trees were planted within a span of 12 hours. It was a humble contribution from the people of Madhya Pradesh to reduce global warming.

In an effort to use clean sources of renewable energy, Neemuch Solar Project was commissioned in 2014. It is a giant step to arrest carbon emission. It is a matter of pride that an estimated 216,372 tonnes of carbon are being mitigated annually through this initiative. The Rewa Solar Project, the largest solar park in the world will prove to be another milestone. The 750MW plant will go a long way in bringing down carbon emission and protecting the environment.

Efforts are being made in every direction in Madhya Pradesh to conserve the environment. However, as I have always maintained, the government alone cannot be the harbinger of change and public participation, support and cooperation are quintessential. Citizens need to be aware of how their action and inaction can lead to the destruction of the only planet we have for our survival. I urge all to realize their responsibilities towards future generations, focus on harnessing of natural resources and not exploitation. Caring for her is the least we can do in exchange for all that she provides us with. It is high time we take a call because if not now, then when?