Editor,
After Republic Day pomp and gaiety, it was and will continue to be followed by burning of parched, jungle, forest, etc. lands. To the eyes of the environment sympathisers it is a heartbreak feeling to see and witness where the physical self cannot reach to douse the fire that engulf the very same vegetation that helps us in cleaning the air we breathe, conserve water, protect soil erosion, harbouring microbes, insects and animals, herbs that heals our ailments, you name them. But, all these have no impact on the mindset of the addicted unscrupulous fire starters. These misers with their blank brains mercilessly massacre all these, causing degeneration and all the devastating after effects of both tangible and intangible losses which cannot be estimated and compensated with money and time.
The question is “had we done enough”? And this goes to the Government, Department, Institutions, Legal authorities, Local bodies and individual as well. Had we played our role holistically? Excuses and shifted responsibilities is the new norm, where we will continue to see the fire garlands and necklaces adorn the hills and valleys 24 hours, to some it is a spectacular sight and photos with cameras and mobiles flashing to get the picture and videos of these devastations captured for sharing.
It is also a regular sight that the same spot is being burnt for the second or third time in a span of 4 months; from January to April, this solely depends on the presence of fuel or litter.
To cut short this topic, we can ask a simple question “can we ameliorate, reduce, control or completely stop this activity?” and the answer is affirmative, that too if it is with the right approach, planning and execution.
Bishon Neri
Via e-mail
