Moulting India: Saga of Growth vis-a-vis Environment and Biodiversity

Photograph by the Author

A multi-cultural, multi-lingual and vibrant nation of 140 Crore people, India was considered backward and "Developing" for more than six decades. Despite having a large amount of natural wealth and laborious youth, the country lagged behind and the world viewed it as a poor and regressive country. The situation, however, has radically changed. India is now a country that has a powerful voice whose opinions/suggestions are taken seriously by the world. India has come a long way and worked significantly well in poverty elimination, sanitation, health, environment and biodiversity. In the field of attaining a clean and salubrious environment, India has taken the lead and implemented many eco-friendly steps to mitigate pollution. 

India, a culturally rich vibrant nation of 140 Crore people and the seventh largest country in the world area-wise, hovered with the tag of a "Developing Country" for more than six decades. Touted by Europeans and Americans as the country of "Snake-charmers" and superstition, the country often looked to the Western world for help. Corruption and scams were rampant and the benefits of schemes were not reaching the people they were meant for. The money from welfare schemes was being siphoned off by the intermediaries. The pathetic situation was reflected in the candid confession of the then PM, who admitted that only 15 paise out of every Rupee spent by the government was reaching the poor. The nexus of contractors, bureaucrats and politicians was squeezing the people and nation; projects kept crawling and took longer to complete. The nation with a glorious past and rich heritage was about to shatter. 

The Change

The general election of 2014 brought a breeze of change. Suffocated people gave a clear mandate against corruption, misgovernance and lethargy; the ruling coalition was vanquished. The new government, with commitment and zeal, was sworn in with Narendra Damodar Das Modi as Prime Minister, who prefers to be known as "Pradhan Sevak" (Prime worker) rather than "Pradhan Mantri" (Prime Minister). The newly formed Modi government has had no time to waste. Amid heavy negativity, the new government started to function. Firmly taking decisive strides, they started clearing the mucks. It was a period of decision-making. Modi government started working in mission mode; rolling out plans and schemes. Systemic changes were made to make the life of people easy and hassle-free. As expected from a people-centric government, it aimed to fulfil the aspirations and expectations of the people. The changes started appearing soon.

Challenges and achievements

The pathetic conditions before 2014 warranted express actions parallel to those which take a long to show the effect. The government successfully tried to bring a paradigm shift from “policy paralysis” to proactive decision-making and implementation of the programmes/schemes on the ground level with a holistic and inclusive approach. Most of them have started fruiting, and people perceived the positive impacts. The government took problems head-on, concentrating on poverty alleviation, infrastructure development, robust health services, sanitisation and clean India (Swaksh Bharat), the environment and sustainability. Iron will, concerted efforts, dedication and commitment were needed to combat complex problems and negativity. PM Modi says every scheme has three orders of impact. Taking care of impending peripheral aspects and treating impediments as opportunities, problems were solved singularly.

The ailing and crawling system started walking and then running. “The country is witnessing systematic work in mission mode. We changed the mindset of power to the mindset of service, we made the welfare of the people our medium.” PM Modi tweeted. He expressed his feelings further in a tweet, “In the last 9 years Dalits, deprived, tribal women, poor women, middle class, everyone is experiencing a change.” He was pointing towards the perceptible change in the systemic outlook. The results were bound to be positive, and it did. Long-term goals and results were the primary concern while making policy, not only the immediate benefits. Tweeting about it, he wrote, “In the policies our government made after 2014, not only the initial benefits were taken care of, but second and third order effects were also given priority.” 

The perceptible change in the scenario is in perfect harmony with the work culture of the new government. Commitment to Service, Good governance and the welfare of all became the Mantras. Emancipation of the poor and marginalized occupied the Omphalos position. Increasing the income of the average people in general, and farmers in particular, was the priority. The long-overlooked woes of the farmers pushed them to suicide and their shattered families suffered a lot. A substantial, not the usual eye-wash needed to be done. 

The Environment, and its importance

The environment is most important and directly related to the health and well-being of people. A healthy mind resides in a healthy body; the prerequisite of a healthy society is a clean and salubrious environment. A clean environment is our heritage. Learned primogenitors had emphasised the importance of forests, wild animals, flora and fauna. Ironically, however, the environment was on the lowest pedestal of priorities, received a supercilious attitude and was often bypassed. Talking about forests and wildlife, rivers and water bodies was considered a flight of fancy. Poor air quality, asphyxiating water bodies and gasping rivers presented a pathetic and concerning scenario. The priorities were different so was the approach. The functionaries and the bureaucracy were callous. Post-2014 new government kept a vigilant eye on it. Getting environmental clearance was a cumbersome and tedious “formality”. It took at least 700 days for a project to get clearance. Considering the importance of the environment and development, a portal was developed to automate the process. PARIVESH portal helps clear the proposal within 75 days with transparency. The corruption-infested system was an impediment. The feudal mindset had to give way to a sensitive, sympathetic and constructive approach towards the people and the problems.

Improvement of the environment, along with the life of people and farmers, is essential. Forest and wildlife are an inseparable part of the tribal community. Concrete steps were taken with an eye on dwindling forest cover, habitat destruction and vanishing wildlife. During the quinquennium between 2017-18 to 2021-22 government spent Rs 3290 Crores for the cause of environment and Biodiversity conservation. It helped a lot to attain long-term goals and a secure future. 

Forests, Wetlands and wildlife

Significantly, the total forest area, as of now, is 7,13,789 Sq Km (December 2022); about 21.72% of the total geographical area of India. Expanded forest cover and habitat improvement resulted in an increased wildlife population. The tiger population has now become 3167, the highest world over. Effective control of poaching and close monitoring saved Rhino and Elephant populations. India is the home of 30,000 elephants, 3000 rhinoceros and 675 Asiatic lions. Once flourishing in the Indian jungle, Cheetahs have been reintroduced in Kuno National Park of Madhya Pradesh. India possesses rich biodiversity. The fact that the country has about 8% of the world's biodiversity despite having a mere 2.4% of the total landmass of the earth testify it. Not only terrestrial ecosystems, but wetlands also play a pivotal role. They are ecologically important, sustain local flora and fauna and support millions of people the world over. In our country, during “Amrit Kaal” 12 wetlands have been added as Ramsar sites totalling 75 in all. 

Namami Gange

The river system of India is vast and varied. The rivers, especially Ganga, have the intrinsic quality to rejuvenate and clean themselves, provided they get a bearable amount of pollutants. Ganga and its subsidiaries were dangerously polluted, for they received a direct discharge from factories and sewerage. An integrated "Namami Gange" project was launched in June 2014 to cleanse Ganga and its subsidiaries. The drainages were diverted to STPs for treating waste and sewage discharge before emptying into Ganga or other major rivers. Funds were released and toilets were constructed in villages of five states of Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand and Bengal along river Ganga. 4480 villages declared ODF. 

Air Pollution, the dread monster

Air pollution, like other pollution, is a monster which insidiously enters the body and causes severe ailments. The major contributing factor to it is vehicular emissions. The mushrooming outdated vehicles spew obnoxious gases by burning fossil fuel in their Internal Combustion Engine. It pumps in progressively more GHG (Green House Gases), causing increased temperature, discomfort and notorious Global Warming. The vicious effect is mitigated by Ethanol Blending in petrol. At present 10% Ethanol is blended in petrol as against 1.5% in 2014. The quantity is expected to be enhanced by up to 20%. It helped reduce the GHG by more than 318 lakhs MT, benefitted farmers who have been paid Rs 40,600 Crore and saved substantial public money. It is a win-win situation for all.

The use of conventional fossil fuel with its hazardous effects needed to be replaced considerably, if not completely, by promoting and using non-conventional energy with zero carbon emissions. A continuous flow of Clean and Green energy is the linchpin of a robust economy, for, it is the primary requirement to flourish. Solar energy is one of them. Among 123 signatories of the International Solar Alliance, India is showing the way to the world. The renewable energy capacity of India has grown exponentially from 70 GHz to 170 GHz within nine years, and the solar power capacity has increased more than 20 times. Solar power is convenient and becomes profitable when linked with the grid system. Farmers are getting benefits from the PM KUSUM scheme. Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthan Mahabhiyan (KUSUM) has helped farmers procure solar-powered pump sets for their fields.

Green Hydrogen and its use is another means of clean energy. Unlike Grey, Blue and Turquoise Hydrogen, Green Hydrogen is produced by the electrolysis of water, using electricity generated by solar radiation or wind. It creates zero Carbon emissions, hence the term. India, with its long coastline and copious water and wind, has a tremendous capacity to be a world leader in green Hydrogen technology. Hydrogen produces water when burned and has no adverse effect on air quality. 

LiFE - the Way of Living and Circular Economy

The essential component of a clean environment is people's active participation. It is also about how they live and carry themselves. It is heartening that people are sensitive towards the cause of the environment. India since antediluvian has been the champion of a clean and healthy environment. PM Modi suggested the concept of LiFE at COP26 in Glasgow. He then launched it with UN Secretary-General Mr Antonio Guterres at the Statue of Unity, Gujrat on 20 October 2022. The concept is the way of life - Lifestyle for the Environment. It suggests means to help clean the environment by simply modifying the way of living. It will give, as Modi says, "P3 - Pro Planet People". Single-use plastic is banned. People are advised to take homemade carry bags or paper bags. Minimal use of Air Conditioners and maximum use of natural air and light to keep houses clean, cool and tidy are advised to reduce carbon and water footprint. 

The concept of a Circular Economy, effective in controlling and mitigating environmental degradation, could be an answer. It is also a way of life which goes a bit different way. Whereas the conventional linear economy lays thrust on taking, producing, using and throwing the Circular Economy, on the other hand, emphasizes re-cycling. It is based on the 3R system that stands for Reduce (of waste production), Reuse (Of a product several times) and Recycle (when not in use recycle it and put it to another use). This system is congruent with the natural cycle where Mother Nature always recycles the products and put them to use. The biggest and most appropriate example is of Water Cycle that maintains the quantity of fresh water on the earth. 

The problems are the intrinsic part of any system, but the question is how the system tackles them. An efficient and sensitive government tackles them effectively, keeping the larger public interest in mind.

Photograph by the Author

Can’t we live amicably with harmony?

 

Photo: by Author

More often, we become bewildered and restless. An overpowering thought of being caught in a labyrinth looms large. What is the aim of life, why are we here, are but a few questions constantly hover in mind. Furthermore, questions of life quality, liberty and harmony churn the brain. The whims and fantasy of others that insidiously enters in life, though sometimes a compulsion, is disdainful and bugs.

Mother Nature does everything with a purpose. Each organism and material has its role in running the vast system of the natural world. From microorganisms to planktons, from planktons to small and then large animals and plants. They are interdependent and help each other to survive. However, eat or be eaten are fundamentals of a less evolved and less advanced group of animals. What about highly evolved humans with the power of reasoning, thinking and speech? What are they doing?

I do not intend to generalize things. There are a select few who do worthwhile. Maybe they are ordained to do, but a majority of people live for the sake of living. They take birth, grow, earn their livelihood, become old and then perish listlessly. They hecatomb at the altar of others’ insanity and insensitivity; adjust, compromise, and do whatever is possible to pull strings.

 

The plant world, though animate, is devoid of senses, sensory organs, and the brain. They lead a sedentary life having no feelings but contributing silently to the growth and development of others by providing food, fodder and shelter. The desensitized nature of plants is a boon in disguise for them. They do not cry and feel hurt. While leading their life routinely, they provide food and shelter to the needy. I wonder what they might have thought and said had they had the power of expression! 

The whole animal world has an inherent quality of living in freedom and does not want to be caged. Any bondage - emotional or physical - is detrimental that crushes the spirit. The animals being devoid of speech, are unable to express their agony when put to heinous conditions. They cry, growl, bellow and groan, but their resentment is unheard. Humans, on the other hand, with cohesive speech and language, can express their feelings well. It is why the highest degree of importance has been attached to Human Rights. 

We should respect the privacy, feelings and sentiments of others as well. It is incumbent on us all, but sometimes the contrary is seen in society. The physical, mental and emotional torture is rampant despite various legislations and ethics of the modern world. Wriggling and loathing, unable to meet their end, they keep living - crying, howling and yelling at each other. Should this be the quality of life? 

The struggle is fundamental to all animate and inanimate worlds. Non-living things like rock have numerous atoms which are in constant motion. The desire for permanency and settlement is intrinsic to all. A nascent gas is highly reactive. The living world, by the same token, strives for survival and betterment. Humans have more desire for it. Societies and relationships were evolved to overcome difficulties and help in easing them out. Relationships provide a cosy, congenial atmosphere for optimal growth and problem-solving. They become difficult if not handled properly. 

We have very little time at our disposal. Life is very short. Can’t we live amicably with harmony? We tend to copy, paste and forward so-called ‘positive thoughts’ but ignore them in practice. We shall have to cogitate. The ostensible gaudy show of goodness is absurd. Therefore, without pretending to be a good person, the endeavour should be for being a human - with all goodness and wickedness; maintaining, of course, a fine equilibrium.

Photo: by Author

Ram-Rajya : Harmonious Social System or Utopia

While sitting ideally, enjoying the crisp and quiet morning, my mind took me back in time. I started wandering in my past, which happened not to be so romantic though. I think it is not only me who often saunters in the past and long to relive it, but many more might also be in this league. More often than not, my mind uses to take me on a trip to my past and make me nostalgic. 

An individual human life moves on linearly, without an option for rewind. I have chosen human life to put forth further my thoughts because of two reasons. One that we are humans and second that we can feel and express our emotions well because of our large cranial capacity, highly developed brain amalgamated with the power of reasoning. 

The journey, which starts from the time of our birth, is bound to culminate. It will. The gush of thoughts whizzes past the mind exhibiting a series of related pictures in the form of a movie. Revisiting the past is like visiting an unfrequented and sometimes haunted place. People avoid going haunted places because of the imaginary demonic presence. However, quite often in huff and puff of their current situation, people seldom find time to visit the past. With time, it accumulates dust and gives the feeling of a haunted place. The rustling wind sweeps the fallen leaves - an organ happened to be an essential part of the plant. The old, dead leaves must be shred to give way to the new ones. Fallen leaves on the ground are like the past which has become redundant now. Carried by the wind, they sway away and gradually decay to become part of the soil. 

Besides an individual human life, life as a whole is a cyclical process. One who has come has to go. Scientifically speaking, toggling between animate and inanimate object, a living organism dies and decomposes in microform chemicals after completing its life. What is now animate becomes inanimate in a moment. Cytoplasm, which never perishes, is like a thread in a garland; acts as a bond for future generations. It passes on to further generations through the parent. Replacing the ones who die and mingle with the five elements to take another, a new generation takes their place. It is a journey wherein we meet people, exchange goodies, converse and travel together. At the end deboard at the respective stations. The sojourn keeps ongoing ad nauseam; people who had been with us, occasionally come to our thought and take us back in those moments. 

Birth and death are uncontrollable, albeit the intermediate period between two (which is called life) gives time to do the work of choice. Life should be luxurious with sensual pleasure, ascetic or perfect blend of both is a matter of individual selection. Whereas the former is an easy and comfortable way of life, the latter is a bit difficult; most of the easy-go-round people among us, therefore, choose a blend of both. An honest effort amalgamated with impetuous work is the primary requirement to achieve the selected way of life. The deeds of present decide the future. Harbingering future is deceiving. 

The longing for more compels people to start a run for money and material, the possession of which though gives sensual pleasure but fails to soothe the mind. The requirement then turns to lust, feeling of being left out and losing the ground leads to desperation. Lust for position, power and money causes the race to become more stringent but mendaciously competitive. Narcissistic I’m-the-habitual-winner approach becomes prominent. The desire to win at any cost gives leverage to a person who sins snatching the legitimate rights of genuine. The competitiveness is healthy only when it is in a sporting spirit, but turns into entirely sinister jealousy when perverted. The gaining currency of it is leading to frustration and dejection. 

In an emotional fit, finding no solution to their problem, people feel caged and pushed towards the wall. Compellingly they take an altogether different path, harmful to them and society. They tend to become dreaded criminal, drug addict or if gullible take to suicide. The alarmingly spiralling number of psycho patients, especially teenagers, ought to be a cause of concern. It is perverting creative youths to dead lots. A healthy society cannot tolerate such nuisances. 

The recent incidence of alleged murder (or suicide) of a Bollywood actor has raised furore and agitated many such questions. The Bollywood world which was known for its glitter, excessive money and public attention is in controversy nowadays. Nexus of power, money, drugs and debauchery is seriously ailing it. Those who work in the entertainment industry, especially newcomers feel cheated, suffocated and boxed for they seemingly do not get a chance to show their talent. The feeling, assigned to nepotism, frustrates the considered interlopers who allegedly get step-motherly treatment by the native ‘Movie-Mughals’.   

Bollywood has long been a powerful magnet. It attracts thousands of budding or aspiring artists from relatively less developed areas of the country. The clueless youths come to join Bollywood in search of glamour, but after the persistent belligerence and failure, give up and consequently perish in oblivion. Recently, a new feather has been added in the cap of already getting perverted Bollywood world, the nuisance of deep-rooted drug addiction. The insiders of the industry themselves are alleging rampant drug use. Once glittering, the Bollywood is becoming an ugly and disgusting cesspool. 

Numerous people, especially youth, fanatically follow Bollywood artists to the extent that they start treating them akin to a god. It is, therefore, incumbent upon Bollywood actors to follow a strict social norm; avoid turpitude and drugs et cetera. As has been said above, choosing the way of life should be personal. While in the public glare, extreme caution must be observed to carry on such a lifestyle. Self-cleansing mechanism, however, is inherent to an organic society. It mends the intolerable misdeeds of a few by buycotting those who used to wash their linen in public.

The current century is zooming and aggressive so far as information-flow is concerned. Increasingly advance information technology has reached to new heights where getting and retrieving the information has become super-fast. Whatever happens flashes and reach the majority of curious minds and affects them. The purity and sanctity of the institutions, celebrities and the public are necessary. It may sound utopian. Absolute purity is not possible in an organic society. Even the purest form of gold is unfit for jewellery-designing. A blend of good and evil, dark and bright, gentle and wicked is, therefore, the best way to have a decent society. A balanced and harmonious society with the least ailments would then be an ideal ‘Ram-Rajya’.     

Let us lit a 'Diya' in memory of those Bravehearts who are not with us...

Today the nation is celebrating Deepawali. Festivals are special in our lives in the sense that they are the manifestation of our exuberance emanating from the bounties of good harvest, enhanced prosperity and satisfaction. They add colours to our emotion and culture; an occasion to pay our respect and gratitude to Mother Nature - compassionate and benevolent - who protects us from the curse of hunger, poverty and helplessness. Deepawali festival embodies basic philosophy of 'Live and Let live' and buttresses our faith in peaceful coexistence, equality and fraternity.

"Asato ma sadgamaya

Tamaso ma jyotirgamaya

Mrtyorma amrtam gamaya..."

May we proceed to truth from mendacity, to light from gloom and from death to eternity. This is the guiding force which motivates to lead a balanced life - a life with knowledge and humbleness with a power to slay the evil forces. It motivates to think big and noble for collective welfare; fills a sense of pride for being the custodian of rich culture, knowledge and philosophy. 

The eternity mooted by our revered primogenitors is not materialistic. It is a cosmic unison with Ultimate - the omnipotent and omnipresent. It is not superficial but an amalgamation which relieves the soul from the cycle of birth and rebirth. It leads to a linear form of life which is otherwise a cyclical one. The invisible force which leads us to light is "Bramh", as envisaged by our sages. 

The humans are consubstantial to "Bramh", but with a certain measure of dark shade. Mendacity, treachery, arrogance and egocentric attitudes are the negative shades which differentiate a common human being with that of Absolute. A human being is a bundle of dark and light shades. A balanced blend is near Absolute whereas a lopsided attitude is unhealthy for the proper growth and development of a human being and in turn a good society. The basis of an enlightened and balanced life is the movement towards the light. Deepawali reminds us all about it. 

Thousands of earthen 'Diya' with the twinkling lights successfully try to conquer the darkness of the new moon night. It signifies the conquest of wisdom over ignorance and falsehood; an occasion to celebrate the victory of truth, justice and intrepidity. This is an opportune time to thank Almighty for his blessings.

Our Bravehearts are guarding the frontiers of our nation with zeal. We express our solidarity with them who are braving all odds and saving motherland. Their helping hands always save us from distress and dearth. Let us lit a 'Diya' in memory of those who hecatomb their lives in the service of motherland and are no more with us. On this pious occasion, remembering them with brimmed eyes I salute them and wish that they may be at peace with and in unison to the Supreme Soul.