On June 5, we all did our bit, as a part of the United Nations’ (UN) World Environment Day, to preserve, protect and care for the environment, and once again, drew attention to the importance of looking after our only real home, Planet Earth. 

Since the celebration of the first World Environment Day in 1974, world attention has been brought into focus on the degradation of our environment, and the urgent need to restore balance to our fragile ecosystems, before it is too late.

A large nation such as India is vulnerable if an ecological catastrophe were to make the essential elements of life, clean air, arable land and potable water, unavailable to humans and other living creatures. This year’s theme for World Environment Day was the systematic reduction of ‘Air Pollution’.  

Polluting particulate matter in the air comes from traffic, industrial activity, diesel generators, waste burning, and dust and ash raised at construction sites. All these sources of pollutants need to be managed to reduce the possibilities of the natural cycles of cleaning being completely overwhelmed, thereby endangering the lives of all creatures that rely on breathable air to survive.

The challenges with water are even greater. Apart from Climate Change altering the patterns of precipitation, and affecting the quantum of rainfall, we have the additional problem of population growth - placing pressure on the limited water resources that are available. The accessibility of drinking water by people in parts of rural and urban India is also affected by the large volumes of solid waste that are generated and dumped haphazardly. Often river-banks and water-bodies, close to human habitation, become dumping grounds for plastic, construction debris, and mixed waste. Polluting substances from wantonly dumped solid waste find their way into the water, making it unfit for drinking. Often, the water-body gets filled up with dirt and garbage and is no longer available even as a reservoir for rainwater, or a healthy flowing source for humans, birds and animals.

Those who understand the consequences of inaction in matters related to the well-being of our environment and planet, as also the care of our forests, water-bodies and the air we breathe; do sometimes feel helpless that there is so much coordinated effort required before any results begin to show. This is true. But this is where Pune is different and can be a beacon.

When I first came to live in Pune in the early eighties, I lived in the city for just about two years. But even at that time, I was appreciative of the energy and the vibrancy of the city, and the enthusiasm of Punekars in taking up issues that needed resolution. Whether it was the wanton blasting of the ‘tekdis’ that was affecting the picturesque hills around Pune or the lack of tree cover on the grassy knolls, enthusiastic groups of people would come together and do whatever was possible, to work collaboratively with experts, the administration and hundreds of students and other volunteers, to make a difference. Dedicated men and women would be willing to take on those in the administration, who were either unresponsive to the needs of the city, or apathetic to larger environmental and social issues.

Pune has now grown into a city with a population of almost four million people (Greater Pune would be about six-and-half million). In the early eighties, the figure was under a million! The city has, therefore, expanded in all directions. The city’s road network has grown, and the traffic levels, with two-wheelers taking the lead – are neck to neck with the population in the city! The rapid urbanisation of Pune, stimulated by growth in industrial activity, the influx of people, and the overall increase in population, has brought more environmental challenges to the fore. The municipalities have grown and tried their best to keep pace with the rate of growth of the city, and ensuring delivery of the basic amenities that the citizens seek. However, local bodies and state governments will need the assistance of citizens if we do not want them or the environment to be snowed under by the demands of growing communities.

The assistance has to come in many ways; citizens can work with elected representatives to prioritise activities that focus on preventive actions and enforcement to ensure that expensive and glaring environmental crises are averted. Citizens can work with officials to establish policies and procedures so that rules can be framed to guide citizens. School children, college students and young professionals can be given insights on why it’s imperative, for their own well-being to play an active role in keeping our air, water-bodies and lands unpolluted and healthy. Committed Punekars can share with people why following traffic signals, and driving on the correct side of the road is as important as not dumping garbage wherever they wish.

The time has come for Pune to do more of what it has always been doing. Which is why, as we contend with the real dangers of environmental degradation, water-stress and climate emergency, we all need to arise, once again, and collaborate with one another to make a wholesome difference. All this is eminently doable, if we put our energies into the intention of making a positive impact, and not letting things slip out of control. Therefore, arise, and collaborate Pune!