The state joined the observation of the World Wetlands Day as the rest of the world did yesterday. Many thought-provoking speeches were made regarding the increasingly damaging attitude of the insensitive and callous public towards the environment, and suggestions to address the same were also doled out with much finesse. The concerns of pollution and its fallout as highlighted by those prominent public figures cannot be doubted, and we are already feeling the adverse effects ourselves. What has been a source of constant consternation and indignation however, has been the lack of a sustainable and earnest effort on the part of the state government to address this very immediate issue. News, pictures and even videos of harmful fogs chocking the residents in a number of places in the country has been on the air, with most of the state governments resorting to extreme and desperate measures to find a remedial measure. Delhi, with a proactive and radically thinking government at the helm stood up and despite the oppositions and cynicism about the odd-even formula, went ahead and implemented the same, albeit as a temporary measure. The result speaks for itself. While the odd-even formula cannot be solely credited for the noticeable decline in air pollutants by the end of the 15-day trial at the national capital, the efficacy of the system in helping to decrease traffic congestion, and therefore pollution cannot be downplayed. Right now, Mumbai, the financial capital of the country is engulfed in smog resulting from a fire at a waste disposal site. These two very recent incidents, if not anything else, should be considered and analysed by the think tank of the state government if we are to prevent such unnecessary and avoidable health hazards. It would also be detrimental for the future of the state if we are to turn a blind eye to the increasingly glaring signs of worsening pollution and continuing abuse of our natural resources. What the state requires is not a knee-jerk reaction or frantic chaos to salvage the broken pieces after the damage has been done. It must be prudent enough to draw up a proactive, inclusive and enduring course of action so that what has happened in the rest of the country will not happen again in Manipur. The state government should be wise enough to learn from the mistakes and follies of others. The people of the state are not the most civic or sensitive lot. That being said, the adaptive society will surely take up the good work if the state government displays resoluteness and enthusiasm in its implementation of efforts to reduce pollution. Sensitizing the public on the matter will go a long way in making positive headways. Strict enforcement of existing laws and regulations rather than long-drawn discussions and deliberations to frame new ones will definitely help in taking up the issue and acting on it earlier than later and without much further ado. Procrastinating on the issue will invite greater danger and destruction on the environment and our health. It would already be too late if the state government waits for the next World Wetlands Day to decide on a course of action.
Proclivity to pollute
126