One of the question that lurks me quite often these days is, "what is the use of a house if we have not got a tolerable planet to put it on?"
For the concern of matter on the table, this planet, Earth, breathes on a much vast scale. We cannot imagine the powerful rhythms that this planet possess and ofcourse, we meagre humans do not possess the humility to try, for it has its own ways of giving it back to us, not to forget the pacing up natural disasters every now and then. We humans are merely the residents here for the blink of an eye. We should make our experience worthwhile here, for if are gone tomorrow, the Earth shall not miss us.
To place the above question on the fore-front, despite several climate conferences across countries, global pacts, protocols such as Montreal protocol, agreements such as Marrakesh Agreement signed all across the world by UNFCCC, UNDP, UNEP, etc, we cannot deny the fact that the world is largely being marred by the nuisances of pollution and its effects can be largely seen and felt, there being the invisible changes as well along the same line. Adams Ansel once said we need to fight our own government to save the environment. His words come to find the place in administration quite aptly to day we have headed ourselves into.
"Here is your country. Cherish these natural wonders, cherish the natural resources, cherish the history and romance as a sacred heritage, for your children and your children's children. Do not let selfish men or greedy interests skin your country of its beauty, its riches or its romance." - Theodore Roosevelt.
Theoodore Roosevelt has so well put it down that reminds of so many beautiful places, and when I turn to Delhi for its heritage, nature, conservation, nationalism, culture, history, richness, variations, environment, amongst several other richly features that make it unique site on the world map, recently has fallen down on several parameters making it one of the most polluted cities across the world.
It is envisaged in our Indian Constitution in Directive Principles of State Policy in Article 48A which states that protection and improvement of environment and safeguarding of Forests and Wildlife. Our environment contributes to the way we live our lives everyday - the people we connect to, the places we work, the air we breathe and even our over all perception of life as we know it. How well it has summed up and commented on our activities that we have become so accustomed to our routines, where we become ignorant of the environment we thrive in daily.
There are several measures that have been taken in Delhi by Delhi Government, along with several other agencies and organisations such as VODAFONE for the betterment of the citizens of Delhi and providing a cleaner and healthy environment for the citizens of Delhi.
Some of the measures which have seen a huge impact and which could see a huge impact if the norms are managed and practiced as we are #CelebratingSuper can be seen as:
Air Purifying Bus Shelters:
One of the leading organisation, Vodafone has come with an amazing effort to take the initiative of providing the city dwellers with the facility of Air- purifying bus shelters. The purpose behind this initiative has been to provide the people with non- polluted air during the waiting period for the bus. This effort has come in the light after the pollution level reached exorbitant heights.
DIGITAL Revolution with Wi-fi Bus Shelters:
An amazing initiative coming up in the times when the economy is on the verge and ways of largely becoming digitized and cash-less is that providing wi-fi shelter bus services in Delhi and NCR. This initiative is again the result of eminent individuals at Vodafone, where without any discrimination on that services being used by the customers, every customer is allowed to have access to data services for 20 minutes. This comes as a great effort in the times of DIGITAL REVOLUTION. This initiative reaps economic benefits at large.
GREEN Diwali:
With the recent ban of crackers in the city by the Supreme Court due to the alarming consequences of pollution levels, Vodafone came up with their another delighting initiative with the launch of the SUPER CRACKERS at their Vodafone stores which are filled with plant seeds. With the minimal efforts required from an individual's end, one can plant it and see it nurture right before them, convincingly a great measure for an eco-friendly effort of making the city clean and green.
The earth will not continue to offer its harvest, except with the seeds of faithful stewardship. We cannot say that we love the land, unless we take measures to make it lush green.
START-UP Revolution:
This is a welcome initiative for the young entrepreneurs who are often captured in the fear of appropriate funding for their start-ups. Assistance and aid provided in the incubation period is the best help which can come up for any upcoming business. Vodafone is bringing in a great revolution by providing these companies with its products for helping them establish their setup in hassle- free manner. Some startups such as OYO and Zomato can be seen as being enriched with the services being provided by Vodafone.
Wi-fi and Hotspot Zones:
With an aim of making Indian economy as digitised economy, Vodafone is stepping in by digitally connecting Delhi and NCR zones by providing hotspots installed in malls, hospitals, public places, markets, airport, etc. The poor people can benefit a lot out of this facility, where they can learn and make use of the services and pave the way for making India a digital and cashless state.
Sense Of Belonging:
This comes as a result of connectivity which brings to sense the belongingness and attachment. Here again Vodafone steps in and connects over half the population of Delhi with its superfast services which does an amazing work of binding, bonding and belonging. What more would an individual expect out from a place where one resides ? This is the reason Vodafone receives amazing response on customer appreciations aspect with the stats of 1/sec.
Effective Mass emission standards for vehicles:
The BHARAT STAGE-III/EURO Norms are being efficiently put in practice across the city with NCR being kept in account, where only the vehicles complying with these norms are being permitted around the city. Also, encouraging the use of cycles provided at several metro stations, CNG vehicles to reduce vehicular emissions, etc are some of the measures taken to prevent harmful emissions into the environment. It is important to educate the masses about the importance of health measures and environmental measures which need to be followed simultaneously in order to have both working efficiently to meet up the demands of the growing population.
Fuel Quality Enhancements:
The lead content fuels are being phased out from Delhi, with improved quality being provided to the citizens with low sulphur and benzene content which helps in bringing down the pollution levels. The improved quality of fuel would ensure proper functioning of vehicles as well as environment, both the units taken together. A city that destroys its air, destroys itself. We need to preserve the environment with the conservation techniques with forest and land management because forests are considered to be the lungs of the planet purifying the air and giving fresh strength to the people.
Mass Rapid Transport System:
This is one of the most effective transport system which the city has seen connecting rail-based transportation system with other modes of transport, by providing hygienic conditions, wi-fi hotspots for connectivity, air shelters, amongst lots of services.
Campaigns and awareness:
There are several public awareness campaigns being organised by NGO's and governmental organisations to raise social, economic, cultural and political consciousness among the masses to educate them about the better health standards, better environmental concerns, entrepreneurial opportunities, employment opportunities. For instance Swecha Campaign in Delhi.
While all these initiatives across the implementation process, there are programmes such as National Mission for Green India(NMGI), National Action Plan for Climate Change (NAPCC), Integrated Development and Conservation measures are phased out effectively with subsequent reporting on their progress. National Green Tribunal, an active working body in concern to the environment has been coming up with recommendations and measures for the betterment of the quality standards of the environment.
Along with the above measures, it must always be kept in mind that "Our Environment" is a lagacy, is a responsibility on our shoulders we need to pass on to future generations in a manner in which the coming generations would be appreciative of their fore-fathers.
For more details on the ventures of Vodafone, click on https://www.vodafone.in/home-delhi
