Environment is Second Big Problem for Delhi

By Shilpi Aggarwal

Hey, Delhi congrats! It’s heartening to see that delhites are maturing up. We have finally started to wake up to the stark realities of deteriorating environment. Yesterday, I was watching the CNN-IBN’s State of the Environment show. And, it was appalling to see the results of their survey. Six metropolitans of India voted for environment as their second most problem beating sanitary and water, law and order, unemployment and even corruption. Unbelievable but yes, quite remarkable! And, when they were asked what they want for their cities – high rise buildings, luxury malls, or trees, 46% chose trees instead of cities. Still, Pretty high number!

Survey Poll indicated the growing concern for environment among urban India. It showed people care for and are willing to do something for the betterment of the environment.

But another aspect the show pointed toward is the gap between their concern and their lifestyle. It was shocking to see how people think when it comes to contribution to this alarming problem. 45% of people connect the problem of air pollution to the industries. They think the major contributor is the industries and their own vehicles come second. Majority are not aware that sewage from their homes goes to the rivers, contributing it in major way. More than 50% think their sewage go to Municipality drains. Undoubtedly, People are acutely feeling the heat of the people. But they are not connecting it to their lifestyle. Majority believes that only planting trees in a big way can solve the issue.

Although a guy came forward from Noida and admitted he takes bicycle to go to his office, he also made a point that many of his friends wants to do the same but unable to do so due to the lack of proper infrastructure. And, what was more heartening to see when a lady acknowledged that the environment is as important commodity as milk or petrol or any other. She was in fact ready to pay more for environment as well. There came a child whose family opts for public vehicles on weekdays and only take out car once a week for outing. Poll also shows the result that people don’t mind in using public transport given they are affordable, convenient, safe and high on comfort. And, the yes, it shows in the successful implementation of Metro project.

Yesterday’s CNN-IBN’s show was a clear picture of growing sense of Young Urban India towards the environment. Whereas the people of Europe and America vote for environment as an urgent social problem poorly, we in India have finally woke up to the call.