EARTH DAY: 22 APRIL

Earth Day Special

Virat Jolli: Earth Day is celebrated around the world for the protection and  preservation of Earth. It was Gaylord Nelson a US senator from Wisconsin who first gave the idea for commemorating Earth Day. Since 1970, Earth Day is being celebrated on 22nd April. From 1990s onward around 192 countries celebrate this day.

According to Earth Day Network, this year’s Earth Day is dedicated to spreading awareness about the pollution caused by plastic and the need to eventually end its use. 

                                                      "END PLASTIC POLLUTION"

The theme is quite relevant considering the impact of plastic pollution on our earth ecosystem. Plastic is a hydrocarbon polymer and is non biodegradable which make it persistent in our environment. 

Our own Delhi which is considered as heart of India is witnessing unprecedented plastic pollution. If you have been passing through Delhi streets, roads and drains you can easily find out plastic waste. 

If you live near West Delhi and pass through Punjabi Bagh, Ring Road just opposite to Rajdhani College of University Delhi, you will find a small drain. This small drain often overlook by people, but if you stand beside this drain you will notice flood of plastic bags along the drain. If you move further and reaches Najafgarh Drain, you will find mounds of plastic material with in the drain. This small drain present a story of plastic pollution in Delhi. 

Drain with plastic waste 

Black winged Stilt resting on plastic waste island in the middle of Najafgarh Drain

Red wettled Lapwing surrounded by plastic water in Najafgarh Drain

In another case, there is a road known as Britania Road which connect Rani Bagh (Market) with Britania Chowk. This road, passes through market area and on every Wednesday, Government permit to install Wednesday Market for locals. As a result the road is jammed and has heavy traffic. After the market, on the very next day if you visit the road, you will find head of plastic waste on road divider. I have noticed it twice. The road also has avenue plantation in middle of the road and these plants are surrounded by plastic bags.

Road divider covered with plastic waste

The two cases highlight the problem of plastic in Delhi. There are also many instances where you can find stray animals roaming on Delhi roads often feed on the waste further causing traffic jams. If you are a Delhites you may be well aware that this problem is present in almost every part of Delhi.

But the question is despite widespread plastic waste why Government unable to tackle the issue. Despite the fact that Delhi Government imposed ban on sale of plastic bags.  However you will easily find plastic bags in market and consumers too are more than happy to use these bags. Its durability, water proof and cost effectiveness make it a preferred choice for use in packaging and carry bags. The solution of it lies strict implementation of plastic ban alongwith sensitization of people for accepting plastic free life style. This behavior change require dissemination of knowledge that Plastic pollution poses risk to human health and earth ecosystem. 

Another reason which need special mention is regarding the management of solid waste, though Government has launched Swachch Bharat Abhiyan a largest ever program for making India clean but on the ground zero level you may notice things have not changed much and in some instances situation is even worse. The problem lies in the conflict between local bodies and State Government. Local bodies who manage solid waste, alleges that State Government should provide them bailout package for providing salaries to contractual staff employed by them, but State Government has their own view point. All this led to accumulation of plastic waste throughout Delhi. There are many protests and Dharna by local bodies workers regarding non payment of salaries. If Government is serious both at the Centre, State and Local level than this problem can be resolved amicably. 

Its known fact that plastic pollution is dangerous and can reduce the life span of living organisms. Therefore on this Earth Day lets pledge to "Say No To Plastic" to reduce our impact on Earth.