Don’t
underestimate the importance of a cocktail party. Only friends have got
together, chances are they are in a jovial mood, well lubricated and in a mood
to discuss the problem the world is facing. As I walked in, there was a lively
debate on limiting the use of cars and how it would help in dealing with Climate
Change.
I
made one convert that evening. I met my friend again the next evening at the Dalrymple
Show at The Taj.
“I
took your advice,” he said. “It’s a Sunday so I did not start my car. I walked
to the market, a brisk walk, did my shopping, which was quite a handful so I
took a cycle rickshaw back home. Great fun! My transport costs for the whole
day was Rs 25.00. Had I started my car the cost would have been twenty times
that. To get here I hitched a ride with a friend. Will you please drop me home?”
he asked.
What
an incredibly sensible person!
I
was delighted to drop him home. Here was one very concerned citizen who may
have set a trend. He understood the implications and danger of what pollution
is all about.
Pollution
is not a technical issue that the Government is responsible for and that they
have to clean up YOUR mess.
I
don’t think the Indian car owner has fully comprehended the disaster that has
befallen us.
You,
the car owner, who goes to buy bread, butter and eggs in a 3 litre diesel engined
car, are responsible for this mess and
it is you who should help clean it up. Actually it is of great social concern
to you, and more important your children and children’s children.
I
must emphasize one point. The Government is not capable of cleaning up the mess
alone. The active participation of each individual, each car owner is a MUST.
Humanity
is in danger. I do not exaggerate. More on this later.
So
let us consider the wisdom of the ancients, “A drop at a time, fills the
ocean!”
‘Earth
Day’ is celebrated only once a year. Earth day should be every day. Did you
make a contribution? The Government radio has been blaring about making a
contribution to control the disastrous air pollution in Swatch Bharat.
All
top ten most polluted cities in the world are in India!
Eight
of them are in Punjab and Haryana!
In
days gone by there used to be a Day of Fasting (food). There was also a day for
‘Maun Vrat’ (No talk day).
How
about ‘No Car Start day!’Just once a week! It worked for one person, it can
work en masse.
However,
you can start making an immediate contribution as the Government suggests.
Switch
off your engine while waiting at a red light.
So,
ONE very important accomplishment. You are not polluting.
Two,
you are not consuming fuel.
Instant
relief to Mother Earth, the Government, yourself, your children and future
generations.
Here
is why. There are about 210 million cars on the roads in India.
If
each car saves ONE LITER a day, 210 million litters of fuel saved each day!
This
will not be a drop, it will be a bucket full to fill the ocean.
Some manufacturers of hybrid cars have this inbuilt mechanism. Stop at a red light, the engine cuts off. The light turns green, step on the accelerator, the engine starts, the car moves off.
