KOCHI: Presently Haritha Kochi programme is just a ritual instead of being implemented with a vision. More concrete follow-up measures should be taken to keep the green campaigns going. In connection with the launch of Green Kochi campaign of the New Indian Express, journalist Leela Menon said that a lot needs to be done to make Kochi greener and cleaner.The Mayor should get things done rather than paying mere lip service. The authorities concerned should see to it that the saplings planted as part of any greening programme are maintained well. The plants on Shanmugham Road have withered and died for want of water. The trees that give shade near Boat Jetty are alive owing to the efforts taken by Justice Janaki Amma. The ‘kanikonna’ blooms please the eye and offer solace to the city, thanks to the initiative of former Mayor Dinesh Mani. Plans should be made to rear the saplings and protect them. People sans civic and aesthetic sense are seen skinning the barks of trees or nailing them to fix hoardings even as they seek them for shelter during rain and shine. In Kadavanthra I noticed that people have started planting coconuts on canal sides. This can be done in other areas as well. The authorities should ensure that they grow healthier. Saplings of trees should be planted on medians and nurtured well. The other major issue is waste disposal and treatment. Waste management measures should be given priority for any project to be taken up. Kochi does not have proper waste clearance, management and treatment methods, even for septic tank waste. The administration and local governing bodies are more keen on catering to industrial growth than on taking up environmental issues. If a tree or anything green comes in the way of development of industries they are sacrificed. The authorities are not concerned about conserving the existing green bodies. For example we campaigned so much for safeguarding Mangalavanam. I can still visualise the umpteen migratory birds that visited Mangalavanam years ago and their songs still ring in my ear. Their number is dwindling by the day. Mangalavanam is not even given the due recognition as a nature hot spot. Greening Kochi is the demand of the hour and the corporation should ensure that permits are given to buildings and apartments only after ensuring that eco-friendly measures are taken up - planting trees, waste management, rainwater harvesting and of course energy and fuel saving.
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