With ever increasing pollution levels, we are increasingly coming to the realization that the battle to combat pollution can never be fought alone. As we see the direct impact of pollution in the air we breathe and the water we drink, we have no option but to think of the small habit changes we can make to bring about changes in the environment.
While we are doing our bit for the atmosphere, how can we ensure that our neighbours do the same too? The Resident Welfare Association (RWA) can help. Being a local authority, run by people living in the same locality, RWAs can put in place some basic rules and play an active role in battling pollution. If you are active in the RWA, here are a few things you can immediately start for a cleaner, greener world.
Build a green belt
Making the environment pollution-free begins right in your own block.
Let us enlarge the definition of green to include places close to us such as our homes, workplaces, neighbourhood, etc.
The RWA can call volunteers and work with them to have a green belt throughout the society. At parks, along with the roads as well as in the garden outside homes, the RWA and residents can work together to make their little universes green.
Garbage treatment initiatives
Every year, India generates nearly 62 Lakh million tonnes of municipal solid waste. Most of these waste ends up in landfills.
Housing societies, as well as RWAs, can take initiatives to build sewage treatment plants. One sewage treatment plant in every society can drastically reduce the amount of garbage generation.
Improve soil by composting green waste
Instead of burning dry leaves and tree clippings, RWA can arrange for composting. Food scraps from the kitchen, along with vegetable and fruit peels, can also be sent for composting. This will not only reduce waste but will also help in creating manure that can improve the fertility of the soil.
Cap on number of cars per house
It’s your dream to own a car? Yes. To own several cars? Not so. Having multiple cars in a single house contributes to the noise and air pollution.
Your RWA can frame strict rules and a cap on the number of cars per house. This can vary based on the number of people living in a house. Any family breaking the cap will be liable for a penalty.
Taking care of empty houses
In most societies, property owners are responsible for keeping the sidewalk near their house clean and clear. However, the problem arises when a home is empty or unoccupied. People use the house and the area around it as a dump yard.
RWAs can ensure that empty plots of land are regularly cleaned by the owners, and impose strict fines on littering in the locality.
Strict rules against noise pollution
Combating noise pollution is also a very important step to make the neighbourhood pollution-free.
The RWA can impose strict rules against playing loud music post 10 PM at night. Designate certain days in the week as “No-Honking Day.”
Special awards for pollution-friendly homes
Just like strict rules and penalties are important, awarding someone who takes special measures in keeping the house, neighbourhood and surroundings clean is equally important.
The RWA can choose any special day, such as Independence Day, Diwali, or even the World Environment Day to facilitate a couple of pollution-friendly initiatives every year. This will keep the people motivated and inspire them to work towards making the locality they are living in green and glorious.
What do you feel? Has your local RWA been taking positive steps to reduce pollution?