About time climate-change mitigation became reality

This picture has been used for representational purpose

The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has asked the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) to come up with a policy to ensure natural water bodies are not polluted due to idol immersion. In a recent intra-body meeting with civic officials, a senior asked for suggestions to prevent pollution caused by materials immersed in the water, especially during the festive season.

A report in this paper quoted an anonymous official speaking about how they have been told to frame this policy. What is heartening is that there is a definite timeline given to the civic officials to come up with a viable policy so that it can be implemented for next year's Ganeshotsav. We have an example of the Board getting to work early, by giving our officials enough time to plan for this and then finally implement it in time for next year's festival.

This should be followed up and a viable policy formed and acted upon so that we see even more changes next year. Of late, there have been efforts to mitigate pollution with the accent on being eco-friendly. Pandals have also led heartening initiatives like blood donation, vaccine awareness, lauding Olympics champions, fostering social good.

Let us welcome such policies that are made for the larger good of the community and do our part in following them. Several times we have seen policies that have been formulated, but there is nothing post that, the situation remains at status quo. Now, there is enough time and opportunity for a practical, workable solution and also a good framework for implementation.

We have also had instances where the authorities themselves, some of them, claim to be unaware of any new policy or policy change. This too, should be tackled within the civic body, so that we do not have this ridiculous situation and confusion. More power to climate-change combat.