We celebrate World’s Earth Day on April 22 to demonstrate support for environmental protection. On one end, constant research and innovation make it possible to produce various new products, but it is lagging behind in finding out ways and means to make environmentally friendly products as we see the amount of trash or waste generated by various products in increasing day by day and littering the roads.
Our planet earth is a unique planet. Its uniqueness lies in the fact that it is the only planet to support life. A balanced environment on earth is what makes the survival of species possible. Modern man has made great development in the fields of science and technology. Today, he is all ready to settle a living community on Mars. So, when even the planets of our solar system have not been able to escape the grasp of man’s advancing technology, can the environment on our own planet remain untouched?
It is said that trees are the pillars of life on earth. To purify the air and help to maintain the ecological balance on earth the survival of trees is a must. Forests are our wealth and means to our progress and prosperity. Man has been mercilessly for wood, fodder, and other domestic or industrial purposes. Deforestation also leads to pollution. Our growing population caused trees to be cut down to make space for cultivation and for constructing houses or for establishing industries for finding job opportunities. As a result, our forests disappeared and the atmosphere which was quite clean and clear has now become land for agriculture, river valley projects, roadways, railways, and other Industries. Cutting of trees leads to soil erosion which results in the formation of infertile wastelands on earth.
Humans are God’s most beautiful creation but now they are acting ugly by cutting down the friends of our environment trees. These trees maintain a balance in the ecosystem. Without trees, there would be no control over soil erosion, floods, droughts, pollutio, etc. The trees also maintain a balance between oxygen and carbon dioxide gases in the air. Besides these productive functions, trees have innumerable productive functions. They provide man with timber, fuel, pulp, gum, resin, rubber, fruits, nuts, etc. So, the trees are really very important. In a tropical country like India, 1/3rd of the land is under forest and it is time to maintain the growth of trees and report the damages caused to the trees.
To fulfil greed and selfish desire, we have disturbed the ecological balance. Our body is made up of five elements fire, water, earth, air, and ether. These very elements constitute the universe. Unless we take due care and protect the environment, we will be threatening our own health. The process of cleanliness begins from within. The purity of the soul is reflected in the face, and purity of thought should be translated to the purity of action. Ask what you can do before telling others what to do. The environment around oneself should be kept clean, starting from one’s own. Do not abuse the environment around you. It should be protected with great determination and perseverance. This responsibility rests with each and every one of us.
All of us desire to live in a conducive environment. “Cleanliness brings happiness,” says a proverb. If we keep our minds happy, our thoughts will be pure. The purity of thoughts will result in the purity of speech. This is, in turn, will result in the formation of clean habits. Clean habits will further good conduct. Good conduct is what ultimately matters. Just as nature adapts itself according to the varying seasons, man must also learn to live in unison with nature. God had blessed us with benevolent Mother Nature: magnificent mountain peaks peeping out from behind the clouds, adorned by rivulets, waterfalls and evergreen forests, the scent of the gentle breeze and soothing climate. Everyone around the world has been uniformly blessed by God when it comes to the partake of such wonders. Let every family pledge to plant at least one tree thereby strengthening the foundation of our motherland.
(The latter part will continue tomorrow.)
(The views expressed by the author in the article are his/her own.)
