Urban aesthetics
What constitutes environmentalism? Is nature care about planting saplings, or something more?

By Meha Mathur
The magnum opus of post-independence history — India after Gandhi — had a rather upsetting thought in it. Its author Ramachandra Guha, a historian and an environmentalist, separates urban concern for environment from grass-root environmental issues. In spite of the fact that environment degradation is impacting the urban and the rural populace alike, why create this divide, I wondered.

But think harder and his point begins to make sense. Does he belittle the efforts of urbanites in keeping their spaces clean and green? I think not. The point he is driving at is different.

The difference that he is highlighting is one of approach, not of impact. This has set me thinking, what is environmentalism, and who qualifies for being on the right side of environmentalism?

Is it about tree-planting? Yes and no. Who wouldn’t like green spaces around one’s home? What’s wrong about aiming for locality after locality with shady trees soothing to your eyes and lungs? But then, planting a neem sapling in your street and at the same time possessing a fleet of cars doesn’t make sense, does it? Nor does it make sense that the trees have to adhere to your idea of beauty, your idea of landscaping, and hence endure brutal chopping and shaping.

Is it about cleanliness, hygiene and civic sense? Yes and no. Garbage-littered roads and public spaces with pan stains all over are an assault on our pride, and individuals and local groups working in this area are certainly contributing towards urban environment. But does it make sense that while finding the garbage heaps revolting, you are leaving a trail of discarded Uncle Chips and Ruffles packets, cold drink cans, gift wrappers, mineral water bottles, which is what the garbage heap is about?

Is it about having energy-efficient appliances? Again, yes and no. It’s nobody’s case that every drop of water is precious, that every bit of electricity must be wisely spent. And leaking taps at home and bulbs on in an empty classroom are a crime. As responsible citizens, we would be doing our duty by mending the tap and switching off the bulb. But are we grateful about the out-of-turn favours we city-dwellers are getting in the form of water and electricity? Or do we take these for granted?

Here’s the crux of environmentalism. Understanding the sacrifices that a majority of India is making to ensure ‘good living’ for us. Foregoing days of electricity so that we can study with lights on till 2.00 in the night. Foregoing a bath so that we can push the flush knob every time we go to the toilet. It’s also about being more actively involved at grassroots, than doing deeds of a responsible citizen. Of course, for the rural people, environment is about struggling for their bare sustenance and their right for resources.

I consider myself environment-conscious and feel strongly about the loss of green cover, the ever-expanding concrete cover, roads chocking on cars and the melting of glaciers. I feel as if a part of me is gone when a tree is chopped off. In fact, I love the lush wild patch of forest on my way to office, and am saddened that it’s slowly and steadily making way for manicured gardens. I am particular about economy with water, switch of the lamp when I don’t need it, make it a point to take a carry bag to green grocer so as not to bring polythene home, and never throw garbage on road. I hate summers because AC is imperative now.

Do these ideas and habits qualify me to be called an environment-sensitive person?

I wonder.