Our beloved country, India is the country of Himalaya, Maa Ganga, and Dev Sanskriti. Here, religion is of utmost importance because our religious scriptures have answers to all pertinent questions. 

In the Bhagavad Gita, Lord Krishna says, “The visible forms of my nature are: Earth, Water, Fire, Air, Ether; the Mind, Reason, and the sense of ‘I’.” 

That means nature is God.

Therefore, this should always be our duty and supreme goal in life to keep nature clean. We must believe in the dictum-

‘Cleanliness is next to Godliness.’ 

‘स्वच्छता देवत्व के निकट है।

Now inscribe these five points in your heart and follow them passionately.

• I will not degrade the quality of air, soil, or water by unsuitable disposal of waste
• I will actively support programs that promote planting and nurturing trees
• I will leave no stone unturned to keep my surroundings clean
• I will strive with all my heart to make sustainable use of nature  
• I will respect the natural environment on which I depend

Today, on 2nd Dec, as the whole country is observing National Pollution Control Day, take a pledge to follow these points religiously.

Our country observes National Pollution Control Day in memory of the people who lost their precious lives in the tragic Bhopal Gas Tragedy of 1984. The key objectives of National Pollution Control Day are raising awareness about the increasing air pollution and educating people about how to control and manage industrial disasters. 

Concrete steps must be taken to fulfill these objectives.

1. Say No to Plastic

You can always refuse to use products like plastic bags, plastic cups, plastic utensils, and other stuff.  Let’s find a reusable option for all single-use plastic items, and it will make a big difference in our environment. Look around in your house and you will find various sustainable alternatives; use jute bags, cotton bags, and other home-made reusable containers.

Make a habit of carrying one such bag while going to the market for shopping. If every household develops this habit, it will bring a positive change in the environment.

 2. Promote Local Products and Be Vocal About it

While shopping, focus on buying locally grown products as local is the new global. And when you are promoting and buying local products, you are lowering the burden of transportation, handling, and packaging. This ultimately leads to a clean and sustainable environment.

Furthermore, for an economically independent India, we need to offer our total support to local businesses. Purchase products that are made in India, made for India and also for the world. These homegrown products shouldn’t just be bought but, also heavily promoted so that our country can become self-dependent.

3.Plant Trees

Ample greenery is necessary for the survival of human beings but unfortunately, industrialization has taken away our green spaces that help in keeping the environment clean. Start planting trees from today so that you can make green space a reality for the coming generations. Try your hand at gardening. Plant vegetables and herbs in your kitchen garden and use them. If you don’t have your own space, you can donate a tree in your area, to schools, colleges, and other organizations.

4. Develop Sustainable Transportation Habits

Take all steps to reduce your carbon footprint ominously. In cities, several protocols are introduced regularly to reduce pollution. We can follow them easily and it will solve the problem.  Travel by electric vehicles if possible. Also, since we are fighting the covid-19 pandemic, stay at home and avoid all non-essential travel.

5. Respect Mother Nature by Heart

Mother Nature is the key to a healthier, happier, and better tomorrow. Our top priority should be the protection of natural resources and that will be the ultimate veneration of mother earth.
Become mindful of issues related to the protection of the environment and be compassionate in your attitude while making choices in your day to day life.

Anyone can start their spiritual journey by understanding that, no matter what happens to human beings, no matter what happens to the world, Mother Nature will survive. She is the embodiment of eternity and strength beyond any human idea and philosophy. So, respect Mother Nature from the core of your heart and take this pledge to keep her clean and pollution-free always.
Blessings!