Tricity
Guest Column: A Tree, a Life Saved & the Green Signal We Ignored
The column reflects on how extensive debates on climate change, pollution and water scarcity in Chandigarh have not translated into concrete environmental action.
Guest column looks at how debates on global warming, air pollution and water scarcity in Chandigarh have not led to action to protect the environment.
The piece opens by noting that climate change, worsening air quality and a falling water table have become regular topics of conversation in classrooms, boardrooms and at dinner tables across the city. While experts outline the science behind rising temperatures, smoggy mornings and dwindling groundwater, citizens continue to discuss these issues without translating them into measurable steps.
The author points out that the same discourse has been repeated for years, with occasional tree‑planting drives or awareness campaigns that fade quickly. The hole in the ozone layer, once a headline‑making concern, now receives little public attention despite its long‑term implications for health and agriculture. In a city that prides itself on planned green spaces, the disconnect between talk and action remains evident.
If the “green signal” that should prompt decisive measures is ignored, the consequences could be severe for future generations. The column urges residents, policymakers and businesses to move beyond rhetorical debates and adopt concrete practices that reduce emissions, conserve water and restore ecological balance. Only then can the environment that sustains us be truly protected.
Source: Hindustan Times
