Novel ideas to create environment-friendly green belt in Patna

Patna, June 26 (UNI) As the threat of global warming looms large over the world, threatening an environmental disaster, a city-based environmentalist cum painter has claimed to have developed an idea to minimise its effects.

Distressed at the random destruction of nature and cutting of trees in the name of creating space for industrial growth across the country, 72-year-old retired government employee cum painter Kripa Saran has chalked out a plan on how to set up a ''green belt'' in and around the city to make it not only cooler but also environment friendly.

Speaking to UNI about his dream, Mr Saran, however, regretted the ''apathetic and unconcerned attitude of the state administration as well as the Patna Municipal Corporation'' towards implementing his ideas, aimed at benefitting the general public.

''I have already drawn up a master plan with every detail about the necessity of planting of how many tress of what types and where to give a totally new look to the city which is otherwise considered to be one of the most congested and unplanned cities of the country'',Mr Saran said.

''Besides converting it as one of the most beautiful cities,my ideas could also make Patna as one of the best environment friendly city in the world,'' Mr Saran claimed and hoped that this in turn would attract a large number of tourists and visitors from across the country and the globe ensuring more income to the state exchequer.

Referring to the urgent need for the conservation of water and the necessity of re-cycling it during scarcity, particularly in summer when the temperature of Patna city goes up to as high as 45 degrees Celsius, Mr Saran showed a model of such conservation in the courtyard of his three storied home and tried to prove that without wasting a drop, even the dirty water could be reused for the purpose of watering trees and creating small fountains at will.

''I have also tried to depict my ideas through my paintings and have them put in display all around my house,'' he said adding that ''though the Lalit Kala Academy had acknowledged my efforts by organising a number of exhibitions in several cities including Patna and New Delhi,no government agency or any organisation has so far evinced interest to implement my ideas of beautifying the city besides making it environment friendly''.

Asked whether he had formally approached any government department or the Chief Minister and sought their cooperation and financial backing in translating his dream into reality, Mr Saran replied in the negative, saying it was upto the posterity to judge his ability and desire to contribute for the betterment of the society through eco-friendly measures.

UNI