When in MIDC Hingna yesterday to take some pics for my forthcoming story, could not help being so impressed by the surviving flora of the industrial area. Majestic teak and peepal trees, towering above the sheds making them look puny. And a thought has been going through my mind since then - must every area of the state/ country get industrialized? Is THAT the ONLY way to progress?? If I had been the CM of the state when Nagpur and Vidarbha merged in to Maharashtra,I would have looked at it hard ( and lovingly) and thought what jungles, what greenery and how fertile the soil! Home to the tiger and many more animals - and birds. I will preserve this in all its natural beauty so it can be the green lungs for my otherwise industrialized state. I would encourage forrest based industries that would give occupation to the tribals who live in it.... set up a hub for tourism.... see that agriculturists get all the assistance and encouragement they need; make it a viable and profitable business so youngsters would feel proud to follow their parents into doing kheti. But instead, look at the huge mess Vidarbha is! No industry really to speak of but so many trees cut down in the name of setting up industrial estates. So much agricultural land acquired for more of the same..... their land and villages taken away in the name of progress villagers and farmers are encroaching on forrest land for living and livelihood - wild animals whose terrains have become eroded and disturbed are now straying into such villages and attacking the invading villagers. Where does this end? Once the balance of an eco system has been so violently disturbed how does one get it back?? And how does a power HUNGRY state ignore the vast coal deposits that sit under the forrests????????? If it is industries - and money! - vs, nature, we KNOW what wins! It is so unfair....after all do we, as parents expect ALL our children to follow the same profession - Do Engg and join factories?? Then why do we want every area of the state to follow the same blue print to progress and prosperity??
Posted on: Mon, 15 Dec 2014 05:17:59 +0000