North East India comprising of 7 contiguous states also known as the Seven Sister States of India is the most unexplored and treasured paradise with a myriad of vibrating cultural diversity, tribal traditions, folksongs, mind-boggling music, folk dances, traditional practices and cuisines.

The dynamic land is often depicted as “mini India” set in the lap of Mother Nature where the sun scatters its first ray of light. It is called as the Land of Rising Sun. The heavenly abode is covered with snow-capped mountains, hills, sub-tropical forest, serene valleys with natural resources, flora and fauna and is inhabited by many major tribes and about a hundred sub-tribes with distinct languages, traditions and identities.

The sister states are developing at a fast pace in all aspects despite the challenges faced with the advent of modernity. It has traversed a long and arduous journey and has seen developments in road transportation, electrification, education, tourism, agriculture, horticulture, forestry, hydropower, herbal medicines and of course, human resources. The journey of a glorious future has begun with hopes, aspirations and optimism with the help of central and state government.

The people friendly and people centric state government under the dynamic, enthusiastic, and visionary leadership has embarked upon on a truly path-breaking and ambitious development project which symbolizes a unique example of ‘unity in diversity’.

"If you make cities more efficient, you make the world more sustainable."

Are we, the citizens, not responsible for the betterment of our own country?

The simplified definition is an act of simple living with high thinking and intent on not harming the environment and preventing as much harm from occurring to the environment. It is far beyond just good urban planning or stricter codes or just turning off lights or proper garbage recycling – it’s about changing the mindset of how we live.

Though none of the universally accepted definitions exists, the various goals include environmental impact per person, renewability, public transport, green spaces and recycling programs that are ambitious yet attainable if done with regular progress reports.

1) CLEAN TOWN

Swacch Bharat, the cleanliness drive program, Initiated by our Honourable Prime Minister, aims to make India clean by the 2nd of October 2019 marking the 150th birth anniversary of Bapu with the mantra of “NA GANDAGI KARENGE, NA KARNE DENGE” (neither litter nor let others litter) has evoked a massive change in the country’s outlook and citizen’s attitude.

“Sanitation is more important than independence. I will not let anyone walk through my mind with their dirty feet.” - Gandhiji

• Devote 100 hours per year (2 hours per week) to voluntary work for cleanliness following the path of Shri Narendra Modi and ensuring others devote too.
• Use of 'SWACHHATA' app, a GOI initiative and portals like The Digital India campaign, ‘mygov.in’ and Chai Pe Charcha for addressing the Civic-related issue using our smartphone.
• A mandatory Percentage of the city should be allotted for plantation.
• Bio-friendly mobile toilets should be made at important junctions like bus stops, parks and markets.
• Making education Smart through e-attendance, e-homework, e-syllabus targeting paper-free and bagless education.
• Schools should add Green Practices as a subject encouraging habits like planting trees, using Bicycles and motivating people regarding solid and liquid waste management.
• Bollywood’s initiative in the form of the movie named “Toilet” highlighting the problems of rural women due to open defecation is highly appreciated.

2) GO GREEN:

The dream of a ‘Green Prosperous India’ relies heavily on the focus on “education for sustainability and not about sustainability”.

• Environmental green initiatives and camps like “Each one, plant one”, CLEAN-India, Namami Ganga Plan, Rally for Rivers, and youth forums like Youth ki Awaz should be implemented.
• Organising events and intercollegiate competitions in schools and colleges with posters, slogans and informative skits to inform them in a more engaging way rather than through textbooks.
• Promotion of such events in social media and Raahgiri with observation of Earth Day and Environment Day.

3) SMARTER CONNECTIVITY:

Broader connectivity, social media, technology and instant communication have made the world a global village. This offers an accountable platform for sharing, identifying and challenging the existing powers and exposing the barriers to change.

• The government services like The Digital India campaign, and portals such as ‘mygov.in’, Chai Pe Charcha have helped educate the older generation.
• Smarter towns can help in developing smarter villages by e-services selling their Organic vegetables, handicrafts items (Veggie Cart).
• Building of free wifi hotspot places at multiple locations in the town.

4) SMART TRANSPORTATION SOLUTIONS:

Every citizen wants good quality, cheap, fast and pollution-free transportation.

• The sustainable public transportation system by city buses, trams and metro rails should use CNG in their vehicles.
• The public bicycle system that is easy to use yet very healthy should be encouraged.
• A stringent rule should be made to use public transport at least 3/4 days a week.
• Extra green credits and wages to employees using cycles or green bikes must be given.
• Implementation of road, rail and air connectivity in the state.

5) SMART WASTE MANAGEMENT

Every city generates a million of e-waste like discarded TVs, computers, Smartphones, batteries etc posing a threat to human health.

• Recycling and reusing in an eco-friendly way without harming our ecosystem should be established.
• Smart sorting techniques of Degradable, Recyclable and Totally Waste items to prevent time and cost.
• Gas supply should be supplied in pipelines and not cylinders.

6) SUSTAINABLE ENERGY RESOURCES:

The state government has identified the natural resources. So it is necessary to implement successful programmes to harness natural resources.

• The local government should target establishing solar panels in every household making solar energy as the chief source of energy.
• Solar Power Panels should replace Mobile telecom towers run by Diesel Generators and must be made far from Hospitals, Schools etc.
• Power supply cables should be made underground avoiding accidents, minimising space and reducing costs of installation and making the city look spacious and Wire-free.

7) AT THE INDIVIDUAL LEVEL: CHARITY BEGINS AT HOME

• Keeping own house and surroundings clean by using dustbins and planting trees around the house.
• Awareness regarding the use of toilets for defecation.
• Personal hygiene by hand washing and discouraging spitting.
• Donating extra food without wasting it.
• Avoiding non-biodegradable products or plastic.
• Using Public transportation.
• Teach Children about Cleanliness and Sanitation.

The citizens should be more willing and active to extend full cooperation to the state government.

"We have all resources at our disposal. With the coming up of road, rail, air and digital connectivity, the road ahead is open."

Together the citizens can do wonders.

Definitely, the forgotten northeast India can be transformed to a land of opportunities and it will become the most advanced state in the near future.

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