As the Delhi smog continues, the media, the social media and the civil society is abuzz with its news. All blame the irresponsible governance, the increasing population and heavy industrialisation for the present situation. Some compare it to a scar on the Indian face.
The level of PM 2.5, tiny particles suspended in the air that intrude in lungs and cause fatality, hit a new peak of 999 micrograms per cubic meter — 40 times what is considered safe and beyond what the scale was designed to measure.
Now measures have been taken to tackle the situation. But times were not always on a firefighting mode in the capital city. There was an era where solutions were sought in such a way that problems did not arise.
Governance with a focus on clean environment and wildlife conservation in India dates back to the 3rd century BC during the time of Chandragupta Maurya and Ashoka. These rulers over Delhi prioritised clean air and water for its citizens.
After the Kalinga war, Ashoka realised the follies of violence and war, and adopted Buddhism. He swore by the path of Dhamma, and strictly followed the path of peace. His children were sent as ambassadors of goodwill to neighbouring countries. He installed edicts and pillars with messages of good conduct and right behaviour through the length and breadth of his empire. These also included the eco-friendly messages.
Ashokan edicts in the form of stone inscriptions held it a constitutional responsibility of the kingdom to keep checks on animal cruelty and environmental degradation. Ashoka believed that the state had a responsibility not just to protect and promote the welfare of its people but also its forests, wildlife and environment. Hunting certain species of wild animals was banned, forest and wild life reserves were established and cruelty to domestic and wild animals was prohibited.
While we may forge newer solutions, it is also pertinent to learn from lessons of History. The land of Indrapastha is engulfed in smog, and the answers may lie hidden in its past.
