Keep the road, margins green

By converting the stretch of road from BTH to the High Court into a model road, the Kochi Corporation can set an example which can be replicated on other roads in the state also. Journalist K M Roy shares his views on the practical measures that can be adopted in connection with the Green Kochi Campaign organised by the City Express.The initiative is to highlight the idea that a ‘Green’ campaign should not be limited to planting of trees alone. The model road project must not only focus on the road but also on its surroundings. The footpaths on both sides of the stretch must be cleared and made usable for pedestrians. The footpaths should be clean and the lighting  proper.Innumerable tree-planting drives are of no use if the planted sapling are not protected. Instead, care should be taken to ensure that the existing trees on the sides of the stretch are protected. The roadside should be made greener by planting more saplings and protecting them. As an initial step, the advertisements and banners hung on them should be removed as well. The corporation should make sure that driving nails into trees, for whatever purposes, is stopped completely.The traffic police also plays an important role in this since it is their duty to make sure that traffic rules are followed strictly. This in turn will ensure fuel efficiency.  Moreover, the road should be maintained litter-free  always. Road sweeping machines can be employed for the purpose. Dustbins must be placed on  walkways to discourage pedestrians from throwing waste onto the pavement or the road. The whole area should be so clean that whoever passes through the area should realise the need for the rest of the world to look the same.