Destroying nature in the name of development
Destroying nature in the name of development
Today development is synonymous to the construction of more houses, prisons, hospitals, roads and commercial buildings. This is considered as economic progress, though the disparity between the rich and the poor either remains the same or keeps on enlarging. Where once there was lush green vegetation or sugarcane fields enhancing the freshness of the environment and atmosphere and at the same time contributing to the ecosystem, now there are concrete jungles.
All this is being done in the name of progress - to create wealth and jobs. So far, so good. However, how many of us have time to think about the harm that is being done to the habitat of animals and us human beings? We want to have a good rainfall, fresh air to breathe, be less stressed, have enough space so as not to feel suffocated or overcrowded, be free from noise and other forms of pollution, don't we? No, I don't think we do. With an ever-increasing population, we are losing something immensely precious - green space, pure air, silence, undisturbed ecological system.
Politicians and all those who are at the helm of power don't want to tell people that population growth is one among the major problems of our so-called modern society. Our earth has enough space for a certain number of people only. An increase in population has a domino effect. It leads to an increase in almost everything that does not help us live a sane life. For instance, there is an increase in CO2 because more fossil fuels are burnt, and its effect on global warming is not unknown. Our waste products are constantly increasing and these have a negative impact on our underground water flow, plants, animals and human beings. A gentleman wrote in one of the editions of Samedi Plus, "For the last 50 years, our population has been growing to such an extent that today, we are among the most densely populated country in the world."
I would like to put one question to those who have power in their hands. To what extent and till when are they going to allow, encourage and supervise the destruction of our habitat in the name of development? What do they want to make of our paradise island - a Hong Kong, a New York or still a Singapore? Why do they want to make every part of the island like Port Louis or Dubai - concrete jungles? Don't you think it is absolutely important to have flowers and trees wherever we have concrete structures, be it in government, commercial or other public areas? Are we going to destroy nature at the same pace of an increasing population? Our island is tiny and the population is continuing to increase. Have we decided to convert the island a concrete jungle?
Our environment is supposed to be predominated by green space, not by concrete structures, but what do we see? The exact opposite. Many people may not be aware, but scientists are working towards the robotisation of human beings. This is no exaggeration. Already robots as sexual partners have been conceived and built. Robots will not only have sexual, but also love relationships. To get an idea of what I am talking, just read David Levy's book, 'Love and Sex with Robots', and also 'The Singularity is Near' by Ray Kurzweil and 'Our Molecular Future' by Douglas Mulhall.
Surrounded by inert matter and engulfed by a dangerously evolving technology, man has lost his soul. I wonder whether we can still use the term human being. Yet it is not too late. I make an appeal to our government to remedy the situation soon. My proposal is that we plant as many trees and flower-plants in every nook and cranny where we have a little space. This will have positive impact on our brain and eyes, and thus reduce stress to some extent. The atmosphere will be more pleasant and healthy; therefore there will be a reduction in aggressive behaviour. I am of opinion that a too compact or compressed environment in terms of concrete leads to both stress and aggressive behaviour.
Finally, my hope is that material development does not jeopardise sane emotional, mental and spiritual development. Contemplation, meditation, music or poetry is triggered by nature, its beauty and wonders. Let us therefore give everyone a chance by creating a healthy atmosphere to develop those qualities.
To what extent and till when are they going to allow, encourage and supervise the destruction of our habitat in the name of development?
