KOCHI: Representatives from all spheres of Kochi’s life, from environmentalists to town planners to elected representatives, human rights activists, and academicians came together under one roof for the ‘Green Kochi’ campaign on Monday.Many suggestions were pitched forth to strengthen and maintain Kochi’s green cover. Ramachandran Thekkedath,Vice-Chancellor of CUSAT, came up with a suggestion to set up a separate fund in the corporation specifically aimed at increasing the green cover. His point was augmented by councillor Gracy Joseph and former Mayor Mercy Williams, who said that under each councillor a certain percentage of funds should be kept aside for enhancing the green cover of the region. Minister K Babu promised that he would consider the request and that the projects could be undertaken with the participation of various stakeholders, including volunteers and business houses. Principal of Chinmaya Vidyalaya, Maya Mohan said such programmes could be undertaken with the involvement of school children. “One of the most effective ways to reach out to parents is through children,” she said. Creation of a status report to assess the environmental health of the city was another suggestion put forward. This would help in designing and planning the city effectively so that the green cover could be enhanced. It will also help us identify areas where green cover can be extended and construction can be done,” said environmental and social activist Geo Jose. He added green auditing is also needed. Growing vettiver on the banks of water bodies would help clean water and prevent soil erosion.Many expressed their skepticism over the maintenance of the green covers. Laws and mechanisms to fix responsibility on bodies and individuals to maintain the green cover and trees was a suggestion which came up time and again during the discussions. Taxing of buildings and properties based on their carbon footprints, action against the destruction of trees not only in public spaces but also private spaces. Apart from this several members brought out effective measures to improve the green cover, including planting of vetiver,bamboos, neem and other plants along public areas, including drains and beaches. The creation of a model road, rain water conservation etc were some of the other suggestions. Many in the panel also expressed their scepticism over the maintenance of these plants.
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