Nestled amidst the verdant tapestry of Delhi's Lodhi Garden, actor Aahana S Kumra embarked on a leisurely stroll on a sun-kissed afternoon, her spirit alight with the zeal of an ardent environmentalist. On the occasion of World Environment Day, she shared her unwavering passion for the great outdoors, her heart yearning for the preservation of our planet's precious ecosystems.
I've always been an advocate for nurturing our parks and surroundings. It's imperative that we encourage sustainable practices and foster a deep appreciation for our natural heritage, she asserted, her voice resonating with conviction. Venturing outdoors and immersing oneself in the rhythms of nature is an invaluable experience, reminding us of our interconnectedness with the environment.
Kumra's countenance clouded with concern as she lamented the state of her hometown, Mumbai, a city that seemed to have forsaken its environmental responsibilities. It pains me to witness the neglect of our footpaths and parks. This decline stems not only from governmental oversight but also from the apathy of its citizens. As responsible denizens, we must hold ourselves accountable for the preservation of our urban spaces, she implored.
Smaller cities in India often surpass Mumbai in terms of environmental stewardship. I yearn to explore my city on foot, but the rampant pollution, dilapidated footpaths, and treacherous roads render such endeavors perilous, lamented Kumra, a native of Lucknow.
Each year, World Environment Day unfolds under a specific theme, addressing pressing environmental challenges. This year's focus on land restoration, desertification, and drought resilience struck a deep chord with Kumra, who decried the rampant deforestation that has plagued our planet.
The relentless felling of trees, particularly in agricultural areas, has exacerbated environmental degradation. Our insatiable greed as humans is leading us down a perilous path toward desertification, depleting our land and water resources, she warned. We are mortgaging the future of our children by plundering our natural capital. Municipal authorities issue constant alerts about water scarcity, urging us to conserve this precious resource. These are stark reminders of the dire consequences of our actions.
In harmony with the theme of this year's Environment Day - 'Our land is our future, we must protect it' - Kumra implored everyone to assume responsibility and act with environmental consciousness. We must treat our land with the utmost care, recognizing it as the foundation of our existence. Our actions today will shape the destiny of future generations. It is imperative that we maintain a spotless environment, she emphasized.
I'm resolutely opposed to littering and public nuisance. Indiscriminate spitting and discarding waste on the streets are reprehensible acts that wreak havoc on our ecosystems. Such behaviors must be condemned, she declared.
Kumra believes that public figures have a moral obligation to leverage their influence for environmental advocacy. Rather than indulging in ostentatious displays, celebrities should prioritize promoting environmental sustainability. By raising awareness about responsible living, we can inspire others to adopt eco-conscious practices. It's not enough to confine ourselves to our vehicles, gyms, or film sets. We must actively engage with the public, spreading the message of environmental stewardship, she asserted.
Kumra, at the cusp of her fourth decade, embodies the spirit of an environmental guardian, her heart brimming with passion and her voice echoing the call for urgent action. She is a beacon of hope, reminding us that even in the face of adversity, the fight for our planet must continue unabated.
