With environment protection, preservation of natural resources and need for sustainability gaining importance, some activists in the city have drawn up a sustainability commitment declaration.
They are now urging candidates contesting in the upcoming Legislative Assembly elections to sign the declaration. Sunil Sood, a sustainability activist who is behind this initiative, told The Hindu that over the past week or so, nearly 14 candidates had signed the commitment declaration.
Though most of the candidates who have signed it are from constituencies in Bengaluru, a few are from districts in north Karnataka and Mysuru, he said.
The idea for the declaration came about when activists who were working on different issues decided to club them under a single umbrella of sustainability.
“We are approaching candidates irrespective of their party affiliation with the commitment declaration and asking them to sign it. Though there are laws, they are not being implemented. We hope to remind the candidates of the role and duties of the MLA. We will follow it up with the candidates who win the polls and offer help to draw up an action plan for sustainability,” Mr. Sood added.
By signing the declaration, candidates commit to working towards an equal society, strict implementation of all existing laws and policies on air, water, land and forests and introduce newer laws to preserve the natural capital, promote transition from present unstable, unsustainable economy to green economy which is low carbon, resource efficient and inclusive, apart from taking help from all committed individuals without vested interests and organisations in reaching the goals. “Word on the sustainability commitment declaration has spread organically. With candidates realising that they can’t ignore the need for sustainability, we have been getting enquiries from candidates who are asking us to send them the declaration. This is clearly a step in the right direction,” added Mr. Sood.
