Carbon Neutral Tamil Nadu by 2020?

Abdul Kalam, our ex-President has shared his dream of a carbon neutral Tamil Nadu by 2020.  This report, courtesy  of the newIE, highlights Kalam's proposal which consist of:

1. an increase in tree plantation in the state, 

Kalam said 100 million trees will absorb two billion kg of carbon dioxide and give to Tamil Nadu 1.4 billion kg of oxygen per year.

he said every litre of fossil fuel burnt contributes 2.7 kg of carbon dioxide- equivalent emissions. 

2. a reduction in fuel consumption by better town planning and infrastructure

He said that improper planning results in intra-city micro-migration and each city even one with a population of five million should be reorganised so that it comprises a city centre containing administrative, government and large corporate offices surrounded by satellite micro-cities with less than a million people each. 

he stressed on three aspects of urban planning which include mass transit like metros between micro city zones and all major locations, medium scale transport system,   besides provision of bicycling using exclusive bicycling lane like in Netherlands.Blaming transport sector for about 13 per cent of total emissions worldwide 

I agree with him , that much fuel burning can be saved by better infrastructure in India in general. As for being a carbon neutral state, it's going to require substantial reorganisation of our energy production industry as majority of electricity today in Tamil Nadu comes from coal powered stations.

In the words of the great man himself

I have always admired President Kalam for his style, his contribution to India's rocket program, his stature as an international statesman, but most profoundly for his magnanimous recognition of merit when he could have so easily taken the route of countless self-serving civil servants.  His recognition of merit, from the lowest order of the chain to the highest, regardless of gender, creed or religious belief, comes, I believe, from a deep belief of being born to serve India, I would even say to serve Mother India.   I summarise his attitude as "Ask not what India can do for you, but rather what you can do for India", which is the inspiration behind this blog's sub-heading above.

Dr. Kalam launched his own effort to combat corruption in India by appealing to the youth with the following question "What can I give to India?"  What a beautiful approach to the problem!

President Dr. Kalam in his inimitable style!