[dropcap]A[/dropcap]s we look back at the bygone years, there were many achievements, contentment or disappointments and flaws as well in our activities. These are all to be cherished. However, speaking in terms of global phenomena, inspite of all the achievements we had in the those years, those are the years when mankind, had done so much harm to the guiltless Mother Earth in our bid to fulfill our human dreams. As such, we have noted our past as rather disastrous years for mankind causing the drastic change in climatic conditions resulting to ecological imbalances. Now the impending threat ahead is – we are likely to face the consequence (of human greed). Now we are reeling under heat wave condition recording an above normal maximum temperature of 40.1 degrees Celsius in Guwahati on April 22, the highest in the last 15 years forcing people to remain indoors to avoid the sizzling heat. Regional Meteorology Centre sources said the 40.1°C temperature was due to westerly hot winds from the Gangetic plains in the lower atmosphere with no moisture feed from the Bay of Bengal to trigger rainfall. Guwahati had experienced such a temperature on April 17, 1999 recording the heat wave conditions of above 40°C maximum temperature and five degrees above when normal temperature at this time of the year is an average 31°C. With Guwahati, the mercury is rising in the Northeast region. It is only April now. Weather condition in Kohima upsurge to 29.7 °C while in Nagaland’s busy Dimapur, rises to 38 degrees Celsius on Tuesday and movement of people on the roads was also noticed to be much below normal with people preferring to remain indoors until needed to go out. The prevailing power cuts and unscheduled load-shedding in Dimapur is also adding to the woes of the people. In Manipur there is already news of drought-like conditions prevailing; water scarcity hitting Imphal valley. Even as the situation go unreported about the hills, it is likely that people in the hill stations are crying for water with streams and rivulets drying up. NE states are not receiving adequate power from the hydro power generating stations of Ranganadi, Kopili, Khandong, Doyang, Loktak and others due to low water level in the reservoirs creating a shortfall of about 275 MW. The worst is likely yet to come as we move towards this summer.As the climatic situation worsens day after day, what will be our immediate resolution? Do we allow our selfish dreams to override us again instead of first giving a thought to redeem and heal the ailing planet back to her normal state through our actions? These are serious questions posed before us – for the governments, NGOs and individuals. Every individual’s decision now, followed by actions towards redeeming the earth will not go in vain; for we are sure if the Mother Earth suffers, mankind and all the living things surviving on her lap would suffer too. It is paramount that we resolve to stop all actions that would further deteriorate the condition of ailing planet and make a more pleasant place to live in for all.
