A global trend of rural-urban migration, besides changing the demographic profile, is putting extreme pressure on infrastructure availability of water and power, expenditure on health and the general quality of life.

The government and administration cannot cope with these environmental problems. A certain attitude has crept in where the civic agencies feel that their legitimate task is beyond their capabilities and they do whatever they can within their mandate and the resources available. They also have a hesitation in inviting outside intervention, for to them it is interference in their job and a reflection of their inability to deal with the situation.

It has become an established fact that environment improvement actions have to be seen in a holistic manner and the underlying premise is that "each one of us is responsible for the current state of environment in the country, and we cannot wait for someone else to solve it".

We have to ask ourselves what we can contribute for such a gigantic but essential task. An awareness has to be created right from the household level upwards to ensure that we bestow a healthy environment not only for ourselves but also for the sake of our future generations. To achieve such a climate, there is a requirement for networking, interactions with all stakeholders, joining hands and solving problems together.

CLEAN-India Programme is geared to fulfill this task by assessing the state of environment, creating awareness, taking positive action and propagating advocacy against environment polluting activities. It has been successful in targeting school children, encouraging them to find ways and means for catalysing environment ameliorative measures. Once the children are convinced, they will certainly ensure that their voices are heard and aspirations translated into action. They have a powerful voice and can influence communities to join in their efforts.

The programme has reached a take-off point. With funding expected in the near future, the network is planned for expansion to more towns in the states of U.P., M.P., South Indian states and in Maharashtra, Gujarat and Rajasthan. NGOs who had expressed their commitment for the programme are being contacted and their willingness is being obtained. They, in turn will be incorporating six local and six outstation schools from 5 to 6 neighbouring districts in the region. It is hoped that in due course all the district towns of the country will become part of this momentous exercise in environment campaign.

Over the last five years, Development Alternatives has gained immense experience in mobilising communities in assessing the environmental conditions and creating awareness. Implementation action is being carried out. A series of documents like manuals for NGOs, training workshops, water and air monitoring procedures, guide to solid waste management, tree plantation (including setting up of herb corners), medicinal plants and their use in traditional medicines and activity handbooks for partner schools, have all been prepared.

The first of its kind in the country, an interactive digital Water Quality Map of Delhi and surrounding areas has been prepared. This will be replicated for all the towns after collection of data every season and will be of great utility to the government, civic agencies and institutions. A digital air quality map will also be prepared.