'There Should be Strict Laws to Prevent Felling of Trees'
Ishan Dwivedi, 11
Son of environmentalist Padmavati Dwivedi and Satyajit Dwivedi, Director, Global Practice, Process Sensor and IOT SAS Institute.
Like mother, like son. Perhaps, this is what 11-year-old Ishan Dwivedi believes. So, when he starts speaking about the importance of planting trees in a city, it doesn’t come as a surprise. For Ishan is the son of renowned environmentalist Padmavati Dwivedi, the brain behind tree censuses in many South Delhi colonies.
Before we speak to Ishan, his mother sounds a warning. “Just because he is my son, don’t expect his answers to reflect my concerns for environment. His answers may surprise you,’’ she says. But it turns out that the fruit hasn’t fallen far from the tree. Ishan’s ideas about life and Smart Cities are clean, and green. “In a smart city, every house should have at least two trees in front of it, and there should be strict laws to prevent felling of trees,” the young gun says.
He says he loves forests, birds and animals, and feels sad when animals are ill-treated. The youngster also believes that poor people are not properly looked after in this city.
He likes playing with animals, especially with street dogs, and has befriended a few. He also loves going on cycle rides with his mother and firmly believes that “every house should have only one car”. There’s a non-green side to Ishan too. A football buff, he is a die-hard fan of Messi and Ronaldo, and wants to become a footballer someday. “Or maybe, a computer engineer,” he grins. And when he’s not busy with studies or football, Ishan reads the works of Ruskin Bond, and plays the tabla. That’s a smart way of handling so many things at such an early age!
What does Smart City mean to you?
It’s where technology is used so that there are no power-cuts. It should have a green cover, and must also have smooth roads.
Can Delhi become a Smart City?
Yes, when I become the CM.
Things you like about Delhi.
I like the greenery the city offers, and also the beautiful monuments. I like the stadium. Not just these, I like my school Mirambika and the Metro rides.
Things you don’t like about the city.
Air pollution is a big problem. I don’t like people cutting trees. Too many cars lead to pollution. Poor people are not cared for.
What would you do to improve the city if you were the Chief Minister?
I will ban plastic bags so that migratory birds and animals do not consume and die. I would also install a lot of cameras to stop thefts. I will also ensure that no houses have more than one car.