Energy Brigade, a group of young volunteers determined to create awareness about energy conservation, started a two-week campaign recently to encourage Bangaloreans to use public transport. They distributed maps of the bus routes to people at various junctions, and will continue to do so in the next two weeks at Bangalore’s busiest locations.

“We don’t want it to be just a one-day attempt. We may even follow it up beyond two weeks,” said Briskesh Singh, organiser of Energy Brigade and climate campaigner with the Greenpeace. This was his initiative as Bangalore has been witnessing drastic weather changes, the traffic problem is getting worse and the air is getting increasingly polluted. The temperature this summer has increased by five degrees compared to the summers a decade ago.

Noted environmentalist Suresh Heblikar and film maker Master Kishan also actively participated in the programme. “It is a good attempt made, especially when the world is crying about global warming,” said Heblikar.

“The carrying capacity of Bangalore city is critically wounded.” The carrying capacity is seven lakhs and about 32 lakh vehicles run on Bangalore’s streets today, he added.

Singh suggests using buses to other means of public transport like auto rickshaws claiming it to be more convenient. “You don’t have to haggle with auto drivers who demand twice the fares even in broad daylight,” he said. Heblikar thinks rickshaws could be better means of public transport if they switch over to cleaner fuels.

Looking for solutions

Singh chose Bangalore’s youth as active members of Energy Brigade to phase out yesterday’s technology and look for newer solutions to the environmental hazards caused by the older generations. “Today’s generation is working for tomorrow’s energy revolution,” he said. Heblikar agreed saying the youth can cater best to the society as the elderly are resigned to the current lifestyle. Also, it is the youth that is majorly involved in driving vehicles and can be callous about conservation, he added.