Auroville, the experimental township in Tamil Nadu, India, was established with a vision of human unity and sustainability. However, in recent years, the concept of sustainability in Auroville has been challenged due to the encroachment of common resources and assets by a few individuals.
The commons in Auroville, which include public spaces, community facilities, and natural resources, are essential for the sustainable functioning of the township. However, some individuals have taken over these resources for personal use, leading to depletion and degradation of these resources. This is detrimental to the vision of Auroville, which is based on the principle of sharing and collaboration.
Moreover, the depletion of resources is not just a matter of ecological concern. It also has social and economic implications. Auroville’s economy is largely based on sustainable practices such as organic farming, alternative energy, and handicrafts. However, the encroachment of resources by a few individuals has led to a situation where the majority of Aurovillians do not have access to these resources, impacting their livelihoods.
In order to maintain the sustainability of Auroville, it is essential to uncroach the commons and resources. This requires a collective effort by the Auroville community to reclaim these resources and ensure that they are used for the benefit of all. This can be achieved through the implementation of policies and guidelines that prioritize the common good over individual interests.
One way to achieve this is by setting up community-led committees to oversee the use of common resources. These committees can be responsible for monitoring the usage of resources and ensuring that they are being used in a sustainable and equitable manner. This can also help to foster a sense of collective responsibility and ownership among the Auroville community.
Additionally, it is essential to raise awareness about the importance of sustainability and the need to uncroach the commons and resources. This can be achieved through various initiatives such as workshops, seminars, and awareness campaigns. By educating the Auroville community about the importance of sustainability and the negative impact of encroaching common resources, we can foster a culture of sustainability and collaboration.
In conclusion, sustainability is at the heart of Auroville’s vision of human unity. However, the encroachment of commons and resources by a few individuals is a threat to this vision. It is essential that we take action to uncroach these resources and ensure that they are used for the benefit of all. This requires a collective effort by the Auroville community to prioritize the common good over individual interests. By doing so, we can ensure the sustainability of Auroville and its vision for a better world.
