Bangalore: “Let’s change Bangalore from a city of air conditioners to an air-conditioned city.” To convey this message to citizens, cricketer Javagal Srinath has joined Anil Kumble, Rahul Dravid and Robin Uthappa in spearheading Green Wicket, a campaign to make students more conscious about waste segregation, water conservation, saving energy and maintaining hygiene. It was launched by Karnataka State Pollution Control Board on March 4. According to Viji Karthikeyan, project nodal officer, KSPCB, the initiative is part of an Indo-German environmental project, GIZ. “We are covering schools in eight districts — Bangalore Urban, Bangalore Rural, Kolar, Chikkaballapur, Ramanagaram, Tumkur, Hassan and Bidar.’’ A brainchild of chief secretary Kaushik Mukherjee, the idea took shape when the dignitary was on a visit to Germany in 2012. In Freiburg, he saw a football stadium using solar panels and water harvesting as part of a project called Green Goal. He thought it could be replicated at the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) grounds. On November 2, 2013, during an India-Australia match, skipper MS Dhoni and his Australian counterpart George Bailey signed a bat supporting the Green Wicket programme. Anil Kumble, who was present on the occasion, backed the campaign along with Dravid, Srinath and Uthappa. “The hallmark of my bowling has been accuracy. I always knew if I litter the balls around, I will be taken to the cleaners. Similarly in life, I don’t litter. Manage your waste responsibly. KSCA has already started by installing a biogas plant to manage its organic waste. Control you flippers and renew the googlies. Segregate your waste and promote recycling’’, said Kumble in his message on waste segregation. KSPCB chairman Vaman Acharya said the Green Wicket programme will be taken up in government and governmentaided schools. TIMES VIEW Cricketers should be roundly applauded for putting their weight behind the green cause. With their mass appeal, their presence at such events will ensure that young people will at least listen to the message. By putting their brand power to good use in this manner speaks volumes of their commitment to their environment and their willingness to do their bit to ensure that there is widespread awareness of the eco-problems we face and the need for urgent action.