Editorial
Concern over industrial pollution
Action plan needed to contain it
IT is a matter of utmost concern that many industrial units in the country keep releasing toxic gas and chemicals into the environment to the peril of human health, crops and aquatic resources. What is supremely ironical is, while the owners of these industrial units as responsible citizens contribute significantly to the growth of the economy and generation of employment opportunities, they prefer to remain indifferent to the vital issue of environment pollution and the resulting damage to eco-system.
The countryside is dotted with mills and industries ranging from cement factories to brick kilns that are constantly releasing carbon dioxide, sulphur, ammonia, urea, dust particles in total violation of the laws of the land. It is common knowledge that these highly toxic substances are slowly destroying micro-organisms that are important for maintaining a balance in nature. We have already lost a large variety of life forms because of environment pollution and many more are on the verge of extinction.
It is time for the relevant ministries and departments to enforce anti-pollution laws, especially in the industrial field. It is at the time of issuing licences for industries that the applicants should commit themselves to stringent environmental criteria before they are authorised to set up units. Then, there should be oversight bodies to monitor their performance from time to time.
While industrialisation is necessary to boost our economy and create employment opportunity, it is equally essential that factory owners obey the laws and install protective measures of international standard. Industrialisation cannot happen at the cost of our agriculture, fishery, forests and animal and human health.
We strongly urge the new government to attach maximum importance to reviewing and revising the existing laws concerning protection of all sorts of flora, fauna and micro-organisms and go for their implementation without any let-up. If we do not protect and conserve our environment today, we shall leave nothing worthwhile for the posterity tomorrow.
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