The Dark, Blue Sea

 JUST HAD TO POST IT!



There is a pleasure in the pathless woods,
There is a rapture on the lonely shore,
There is society where none intrudes,
By the deep sea, and music in its roar:
I love not man the less, but nature more,
From these our interviews, in which I steal
From all I may be, or have been before,
To mingle with the universe, and feel
What I can ne'er express, yet cannot all conceal.-

Roll on, thou deep and dark blue ocean-roll!
Ten thousand fleets sweep over thee in vain;
Man marks the earth with ruin-his control
Stops with the shore;-upon the watery plain
The wrecks are all thy deed, nor doth remain
A shadow of man's ravage, save his own,
When for a moment, like a drop of rain,
He sinks into thy depths with bubbling groan,
Without a grave, unknell'd, uncoffin'd, and unknown.

His steps are not upon thy paths-thy fields
Are not a spoil for him-thou dost arise
And shake him from thee; the vile strength he wields
For earth's destruction thou dost all despise,
Spurning him from thy bosom to the skies,
And send'st him, shivering in thy playful spray,
And howling, to his gods, where haply lies
His petty hope in some near port or bay,
And dashest him again to earth: there let him lay.

The armaments which thunderstrike the walls
Of rock-built cities, bidding nations quake,
And monarchs tremble in their capitals,
The oak leviathans, whose huge ribs make
Their clay creator the vain title take
Of lord of thee, and arbiter of war;
These are thy toys, and, as the snowy flake,
They melt into thy yeast of waves, which mar
Alike the armada's pride, or spoils of Trafalgar.

Thy shores are empires, changed in all save thee-
Assyria, Greece, Rome, Carthage, what are they?
Thy waters washed them power while they were free,
And many a tyrant since: their shores obey
The stranger, slave or savage; their decay
Has dried up realms to deserts:-not so thou,
Unchangeable, save to thy wild waves' play-
Time writes no wrinkle on thine azure brow-
Such as creation's dawn beheld, thou rollest now.

Thou glorious mirror, where the Almighty's form
Glasses itself in tempests; in all time
Calm or convulsed-in breeze, or gale, or storm,
Icing the pole, or in the torrid clime
Dark-heaving; boundless, endless and sublime-
The image of eternity-the throne
Of the invisible; even from out thy slime
The monsters of the deep are made; each zone
Obeys thee; thou goest forth, dread, fathomless, alone.

And I have loved thee, ocean! And my joy
Of youthful sports was on thy breast to be
Borne, like thy bubbles, onward: from a boy
I wanton'd with thy breakers-they to me
Were a delight; and if the freshening sea
Made them a terror-'twas a pleasing fear,
For I was as it were a child of thee,
And trusted to thy billows far and near,
And laid my hand upon thy mane - as I do here.
                                                                            — Lord George Gordon Byron

Mining for philanthropy?

‘There is enough for everyone’s need but not enough for everyone’s greed’. The Government seems to have reiterated the Gandhian philosophy by bringing in a provision through a draft mining  legislation that will restrict unregulated use of minerals. The provision is a plan to restrict concessions to companies that mine scarce resources.

This has been a result of the amendment to the Draft Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Bill, 2009, which happens to be a crosschecking manual. The Bill is likely to get a nod next week by the decision makers after due discussion and approval.

The bill, which aims to balance aspirations of both investors and project-affected persons, has already gone through marathon discussions in the last couple of years to evolve a consensus amidst divergent views from the Centre, states and the industry. Handique, Mines Minister has spearheaded a proposal in the bill that makes it mandatory for miners to share 26% of their profits with local people affected by such projects. The mining industry has strongly opposed the proposal.

Among other things, the draft legislation provides for a seamless transition among different mining licenses to ensure that investments made by companies are properly rewarded by way of grant of mineral lease. The draft legislation also provides for sharing of mining profits with project-affected people.

In case of a mine becoming non-functional or slipping into losses, the firm concerned should compensate affected people by paying an amount equal to the royalty given to the state government. The bill is said to replace the existing Mines and Mineral Development and Regulation Act (MMDR Act), 1957.

In lieu of better clarity on the legislation, the Coal Ministry also held discussions on the draft Mines and Minerals Bill, as the impact would be highest on Coal India, the country’s largest mining company. The key emphasis of the discussion has been on proposals with the government for clarity on the existing rehabilitation policy with proposed new proposals on profit sharing. The demand has been on managing rehabilitation activities to keep with job offers in the new proposal. The new legislation has also been viewed in light of the concerns over land acquisition norms.

According to the government, India’s total iron ore resources, the fourth largest in the world, are estimated at 23 billion tones. Of this, not a lot is available for mining and many connected with the mining industry say depletion of resources is increasing rapidly.

Travelogue

Its that time of the year again, when I wish to choose a life of anonymity and want to be known as energy-- neither by my name, nor caste, nor my sexual preferences, liking, or anything else.

For the same, like always, all I'd thought of was wearing a garb of no one hoping to be lost in a place of multitude. Usually, there used to be many thoughts in the arena of achieving this life of nobody (yes strange I am that when people wish to become somebody, I wish to be known as a nobody) and all I would do is lie in my bed waiting for days to pass and nights to set in where no light would flash on me from anywhere (not that I am a celebrity but even the minuscule acknowledgement of anything puts me in a discomfort for the fact that there would then come the viscous circle of desire=expectation=fear=unrest=not at peace with your ownself). Also the whole gamut of criticism and appreciation lands me in a discomfort for the fact that the two affect me or rather anyone and takes the person away from his/her original self.

So after much contemplation or rather trusting my impulsion and intuition, I'd thought about what I could do to break this chain, and so am choosing to do something which I have never done so heroically before-- write my own travelogue.

By far journey of life has been more of a roller coaster ride while small journeys to places with someone, for work or something else have been for a purpose. My travelogue this time is totally my own, without judgement of others, without anyone, just my own, without a purpose and without a destiny.

Yes, a few who I have told about it call it an adventure but to me its as important as food for life or air to breathe. The journey is my attempt to detach myself from the luring of the world for more, from good (according to them), from success (as they define), from moolah and materialism.

Life has always been living on the edge for me, be it at home, work or anywhere else. Struggling and juggling, as if these are the only two purpose GOD has sent me to this world for. With questions less concrete and answers not even remotely known, I am heading for Rajasthan (dun ask me why I chose it or more 'coz analysis of it is something I would not want to do at all.)

Heading to the places I have not seen or been before, people who I have never met or any kind of unfamiliarity does not scare me even a bit. Strangely I feel that I'm heading home...to where I belong...its a feeling less explicable

 I don't know where I belong but strangely feel that I would find all the answers to my life on this journey, feel that all the complexities that I am engtangled in my everyday life would become comprehensible.

I feel all that I long for in this so called self-fulfilled life that I am leading would be met on my journey to this not so far land....

All I have to is wait for the train to stop...

(The post was written on the 6th of Dec, 2010 and courageously published today!)

Let’s plant trees

With just fifteen days left for the grandeur “Commonwealth Games” to begin, its time we retrospect the ecology of Delhi that was disrupted in the drive for hosting the games for the ‘benefit for all’. The biggest hazard has come to the trees of Delhi. According to the Citizen’s charter by Department of forest in section A which gives details to ‘Felling and removal of trees anywhere in the National Capital Territory of Delhi’.

1. Permission to fell trees is regulated under provisions of Delhi Tree Preservation Act, 1994; a copy of the same may be obtained from the Government Printing Press.
2. If a private individual/company wants to fell tree/trees anywhere in Delhi owned by them an application, in Form 'B' has to be made to the Tree Officer, Dy. Conservator of Forests (South/Central/West) and to Conservator of Forests, Delhi. The forms are available with the nearest Forest Office. Licences to fell trees can be given only 1Ha. Area of Khasra No. and only 2 licences can be issued in a year in respect of one property. The permission for felling is deemed to have been granted if no reply is received from the Tree Officer within 60 days. The applications complete in all respect will only be entertained by Tree Officer.
3. After obtaining permission, the individual/Company should fell the trees within the time limit prescribed in the licences.
4. If any tree is causing danger to life and property, the owner of the land may fell the tree and report the fact within 24 hours and such intimation should be made in Form 'A'.
5. It is for each individual and Company to effectively protect all the trees growing in their areas.

Of the mileu of uprooting activities that Delhi denizens have observed so far, the only balming effect comes from the more stated less heard remedies suggested in the citizen’s charter which states, “a) If an individual/Company is not satisfied with the order passed by the Tree Officer regarding felling permission, he/Company may file an appeal with the (Appellate Authority), within 30 days from the date of order of Tree Officer. The Appellate Authority under the Delhi Preservation of Tree Act is Secretary ( Environment, Forest & Wildlife), Govt. of NCT of Delhi, Delhi Sachivalaya, New Delhi - 110 002.”

Planting trees in the densely populated city may be a tough drive in keeping with rapid urbanization and fast industrialization of the capital already attuned to these rapid changes. However, if urban planners look into finer detailing of the city, inflating the lung of the city-would not be a problem. Perhaps the best way to start with could be looking at plantation drives in other cities more green with similar problems like ours—be it the east or west! As for the citizens, each one plant one.

(For any complaints regarding felling or damaging the trees A Tree Help Line has been set up to attend any complaints including lopping at Phone No. 23378513.)

Cleanliness is next to Godliness

Its time again for trumpeting, masquerading, and shouting slogans imbued in spirituality for it’s the time for festivities— the time for Ganpati Utsav.

The moment is close to all our hearts for we celebrate again the homecoming of lord Ganesha-an embodiment of ‘shubh’ (good luck), to bestow his presence on the earth for all his devotees. Worshipped as goddess of wisdom, prosperity and good fortune the festival celebrates the birth of lord Ganesha.

But in the festivities, there is something pertinent that the human eye overlooks. Ever wondered where does Ganpati Bappa go after immersion? The stress is more on the tangible—the idol. After years of emphasis on the need to acknowledge environment friendly idol immersion there have been various protests by people on the same. The plea to ‘go green’ has come from environmentalists, scientists, and social welfare activists.

Some Facts:

To be able to choose the most appropriate ecosensitive solution it is important that we understand the environmental impacts of these pujas:

• The biggest environmental threat comes from idol immersion, which is generally made from Plaster of Paris, which pollutes the water bodies. Plaster of Paris is a calcium sulfate hemi-hydrate : (CaSO4, ½ H2O) derived from gypsum, a calcium sulfate dihydrate (CaSO4 , 2 H2O), by firing this mineral at relatively low temperature and then reducing it to powder. While idols made out of naturally occurring clay ( shaadu in Marathi) dissolve within hours of immersion in water, PoP idols may take anywhere between several months to years to fully dissolve. However, the Central Pollution Control Board issued guidelines for idol immersion on June 2010 which state in Section 2.1 (i) that ‘Idols should be made from natural materials as described in the holy scripts. Use of traditional clay for idol making rather than baked clay, plaster of paris, etc. may be encouraged, allowed and promoted.’

• Another source of water pollution comes from the paints that are used on the idols. In addition, when chemical paints are used to decorate the idols, these paints contain heavy metals such as mercury and lead, which seep into the water as the idol dissolves. The guideline again states in section 2.1 (ii) that ‘Painting of Idols should be discouraged. In case idols are to be painted, water soluble and nontoxic natural dyes should be used. Use of toxic and nonbiodegradable chemical dyes for painting idols should be strictly prohibited.’

• Noise pollution, traffic congestion, and increased consumerism without much emphasis on the environmental hazard cannot be ignored.

• The waste generated from the non-bioderadable accessories on the idol further add onto the list of pollutants.

In the same regard, Section 2.1 (iii) of the guidelines further suggests that ‘Worship material like flowers, vastras (clothes), decorating material (made of paper and plastic) etc. should be removed before immersion of idols. Biodegradable materials should be collected separately for recycling or composting. Non-biodegradable materials should be collected separately for disposal in sanitary landfills. Clothes may be sent to local orphan house(s).’ With only little emphasis on defining role of state pollution control boards and pollution control boards in section 3 (ii) that ‘SPCB/PCC shall help the local administration in preparing material for mass awareness for the purpose’, it seems that there is less emphasis on tools and types of public awareness medium adopted by the CPCB. 

Of these, some issues can be partially resolved by adopting eco-friendly options. Studies carried out to assess deterioration in water quality due to idol immersion reveal deterioration of water quality in respect of conductivity, bio-chemical oxygen demand and heavy metal concentration. In pursuance to the directions of the Bombay High Court, CPCB evolved the Guidelines for immersion of idols and other puja materials reaching in the water bodies during festival. The guidelines are good to begin with, but the biggest challenge lie in the actual implementation of these guidelines.

It is also the time to look forward to more such pujas of which the most popular being the Durga Puja in West Bengal. Hence, some possible solutions to the problem could be:

• Immersing the idol in a water tan constructed by the government, instead of directly into natural water bodies.
• Using only a natural clay idol and immersing it either in the tank or in a bucket of water at home.
• Reusing the same idol every year.
• If one is using a PoP idol, simply sprinkling a few drops of water on it as a symbolic immersion and donating the idol to be recycled for the following year.

Its time for festivities and happiness. Lets work towards making these occasions not only joyous and enjoyable for today but also tomorrow and times to come by little thought on what we sow in while we will reap tomorrow!

At the brink of basics

There is a common saying that promises are made to be broken. Much exemplary to the saying is the present scenario. Its that time of the year when all are geared up to augment and anticipate what would suit international audiences best or the reverse— what’s the best way to highlight a particular issue to the informed audiences globally. Raison d'être— the grandeur upcoming Commonwealth Games 2010((bad for commonhealth)) for which India has been awarded the prestige of hosting it vis-à-vis a platform for all to showcase what they’ve got irrespective of their sporty sides.




At a time when Delhi’s denizens have been pushed to act as hosts and tolerate the topsy turvy commonwealth planning, and are baffled with the city plans, there comes a question on actually how viable are these plans. If they are then do they even remotely meet civic and environment amenities for all? As per the plans laid down by the committee, the ‘The historic city of Delhi will look its best for visitors during the XIX Commonwealth Games 2010 Delhi. One of the legacies of the event will be that it will leave behind a city much more beautiful and charming than it currently is. The colonial city-centre and Delhi’s main shopping area, Connaught Place, has been given a new façade and is already experiencing resurgence. Rajpath, the main avenue in Lutyens’ Delhi, is being rejuvenated. The city’s monuments, an integral part of the rich heritage of Delhi’s past, are being cleaned and revitalised. New international standard signages and bus shelters will add to Delhi’s modern look as will new public conveniences such as call booths, shopping areas, etc.’



The first and foremost doubt that arises after juxtaposing what had been stated and what exists is on the mad race for ‘beautification’ of the city. If the city has been called a historic city it does not mean doing away with hawkers, old shops and places but a better management of the same with viable environment friendly options like placing dust bins at appropriate places, putting a fine on litter and so forth. All this will only add onto the splendour of the city.



City Infrastructure



With a vow for a dedicated metro line, twelve new flyovers and several bridges and under-bridges planned to improve road connectivity with the Games Villages, the sports venues, and within the city and road widening in constant progress and a total of 1,100 new low-floor, high-capacity air-conditioned buses which will ply on Delhi roads by 2010 to ease commuting, comes a question on the existing conditions for the inhabitants here.



The broadening of roads day in and day night exposes all to the dust pollution in a weather which is already humid enough to cause breathing problems. Also what level of pollution would it add to the city is another gray area. This is in coincidence with the doing away of rickshaws, which are a symbol both of the heritage of the city as well as the most environment friendly transport for commuting short distances.



Civic Services



The civic services of the plans say, ‘Delhi Jal Board is planning to augment water supply substantially by 2010. Two new initiatives have been undertaken to boost water supply from the current 670 million gallons per day (MGD) to 941 MGD. Plans are also underway to streamline Delhi’s solid waste management system. Twenty new hospitals will be functional by 2010 to enhance Delhi’s healthcare and medical infrastructure. Special trauma ambulances will be on call during the Games to provide immediate relief in cases of emergencies.’



What are the costs and how the water supply situation will be dealt with is murky. To add, the solid waste management system that has been proposed had seen no signs before commonwealth (needless to ask why) and till now there is still not much clarity on how would they do it and where all.



As per the Delhi government data, of 3133511 hospitals in Delhi (2001-2002) there are only 530 beds available (does not include observation beds). In such a scenario there comes a question if an addition of twenty new hospitals would increase the number of beds when its already too less for the Indian population.



Of all the preparations for the grand finale there is one simple question which comes from all sections, why did we not think of these things before for the people of the city and of whatever targe4ts have been set are we really going to achieve any? If yes, then when?

Truth alone triumphs

In adversaries lie opportunities! It’s been over eight years since Toxics Link began its struggle and protest against the pesticides use by bringing forth a report on the use of pesticides by farmers, which caused around 500 farmer deaths in the Warangal district of Andhra Pradesh.



Pesticide consumption in agriculture has been on the rise in the last 20 years in India. Pesticides are used extensively in crops such as cotton, paddy, chilies, horticulture, tobacco, etc. They are also used for public health purposes like vector control for diseases like malaria, dengue, and so forth. However, little attention had been given to their long-term impact on the environment and human beings. The situation was even graver when the report was published in 2002 stating facts.



The report investigated into the harmful effects of pesticides on farmers in the Warangal district of Andhra Pradesh and has been a collaborative effort of Toxics Link, Sarvodaya Youth Organisation, Centre for Resource Education, and Community Health Cell.



The catastrophe that occurred with the wide use of pesticides in the district might not be as high as the Union Carbide gas leakage issue in Bhopal but the gravity of the situation was same.



Just like any other oppressed-oppressor struggle, the issue too caught attention of Pesticides manufacturing company Crop Care Foundation, a consortium of pesticide manufacturing companies earlier known as Pesticides Associations of India, which compelled them to file a defamation case against all those who brought the information out in the public domain.



The fact-finding team consisted of representatives of diverse organizations that are deeply involved with agricultural issues in rural areas, sustainable development, environmental protection and related public health issues. This included representatives of Toxics Link (New Delhi), Community Health Cell (Bangalore) and Sarvodaya Youth Organization (Warangal).



After eight years of persistent struggle, on July 20th 2010, a two Judge bench of the Supreme Court of India quashed the criminal defamation case against 11 activists initiated by the Crop Care Federation (a consortium of pesticide manufacturing companies earlier known as Pesticides Associations of India) in the Magistrate Court of Warangal for publishing the report.



In its judgment, the Honorable Court observes, “The general tenor of the report indicates that the report meant to focus the harmful effects of exposure to pesticides. It is quite evident from the report that it was not meant to harm, hurt or defame any individual or the manufacturing company”.





This SLAPP (Strategic Lawsuit Against Public Participation) type litigation, brought upon by one section of pesticide industries, was filed in Warangal and the Warangal court had also issued non-bailable arrest warrants against some of the accused, in 2007, after Andhra Pradesh High Court had dismissed the appeal to quash the proceedings.



This is the first time that the Pesticide manufacturers, who have been filing many civil and criminal defamation cases against environmentalists, for speaking or writing on pesticides, have lost.



This month’s newsletter shares the happiness of the success with its readers.