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During the last week two International
‘Days’ were observed – the first one was "Smokeless – Day"
and the second one was "World Environment Day".
In a way, both were related; the Nicotine – smoke
affect the lungs of the smoker as well as persons nearby who thus become ‘passive-
smokers’ and the environmental – pollution caused by the emission of carbon mono
– oxide from automobiles cause more deadly effects on people.
In a welcome measure, the Indian Railway authorities have
banned the selling of cigarettes and bidis in Railway stations. The ban has come into
immediate effect. The smoking inside railway compartments was banned long – back. But
it is not strictly adhered to most of the times. The ban on selling of cigarettes and
bidis also should not become only on paper. Railway police personnel should strictly
prevent the selling of cigarettes and bidis in ‘black’ by urchins.
By diverting the factory – effluents into rivers and
fields, some industries in Tamilnadu like tanneries and textile dyeing units cause
enormous damage to crops, fish and people. The law that stipulates that they should
construct effluent – treatment – plants is followed more in violation in
connivance with law- enforcing agencies like the Pollution – Control Board.
It is high time that this law is enforced strictly, lest
the future of rivers, fish and people would be irretrievably lost forever.
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