When the last tree is cut down, the last fish
eaten, and the last stream poisoned, you will realize that you cannot eat
money.” - Native American saying. A quote by Richard Wilkinson explains
economic development as a development of more intensive ways to exploit the
natural environment. We hurt the environment in many ways than we could
possibly imagine. In the late 1980s when India was flush with a wave of
increased consciousness on environmental issues, government agencies too
exhibited bravado. The Indian Council of Medical Research, the premier body for
medical research in the country, launched a pioneering study that resulted in a
path breaking report in 1993. The nationwide study involved several ICMR labs
in the country, many universities and research bodies. The basic findings of
the report were startling and for conspiratorial reasons, the report was never
formally released. It however was accessed by a few environmental groups and
some journalists. Government did not acknowledge the report and the extent and
problem of food contamination in India. Resent controversy of ‘Maggi’ may strike real issues of food contamination.
Organic farming should not become a fad and restricted to the elite. There is
need for more effective Food and Safety Standards Authority and revisiting our
laws to plugs the gap to prevent contamination of food. Our production and
manufacturing processes have to be sanitized for betterment of health of people
and sustainable rhythmic economic development.
