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Roads from plastic waste
This has reference to S.S. Verma’s article “Roads from plastic waste” (Science & Technology Page, The Tribune, June 23). The article is not only informative to the common man but also a challenge to the government for ensuring eco-friendly disposal of the plastic waste and to those who are championing the cause of environment.M/s
K.K. Poly-flex and the engineers team of R.V. College of Engineering, Bangalore, deserve compliments for developing the appropriate technology for utilising carry bags, plastic cups, bottles, etc in the construction of roads. These add to the strength and almost double the life of the roads with nominal extra cost. Today we find railway lines, roads, drains and irrigation systems throughout the country littered with non-biodegradable plastic material. This is a big environment and health hazard. The eco-friendly disposal of plastic waste needs immediate attention of the Centre and the states. More trials of this technology are a must in all the states and Union Territories. If found feasible, adoption of this technique should be made mandatory. Dr C.M. KAPOOR, Chandigarh
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Harmful soft drinksIf soft drinks like Coco Cola and Pepsi are bad for health because of the presence of pesticides, as reported by the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE), why is the government not banning them? The CSE reported three years ago about the harmful effect of these soft drinks. However, the government kept mum. Strangely, the Joint Parliamentary Committee’s recommendations have not yet been implemented. If pesticides adversely affect the human brain, the government should take prompt action against the soft drink manufacturers. M.L. SINHA, Banga Rare gestureLalit Mohan’s report, “From constable to multi-millionaire” (July 29) covering Mr Lajpat Rai Mungar’s successful mission reminds me of Sir Walter Scot’s poem My Native Land. Even though he settled in the US since 1966, Mr Mungar continues to keep in touch with his native place and motherland. Very recently, Mr Mungar has donated a well-equipped Rs 20-crore building complex to Panjab University for housing the Institute of Information Technology at Bajwara village on the Hoshairpur-Una road in Punjab. Society salutes him for his rare gesture and will always remain indebted to people like him. T.L. SHARMA, Nangal Township Regulate chemicalsI refer to
Mr D.P. Misra’s response (July 29) to Mr H.K. Parwana’s article “Chemical onslaught on human life”. The excessive use of chemicals and pesticides has caused irrevocable damage to our land and natural resources. Our air is too polluted, ground water is contaminated, farm land is loaded with poisonous chemicals. The use of chemicals and fertilisers has been neutralising our gains over leading a healthy and decease free life. In countries like Japan and the US, the use of chemicals in the production of agriculture, foods, gasoline, paints, detergents etc. is highly regulated. In the US, if a product or service causes any harm or injury, the manufacturer is sued for damages. In India, there are all kinds of anti-pollution laws, but there is hardly any enforcement. Gas stations authorised to do emission tests on automobiles issue clean certificates irrespective of the negative test results. In the US, wastes like used car batteries, tires, paints, fused bulbs,
refrigerants, oils, industrial wastes etc. are considered toxic and thus not allowed to be disposed off with non-toxic wastes. Obviously, these would contaminate the underground resources. It is time the use of chemicals was regulated strictly. SUBHASH C. CHAUDHRY,
Indianapolis (USA)
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