February 2012

‘Wounded Earth’

 The earth is facing innumerable damages, thanks to human profligacy. India which was blessed with nature’s abound resources has been no different. With excessive mining, deforestation, concrete jungles and unsound eco policies, India’s green cover and its fauna are diminishing with each passing day. It is time we, as aware citizens stand up to this destruction and save our forests and rivers from greedy corporates and corrupt politicians, or else, our natural resources will disappear in no time. We owe at least this to our next generation.

In the February issue on ‘Environment’ prominent environmentalists have contributed thought-provoking articles that force us to pause and think about human profligacy that is wounding our planet. We hope our readers like this issue and will do their bit in protecting the environment and saving the Earth from further damage.

In the lead article ‘Stop human profligacy!’ eminent environmentalist and the Editor of Sanctuary magazine, Bittu Sahgal, whose work today revolves around saving the tigers and the forests of India, highlights some of the most dangerous threats to the planet from homo sapiens and calls us to protect and restore our eco systems. “The planet is forcing us to pause, contemplate our actions and then alter human ambitions, laws and social mores to bring them in line with nature's laws. As we debate the issues, nature will neither sit on the sidelines nor judge us, it will simply deliver consequences”, cautions Sahgal. But is anybody listening?

Climate change is not a problem of present deeds but of past contributions. The world has run out of atmospheric space ­­­­- and time. Will the rich, who contributed to emissions in the past and still take up an unfair share of this space, reduce emissions? Or will emerging countries be told to take over the burden? In Equity-the next frontier in climate talks, Sunita Narain, noted environmentalist, editor-publisher of the fortnightly magazine Down to Earth and also the director general of the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE), throws light on this big question, in the light of the recently concluded climate change conference in Durban.

Mindless mining has only led to people losing their land, access to livelihood and cultural identity. Unfulfilled promises and cash paybacks cannot restore ecological landscapes, notwithstanding The Draft Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Bill, 2011, writes Kanchi Kohli, in ‘What lies beneath’. Kohli works and writes on environment, forest, and biodiversity governance issues. In her writing, she seeks to explore the interface between industrialisation and its impacts on both local communities and ecosystems.

In ‘A thoughtless nuclear path’, Dr. A. Gopalakrishnan, former Chairman, Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB), Government of India, flays the government’s decision to import nuclear reactors as a “mad programme” that should be abandoned immediately. He calls for a thorough debate on the Nuclear Power Policy in Parliament with energy specialists and a re-look at the overall energy policy of our country. Dr. Gopalakrishnan was also Chairman of the 15-nation IAEA Drafting Committee for the International Convention on Nuclear Safety (1994). Since 2003, he is an Honorary Professor, Energy & Security, at the Administrative Staff College of India, Hyderabad.

Hospitals can contribute to a healthy planet by adopting good waste management practices, starting with segregation of the waste, writes Anu Agrawal, Senior Programme Co-ordinator with Toxics Link, a Delhi based environment NGO in the article ‘The challenge of bio-medical waste’. She has been working on Medical Waste Management and Mercury issues for last 13 years. She has researched and authored many books and articles on these issues.

Genetically modified (GM) crop production has increased pesticide use, made Indian farmers slaves of these products and unleashed an ecological disaster In GM crops and BRAI Bill – A bitter harvest, Sridhar Radhakrishnan warns that the GM crops and the proposed BRAI Bill will soon mark the end of desi seeds, safe food and food security. The writer is the National Convener of the Coalition for a GM-Free India, a large platform of over 300 organisations across the country advocating towards a safe, secure food and agriculture system free of GM crops and other toxic materials. He is also currently Programme Director of Thanal, a public interest research, advocacy and campaign organisation, in Kerala. 

Renew the world, renew yourself – In the article, Narasimhan Santhanam, Cofounder and Director, EAI (www.eai.in), one of the leading Indian research and intelligence firms focused on renewable energy and clean technology, writes besides reducing carbon emissions in the atmosphere significantly and building a greener earth, there are exciting job opportunities for the youth in the field of renewable energy. Santhanam has co-authored over 15 reports in the fields of second and third generation biofuels, biomass power and solar PV power plants. He has also cofounded CleanTick (www.cleantick.com), a global online community for renewable energy and cleantech professionals.

Our General section focuses on FDI in agriculture. In FDI in Retail – Danger signals for the Indian Economy, Sachin Kumar Jain, Social Researcher, Food rights activist, who also works as State Advisor to the Supreme Court Commissioners in Right to Food Case, warns that the proposed FDI policy will pose serious challenges for our country, impoverishing our culinary culture, impairing the physical and mental health of our people, compromising the independence of our farmers, endangering our economic system and jeopardizing the livelihood of 4.5 crore Indians.

Book Review - Senior journalist P. K. Ravindranath reviews the book LOKPAL: Facts and Arguments, by Parsa Venkateshwar Rao Jr., published by Har-Anand Publications.

Know India Better features the historic monuments of Bijapur, also known as Rome of the East.  Md. Masarrath Ali Khan, freelance travel writer, takes us through the historic town of Bijapur located 530 kms from Bangalore, which beckons the visitor to bask in the architectural glory of its uncountable opulent palaces, mausoleums and gardens. These heritage buildings and ruins are scattered almost all over the town, so much so that one encounters a monument at almost every step.

Great Indians – OIOP pays tribute to three different personalities who had one thing in common – passion for work.

Dev Anand (1923-2011), A legend then, and always – the star whose swaying walk and crooked smile became his trademark. Dev was a man who lived life to the fullest. At an age when people retire, he made films. He will forever remain ‘the handsome romantic hero’ for all his fans. Profiled by Deepa Gahlot, Mumbai-based film and theatre critic

Satyadev Dubey (1936-2011), The enfant terrible of Indian theatre – In 50 years he did an average of two plays a year, his last being as recently as 2009. Satyadev Dubey was a name synonymous with theatre. Working with him was not just a learning experience to new actors but a cherishing experience forever. There will never be another maverick talent like him. Profiled by Shanta Gokhale, well-known theatre critic

 

Captain Hanifuddin VR C (1974-1999), Captain Courage – It was his unwavering courage that helped Indian Army retain the Turtok sector, strategically the most crucial feature in the 1999 conflict. Despite being wounded, Captain Hanifuddin stayed on to give covering fire and fought till his last breath. By Brig Suresh Chandra Sharma (retd)

In addition, read our regular columns on Economy, Rural Affairs, Culture, Vedic Mathematics and Satire. Our Young Readers’ section has a collection of interesting tidbits from all over the world.

Call Nagesh Bangera, Subscription-in-charge, OIOP, to get a copy now! Call 022 – 2353 44 00 or email to oiopsub@fouressindia.com