Opinion - Letters to the Editor   

Quality of water

Sir, — The presence of pesticides and toxic residues right from mother's milk to the daily-consumed foodgrains and vegetables has been well established by NEERI and other research institutions. Already we are indulging in excessive dose of liberalisation where normal standards are violated. As you have rightly pointed out in your Editorial, `Enforce better standards' (Feb. 12), the reasons for the pesticide residues are not far to seek. The BIS decision to adopt European standards sounds whimsical and lacks conviction. Who wants to measure 0.1 micron that is a digit after seven zeros? Is it really necessary and possible? If possible, at what cost? We should be doubly cautious in adopting Western standards that are fixed as international norm just to promote outdated technology in the guise of technology transfer and WTO conditions. The Government should, instead, take effective steps to prevent contamination of water bodies and supply water to the thirsty millions.

B.K. Hari Prasad,
Mangalore

Printer friendly page  
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Opinion

News: Front Page | National | Southern States | Other States | International | Opinion | Business | Sport | Miscellaneous |
Advts: Classifieds | Employment | Obituary |

Stories in this Section

• A system under siege
• A blot on Africa
• Strategy for change
• Important precedents being set
• An enduring farce
• Victims of police
• War on Iraq
• BJP and Bangladesh
• Quality of water

Copyright © 2003, The Hindu. Republication or redissemination of the contents of this screen are expressly prohibited without the written consent of The Hindu