At the Crossroads

You don't get to choose how you're going to die. Or when. You can only decide how you're going to live. Now. --Joan Baez When men and women agree,it is only in their conclusions;their reasons are always different

Thursday, August 03, 2006

Yeh Dil Maange No More!!

The debate that is currently gripping the nation is whether the production of pepsi and coke be banned completely.The issue is defenitely controversial and throws light on a lot of other related and unnoticed issues.With large amount of money invested in the manufacture and endorsements and also the kind of employment it generates,i would rather suggest alternatives than support the imposition of a ban.The row over this issue in the parliament clearly indicates that most of the politicians are very much in favour of the ban.From what i have understood,the problem is not with the drink,but with the water that is being utilised for the manufacture of these drinks.The manufacturing units are located near vast agricultural fields.The fertilizers used for the crops seep through the soil and reach the groundwater,thereby contaminating it.The water is utilized for the manufacture of these drinks.When the root of the problem is identified,its more advisable to find a solution to it rather than get rid of the problem.Its very unfortunate indeed.

I am against the ban for several reasons.Lets take a look at the statistics.Its obvious that not more than 3 to 4 % of India's population can afford to sip cola or pepsi.Another very obvious and unfortuante thing is that 100% of india's population consumes water and about 70% of it consumes the same contaminated water thats used for the making of the drinks.So if the government plans to ban the biggies,its gonna be a huge loss for the country.Instead it must formulate plans to set up recycling plants to purify the contaminated water.I guess everyone must agree with me that the ban is not going to help,unless the govenment takes significant measures to eliminate the problem. Every life is precious and hence the safety of the users must be of paramount importance.Ban on the drinks will stop their manufacturing and distribution,but how can one stop people from consuming contaminated water.The media must look into this matter and must insist the govenment to deal with this issue in the most appropriate manner.
At the Crossroads