Political Economy Of Defecation

This is a video produced by CSEIndia.org. Several people in India were asked as to where their drinking water came from and where their waste went to.

I have lived in India for several years and in several places. Thinking about it, I have no idea where the waste went to. In fact, I have no idea where it goes today!

This kind of disconnect is not right.

Mailamma

"It is with great sorrow that we announce that Ms. Mailamma, the leader of the anti-Coca-Cola struggle in Plachimada in Kerala, passed away on January 6, 2007.

Mailamma was a central figure in the campaign to hold Coca-Cola accountable for water shortages and pollution in the area" via IndiaResource.org

I sincerely hope that her efforts bring about a positive change. Increase awareness on water issues and sustainability. Help create a sound public policy. And not get lost in petty politics. IndiaTogether has an excellent article here

"Why is the LDF keen to confine the legal arguments to medical issues, when clearly there are other considerations? The party isn't saying, but it is not to be forgotten that it was the previous LDF government which, in 1999, welcomed the Coke factory to Plachimada. Making political capital out of the CSE report but turning a blind eye to the core issues may have given the party an opportunity to appear energetic in its opposition to the bottling plants, but also quietly backtrack in court.
...

The task before the government is quite clear cut," says Brahmaputran, of the Plachimada Pathana Samithy. He wants loopholes in laws that govern the environment, water resources, and health to be plugged, and more importantly, he wants decisions that affect local communities in a big way to be made by them, not in the state capital or in New Delhi"

Water Water Water

The 2006 UN Human Development Report (HDR) , documents some really disturbing trends when it comes to water. This chart in particular.

India's military spending is several times higher compared to spending on water and sanitation. I can understand the need for security, but what is life without water ?

Read the entire report here

It goes without saying that the Indian government needs to set its priorities straight. Set up clear guidelines and regulations on civil and industrial water usage.

It is refreshing however to see that the private sector better understands the extent and urgency of the crisis. Dow Chemicals has created a $350 million water solutions business unit. GE Water is not far behind. Then there are several startups exploring the use of Nanotechnology & Solar Energy to provide cost effective desalination solutions. Check out NanoH2O , Seawater Greenhouse & Suncone (to name a few).

Here is a thought......What if cash rich companies like Coca Cola India, Pepsi India & others spent their money adopting these new technologies instead of bashing CSE ? What if they were to become leaders in water conservation and desalination? What if the Indian government adopted these technologies in its thermal power plants (the most water intensive industry).

Many ifs . A win win for all