Open Forum

New Delhi, 19 May 2010

RadioactivityDangers

NATIONAL E-WASTEPOLICY CRITICAL

By Syed Ali Mujtaba

The death of a person in New Delhi’s scrap market and hospitalisationof seven others has brought to the fore the dangers of radioactivity and theurgent need for a national e-waste management policy to avert any suchincidents in future. 

India, it is estimated generatesapproximately 1, 50,000 tonnes of e-waste every year. This is produced becausethe resurgent growth of the economy is dependent on electronic hardware forhousehold, industrial and office automation. However, the electronic hardwareis generatin

g electronic waste that has a huge potential to causeenormous harm to human health and environment. Therefore, a commitment to eco-responsibilityis the sine qua non for the society, economy and the environment.

E-waste is any broken or unwanted electronic applianceswhich include computers, entertainment electronics, mobile phones and otherelectronic items, that are discarded. The main reason why e-waste has become aglobal concern is because of the presence of toxic and hazardous substancessuch as lead, cadmium, mercury, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), arsenic barium,beryllium and brominated flame retardants etc.

In the absence of an effective method for collection ofe-waste and managing the hazardous constituents, some e-waste ends up at thescrap market, which then recycles them, using high polluting technologies. Someother e-waste is being disposed off in land fills resulting in highenvironmental risk and health hazards to both humans and animals.

Therefore, it’s imperative for an early formulation of anational e-waste policy that may clearly spell out the methods to safeguard anddispose off the toxic material. Such a policy should appropriately reflect theconcerns of the various stakeholders which include the end users-- we thepeople of India,as well as the views of the practitioners in the field, both in the organizedand the unorganized sector.

Taking a lead, the southern State of Tamil Nadu has recently unveiled acomprehensive Environmentally Sound Management (ESM) policy on e-waste. It triesto address issues pertaining to public health and environment that has growndue to the impact of the ‘ineffective and continuous disposal’ of e-waste. Thenew e-waste policy would have a single window facility to guide investors. Itwill educate both the public and officials concerned on how to avoid recyclingelectronic equipment more often, recommending changing only the component in anelectronic item.

The policy sets forth the position of the State governmenton e-waste management by identifying the roles and responsibilities of allstakeholders, including the public, in reducing the generation of e-waste andproviding a system for its collection, segregation and recycling. The policywould be implemented in a structured manner by detailing the action programmewith definite timelines, setting up a monitoring committee, promoting e-wasterecycling as a socially viable industry in the State and involving the smalland medium enterprises.

The State government, its IT department and the Tamil NaduPollution Control Board (TNPCB) are responsible for formulation andimplementation of the policy. The Board is vested with the responsibility of effectivelyimplementing it and laying down the requirements and procedures for a recycler.

The policy emphasizes the important role that the corporations,municipalities and panchayats, play in the collection of e-waste, especiallyfrom household and other end-users, and its segregation from other householdwaste. They will also have to send the collected waste to authorized collectioncentres or registered recyclers for recycling.

The necessity for e-waste policy arose because a surveycarried out by a non-governmental organization in the State revealed that the e-wasteproblem had assumed staggering proportions –over 21,810 tonnes of e-waste in2009 alone. The survey was based on the ‘market supply method’, in which fivecomponents like televisions, mobile phones, computers, washing machines andrefrigerator were taken into account.

Taking a cue from Tamil Nadu’s e-waste management, the Centreshould initiate a national policy for complete national level assessment,covering all the cities and all the sectors. Such base line study must envelopeinventories, existing technical and policy measures required for emergence ofnational e-waste policy and action plan for eco-friendly, economic e-wastemanagement. 

The study should also culminate in identifying potentiallyharmful substances and testing these for any adverse health and environmentaleffects for suggesting precautionary measures. This apart, the national policymay create a public-private participatory forum of decision-making, problem resolutionin e-waste management. This could be a Working Group comprising RegulatoryAgencies, NGOs, Industry Associations, experts etc. to keep pace with thetemporal and spatial changes in structure and content of e-waste. 

There is need for creation of a knowledge data base onanticipating the risks, ways of preventing and protecting from likely damageand safe and timely disposal of e-waste. The Government should promoteInformation, Education and Communication (IEC) activities in schools, colleges,industry etc. to enhance this knowledge. Additionally, it must create a database on best global practices and failure analyses for development anddeployment of efficacious e-waste management and disposal practices within thecountry.

The policy should device ways and means to encouragebeneficial reuse/recycling of e-waste, catalyzing business activities that use suchwaste. It should formulate and regulate occupational health safety norms for e-wasterecycling, now mainly confined to the informal sector. Besides, it shouldreview the trade policy and exim classification codes to plug the loopholes, whichare often being misused for cross-border dumping of e-waste into the country.  

Indeed, the national policy should insist on stringentenforcement against wanton infringement of the Basel convention and e-waste dumping bypreferring incarceration over monetary penalties for demonstrating deterrentimpact. The e-waste policy should foster partnership with manufacturers andretailers for recycling services by creating an enabling environment so asdispose e-waste scientifically at economic costs.

The policy should mandate sustained capacity building forindustrial e-waste handling for policy makers, managers, controllers andoperators. It should enhance consumer awareness regarding the potential threatto public health and environment by electronic products, if not disposedproperly. 

In fact, the policy should enforce labeling of all computermonitors, television sets and other household/industrial electronic devices fordeclaration of hazardous material content with a view to identifyingenvironmental hazards and ensuring proper material management and e-wastedisposal.

Importantly, the policy could announce incentives for growthof e-waste disposal agencies so that remediation of environmental damage,threats of irreversible loss and lack of scientific knowledge do not posehazardous to human health and environment. Simultaneously, as a proactive step, municipal bodies must be involvedin the disposal of e-waste lest it becomes too late for their intervention,should large handling volumes necessitate it.

In addition, the e-waste policy should consider gradualintroduction of enhanced producer responsibility into Indian process, practicesand procedures so that preventive accountability gains preponderance overpolluter immunity.

 Last but not the least, the Government should carve out aninclusive e-waste management policy, as for meeting the need for finding an“India Unique Solution”, that strikes a visionary balance between precepts andpraxis for sustainable management of e-waste. Such a policy alone can bring thedesired paradigm shift for our society, economy and the environment.—INFA

(Copyright,India News and Feature Alliance)

Open Forum

New Delhi, 3 June 2010

Hindutva Terrorism

RELOOK MAKKA MASJID CASE

By Syed Ali Mujtaba

With the arrest of some persons belonging to Hindu extremist organization for their involvement in the Malegoan Muslim graveyard bomb blast, the Samjutha Express train blast and the Ajmer Dargah blast, the ugly face of Hindutva terrorism has been unmasked. 

The probe into these blasts making some headway clearly points a pan India Hindu terror structure operating in the country, a fact so far the Government and we the people has refused to accept.    

In the series of these blasts targeting Muslims, there is also the case of the bomb blast that took place in Hyderabad at Makkah Masjid on 18th May 2007, but the investigation of this case has hardly made any breakthrough. The kin of the deceased are observing the third anniversary of the dead in the hope that the long arm of the State may one day reach the real conspirators and bring them to justice.    

The blast took place at the historic Makka Masjid located in the old city of Hyderabad, which left five Muslims praying in the mosque dead and scores  injured. Subsequently, those Muslims who were helping the blast victims to be taken to the hospitals were fired upon by the police that killed nine of them. The probe of these two incidents is gathering dust and no one is sure when the truth will come out in this case and when the guilty may be punished.

The Makkah Masjid blast is a unique case among all the blast cases in India. This is because the victim and suspect in this case both happen to be the Muslims. First the blast killed the innocent Muslims who were praying, which was followed by the police firing that killed those Muslims who were helping the blast victims reach hospitals.

There were more Muslims killed in police firing than in the bomb blast. Subsequently, in the name of investigation, the police targeted innocent Muslim youths arresting hundreds and harassing and torturing them. 

A fact-finding committee of civil liberties group comprising of some eminent citizens of Hyderabad probed the two incidents and came out with a report, which is worth considering for long-term national security purposes. The panel clearly stated that the blast was the handiwork of the extremist Hindutva forces and the firing was ordered by some anti-Muslim police officers within the rank and file of the State police.

The committee particularly mentions the name of the then additional commissioner of police, Rajiv Trivedi and inspector Ramchandran who played an important role in feeding the name of one Shahed Bilal, a Bangladeshi responsible for the blast. The report further says that some police officers were misguiding the investigation by registering two cases for a single offence, one for bombs that got exploded and another for those unexploded. They handed over the case of the exploded bombs to the CBI and kept the other case with themselves.

The committee also lampooned the print and electronic media, especially the regional press, the Telugu media that has played a negative role, publishing and telecasting false stories by depicting Muslim youths as terrorists in this case. In fact, within five minutes of the blast the electronic media drummed up the name of Shahed Bilal, citing reference of the officers. It further  reported that Bilal triggered the bomb from Bangladesh through his cell phone. As for the print media, it published the story that Bilal celebrated the blast by distributing sweets while sitting in Bangladesh.

Since then three years have elapsed and tragically there is absolutely no clue to the investigators who committed the blast at the Makkah Masjid. Initial suspicion fell on the Muslims and they were arrested and harassed. Subsequently, the court exonerated them from all the charges due to lack of  evidence.    

Here, it needs to be recalled that last year when Union Home Minister, PC Chidambaram, visited Hyderabad and was asked about the investigation into the Makkah Masjid blast case, he said the main accused, Shahed Bilal had died and the case has turned cold! Sadly, the statement reflects the commitment towards the issues of national security.

Well, now that it has been established that the Hindutva terrorists are active in the country, and had an explicit role in the Malegoan Muslim graveyard bomb blast, the Samjutha Express train blast, and the Ajmer Dargah blast, it is time the probe into the Makkah Masjid bomb blast be ordered afresh with new leads emerging from other such cases.

There is a growing feeling among a section of the society that the lethargic attitude of the investigators and their non-committal attitude to crack this case, has led to innocent persons being targeted as against the culprits, who are merrily roaming freely. This apart, it is being felt that the biggest conspiracy of the Hindutva terrorists is to make use of their sympathizers among the police personnel to serve their nefarious ends. These terrorists are posing the greatest threat to national security and if their activities are not checked now, like the Maoist, they may become uncontrollable.

Moreover, the police firing that took place immediately after the blast, the Andhra Pradesh Government had constituted the Bhaskar Rao commission to investigate the incident. Even after three years, the Commission has failed to submit its report. This shows the panel’s non-seriousness to lead an unbiased probe of the police firing and that its negligent attitude is shielding the guilty officers from being indicted.

Now when Hindutva terrorism has been exposed, there is an urgent need for handing over these two cases to the CBI. The investigating agency should  expose the real face of the Hindutva terror operatives and arrest them. The CBI should also investigate the nexus of Hindutva terrorists and some anti-Muslim police officers who had ordered firing on the armless people.

The investigation should in fact expose that there are many Hindutva sleeper cells in the country and suggest how to confront with such kind indoctrinated people who are on the prowl to kill and create mayhem in the country. 

Importantly, when the courts are exonerating Muslim youth arrested for the Makkah Masjid bomb blast, the Government should take stringent action against the police officers responsible for the illegal detention, harassment, torture and arrest of these innocent youth. Besides, the Government should clearly direct the police to stop labeling the Muslim community as terrorists once and for all.

It should also direct the police to stop terrorizing people in the name of red alert, checking on the roads, and all unnecessary actions in the Muslim-populated areas. Additionally, both the Government and the police should change their attitude towards the RSS and its allied outfits and keep a tab on the activities appropriately. 

The Bhaskar Rao Commission should be activated immediately and asked to submit its report within a time-frame. More so, at a time when the inland national security is under threat from different actors, and this new facet of Hindutva terrorism that is creeping into the body and soul of India is posing a grave danger to the country. An ostrich like attitude towards this fact, may likely to bleed India for times to come. –INFA

(Copyright, India News and Feature Alliance)

Political Diary

New Delhi, 5 June 2010

Congress, CPM ‘Left’ Cold

MAMATA MANTRA: YES WE CAN!

By Poonam I Kaushish

Political India was a mixed bag of colour hues last week. West Bengal was a sea of green as Trinamool swept a majority of the municipalities across the State. Its arch rival, the CPM was ‘red’ in the face over its defeat and in Delhi the Congress green with envy over ally Mamata’s “historic success”.

Predictably, stormy petrel Mamata is over the moon with her Daniel-like success, having demolished the ‘Reds’ in their municipal den. Her TMC emerged the biggest winner with 24, Left Front retained a mere 18 and Congress netted seven out of 81 across 16 districts in the State. In Kolkata alone it won 95 of the 141Municipal Corporation wards. Dubbing it a victory of ma-mati-manush she now demands pre-poning the Assembly elections slated early next year.

Questionably, what’s the big deal about a State civic poll? Everything. Importantly, Mamata has unveiled a new brand of politics. She has shown that if one has the courage of conviction, belief in a cause and single-minded pursuit nothing can stop one from achieving one’s goal – Yes We Can. Two, it is set to change the political equations between the Congress-Trinamool, within the UPA at the Centre. Three, it is being seen as a semi-final before the crucial final State poll lap in 2011. Wherein, it could be the beginning of the end of the road for the Left.

Like her or hate her, but Bengal’s stormy petrel has shown nothing is impossible. From a street fighter in the early 80’s and vanquished pugilist of the 2005 Assembly polls who took on the Left single-handed, Mamata has today emerged as the beacon of change. With sheer perseverance and shrewd manipulation Bengal’s tigress has turned the "one-woman party" into a vibrant alternative force in Bengal. A mass leader who usurped her arch rival’s strength, farmers and minorities, and beat them at their own game.

Riding the winds of political transformation, Mamata’s triumph is set to alter equations to her advantage vis- vis the Congress and within the UPA. Not only will her bargaining power go up but she may well arm-twist the Congress to give in to all her demands, even those unjustifiable, flimsy or unnecessary. Already the Centre has acceded to her request and ordered a CBI probe into the Jhargram train mishap despite the State Government’s opposition.

However, Mamata also knows that she cannot always dictate terms. The Trinamool too needs the Grand Dame of Politics on her side to ensure a clear victory in the 2011 Assembly polls. With the electorate giving a hung verdict in 32 municipalities the writing is on the wall. If the TMC and Congress had aligned and fought these municipalities they would have won.

Thus, Mamata would need to give up her gun-boat politics and tantrums, "In this election we had to fight against the ruling Party and three to four other forces," read Congress. Behave maturely, continue being part of the UPA, abide by the coalition dharma and agree to seat-sharing with the Congress in the State polls.

That the need for each other’s partnership was “mutual” was also clear from Mamata’s statement saying, “I am part of the UPA.” Indicating that her party would cobble up a majority in at least 23 of the 31 municipalities where there was a hung mandate. Her words of seeking "a broad alliance against CPM" also hinted towards a post-poll tie-up with Congress after the civic boards.

True, her blind opposition to the CPM has driven her yo-yo like to the BJP and Congress. But now she faces the biggest challenge in her career. She knows she has been walking a razor's edge in her headlong charge against the Left and it's time to make a few changes. With eyes set on the 2011 Assembly polls, Mamata needs to mend bridges with the industry without which it would be difficult to run the State smoothly. Along with going in for an image make-over: from a rabble-rousing Opposition to a dependable Party with a vision. Given that the civic polls are a barometer for people to gauge the worth of the Left and the TMC.

For the Congress, W Bengal is another wake-up call. Like Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu and Bihar it has failed to make inroads among the State’s electorate and has to play second fiddle to regional players. Already, Mamata has dared the Party to decide which team, CPM or TMC, it wanted to play for. Sonia needs to rein in her State satraps and make certain they don’t rub the mercurial leader the wrong way. They will have to learn to play second fiddle to the mercurial Didi. Not a few continue to treat Mamata as a junior, notwithstanding her stellar performance. Add to this, the TMC Chief is not an easy ally. Like her ilk, she is well versed in making national parties twirl to her tune.

For the first time after 32 long years the powerful Left has been pushed into a corner in Bengal. With the curtain ringing down on its rule over Kolkata’s municipalities. This third consecutive match-up is a clear indication that the political momentum is with Mamata and might sweep it off Writer’s Building. A serious and timely warning for it to tighten its belt, set its house in order or else be prepared to exit the State Government.

Prakash Karat and Co have only themselves to blame. Post the controversial land acquisition in Singur and Nandigram, which translated into a huge poll debacle for the Left Front in the 2009 Lok Sabha election down from 62 to 22 seats it did nothing to heal the scars. Instead of taking any development or industry-related steps, Karat turned a blind eye which further alienated them from the people.

Also, the Left has developed alarming cracks. Today, it is on a slippery slope in Kerala and its rein may end in the next State poll.  A defeat in Bengal would be a massive setback for a Party that defied the decline of Communism world-wide to command clout. Simultaneously, it can say sayonara to dreams of putting together an anti-NDA and anti-UPA Third Front. It brand equity as a viable option as an alliance partner stands considerably diluted. Be it regional parties or the Congress and BJP.

All eyes are on Mamata as a new political hope in Bengal. Will she emerge as a long-term political player in the State and Centre or will her temper, tantrums and capricious ways destroy her. She needs to remember: Its easy to reach the top but difficult to retain one’s numero uno status. She has to deliver the goods. Otherwise go. A long hard battle lies in store for her. Will she make her mark?

For Sonia-Rahul’s Congress, it needs to get its act together. Even as exit polls show him as the people’s choice as Prime Minister he has yet to earn his spurs .If the Congress wants to go it alone in the 2014 General Elections it’s going to be tough.

The Left should be gracious in its defeat, cut its losses, move aside and let Assembly election be advanced. It needs to learn from its mistakes and reinvent itself. If it continues it dogmatic ways it would not only be fooling itself but worse people who believe in it. After burning its electoral fingers in 2009-2010 can it afford another defeat at the hustings? It remains to be seen if the Red brigade sphinx-like rise from the ashes.

Undoubtedly, history will decide what lies in store, good or bad times. But at the moment, a change is what was needed the most. All have miles to go before one of them reaches the winning Red tape and asserts: Yes we can! INFA

(Copyright, India News and Feature Alliance)