Pollution today has become a grave problem which is destroying the purity of the air, the seas and the land, and threatens the survival of living things. Man is a social animal and he has to fit into the society.
Pollution is the result of reckless science and technology. It is more visible in its various forms in the advanced societies of the West. It can be seen in the indiscriminate cultivation of land, the destruction of forests and in the extermination of active species. The massive use of pesticide and herbicides is poisoning the ecosystem of the earth. Industrial wastes and automotive emission represent a major and perhaps lasting hazard to life.
Pakistan has high rate of population growth. More mouths to feed compel increase in production and result in more and more industrialisation. All the factories give off smoke and gases as part of their normal operation and have a harmful effect of the fumes emanating from the industrial complex in its vicinity. When buildings have bad effects of pollution, what to think of human beings?
The confused roaring preys upon the nerves and robs the citizen of his basic right to rest and peace. Auto rickshaws, buses and trucks leaving dark trails of carbon monoxide are a common sight in the big cities of the country. Unfortunately, we have no noise abatement society or agency to curb such pollution.
The problem of pollution and other environmental hazards vexes the minds of thoughtful people. Time is ripe for the formulation of a new morality which would readjust our distorted nations about technology and industrialism. Man must establish and maintain a beneficial relationship with the rest of nature. All activities which pollute the earth or waste its resources must be curtailed. If we fail to accept a new morality, we are doomed to frustration.
SAMIA MALIK
Lahore
