Keep Ludhiana "Clean & Green"

It is noble to desire helping those who are substantially less fortunate; however the reality of providing any direct assistance or relief is much more complicated and stressful. For me, there was the overwhelming realization that many of the people I came into contact with live in and amongst poverty. It is a way of life and part of the mindset of people, and prevalent on all levels. The blame can be laid on so many people, the government, global corporations, and even the impoverished individuals themselves. People with power and leverage need to re-evaluate how they conduct their business and re-assess the the quality of the laws they pass. Locals need practical tools, knowledge, and a new way of thinking in overcoming poverty.

After Delhi, our first brief stop was in the industrial city of Ludhiana, Punjab (see photos). Of anywhere I have traveled, Ludhiana had the worst pollution I have experienced. Most of my team members became sick within minutes of being there. It would be interesting to learn whether any environmental tests and research projects have been conducted there. Assemblywomen Rebecca Cohn, who was also on the trip, stressed the need of environmental agencies to examine the conditions of Ludhiana, a highly industrialized waste of a city. I would not be surprised if people start developing cancers or other sickness from what they are breathing in everyday. Very distressing.

There were a few signs that read, "Keep City Clean and Green." Perhaps that was an initiative taken by a local agency or the government, but it doesn't appear to have made any constructive difference. I visited Punjab in 1998, 2003 and now in 2006. Each time I have been privy to the worsening conditions of Ludhiana, and other cities in Punjab. I mention the pollution problem to various locals, and they always agree with the issue of pollution. However, they have no tools, education, or means to improve the conditions. They barely make it through the day to feed their families. Even if they are doing well financially, they have no clue as to environmental protections, safeguards, or what practical things can be done to prevent further degradation. They are powerless in a system that envelopes them, in a country with so many people, I do not think many locals feel they have a voice.

So what can be done? I think a lot of power is in the hands of the international community. The United Nations, global corporations, and environmental agencies need to team up and educate the governments and local people of developing countries like India. Even if such work is currently being done, it needs to be guaranteed on a larger scale. I feel for simple villagers who suffer at the expense of globalization and industrialization without any proper environmental safeguards.

During our short stop in Ludhiana, there was a constant veil of smog making it difficult to breathe. Ludhiana, October 18, 2006.