No truck with strike
TRUCKS are back on the road in full strength after six confused days. Luckily the common man escaped with minor inconveniences and thank God, goods did not vanish from shop shelves and prices did not go through the roof.

For peaceful papal visit
THE Union government has at last broken its mysterious silence on the anti-Pope agitation across the country by members of the Sangh organisations.

PROMISES AND PERFORMANCE
Missing ingredients of good governance
by Hari Jaisingh
MR ATAL Behari Vajpayee has started his new innings as Prime Minister on a positive note and in right earnest. In public perception, he stands taller than ever before. The people look to him as an elder statesman in whose hands the country’s interests are seen to be safe.

Good dictators, bad dictators!
by V. Gangadhar
IN London, even as the local courts had okayed the extradition of former Chilean dictator Gen Augustus Pinochet to Spain, the 81-year-old tyrant, whose government had ordered the killing of thousands of innocent civilians, had found unexpected support.

For a life after retirement
By Joginder Singh
IT is a natural weakness of human beings that we want everybody to be cast in the mould of our thoughts and scheme of things. Human nature is also susceptible to self-justification. There is nothing unnatural in believing what we say is based on experience, scriptures and the laws.

Impact of receding glaciers
By Bharat Dogra
RECENT research has revealed that several Himalayan glaciers are receding at an alarming rate. Infact in the case of some glaciers the recorded rate is so high that if such a trend is maintained then some glaciers may be almost completely lost within the next four to five decades.

75 Years Ago

October 29, 1924
The No-tax Campaign in Baroda
THE action of the Baroda Government in reviewing the settlement operations in Petland Taluka where a no-tax campaign was in progress as a protest against those operations, and in deputing the Revenue Commissioner of the State and other responsible officers to go minutely into the allegations and complaints of the landholders with a view to rectifying all errors, is not only highly commendable in itself, but is an excellent example both to other Indian States and to the British Government itself.

No truck with strike

TRUCKS are back on the road in full strength after six confused days. Luckily the common man escaped with minor inconveniences and thank God, goods did not vanish from shop shelves and prices did not go through the roof. The early collapse of the strike has saved the governments, both at the Centre and in the states, from considerable embarrassment and loss of political support. It is tempting for Delhi to claim credit for striking a tough stance, not rolling back the diesel price increase and also insulating the people from man-made misery. A closer look suggests that such a claim is unjustified. The strike petered out not merely because the government was firm but also because of serious organisational weaknesses of the strikers. True, diesel will continue to sell at the higher price but taxes and other increases announced recently will go. Revenue-raising measures which were not in the limelight were quietly withdrawn even while the strike leaders were talked into rolling back their action. Also, the strike offered an excellent opportunity to goad the transport companies, who dominate the All India Motor Transport Congress, and trucking companies to restructure the whole system of goods movement. The lowly truck plays a key role in lubricating the economic engine and in spurring growth where ever other factors are favourable. The government has a stake in modernising road transport. The place to start this long-delayed reform is to lean on the big transport operators who own very few trucks but monopolise the sector with their clout with bulk movers. And public sector undertakings are some of the bulk movers. The government should help smaller contractors and even individual vehicle owners to go into independent operation. That way these two groups, who own around 85 per cent of all trucks, will develop a direct stake and that can be a lever to drive out unlicenced or untrained drivers who are real road killers.

The strike triggered by a steep 40 per cent increase in the price of diesel did not generate any debate on the faulty regulation of this vital fuel source. An expert has calculated that the landed cost of a litre of diesel today is barely Rs 6.50 after the increase. But it is retailed at more than Rs 14 a litre. The difference is because of the various taxes, levies and the road development cess of Re 1. Import duty alone is 30 per cent and when the government lays claim to generosity by saying that it has hiked the price only by 40 per cent as against a 110 per cent increase in international prices, it is telling only half the truth. Import duty is on the list price and that means the revenue from diesel has shot up by 110 per cent or the duty now is more than 60 per cent calculated at the old rate. This is a huge windfall and there has been no mention of it by anyone. Plainly put, the impression that the Petroleum Ministry is absorbing 70 per cent of the rise in international prices is pretty dubious. Also, as the expert pointedly asks, is it wise to tax so important an intermediate as diesel at a time when inflationary pressure threatens to return? For too long price rise has been low and the cycle should start whirring again. Two, diesel is one commodity whose entire price rise — and a bit more — will be borne by the last consumer, in most cases he who cannot take on more burden. And, three, the government should review the policy of overpricing petrol to subsidise kerosene and cooking gas. Are the real beneficiaries and those intended by the government the same? Is its calculation of the subsidy content of cooking gas accurate or slipshod? All those who stand by economic reform with a human face should focus on these issues highlighted by the truck strike.

For peaceful papal visit

THE Union government has at last broken its mysterious silence on the anti-Pope agitation across the country by members of the Sangh organisations. The silence was broken only after the Opposition raised the issue in the two Houses of Parliament. There was also some pressure from non-BJP constituents of the National Democratic Alliance, including the Trinamool Congress and the Telugu Desam Party, against the Sangh-sponsored demand that Pope John Paul II during his visit to India from November 5 should apologise for the alleged forced conversions of Hindus to the Christian faith. Responding to the criticism of the government's apparent indifference to the anti-Pope agitation, formally launched from Goa on October 20, Union Home Minister L. K. Advani stopped short of blaming the Vishwa Hindu Parishad, the Rashtriya Swayam Sewak Sangh and the Bajrang Dal for the resultant tension. He merely expressed displeasure over the burning of the Pope's effigies by some VHP activists. Thereafter, he said what anyone in his position ought to have said on the issue of maintaining law and order during the state visit of the Head of the Vatican.Surprisingly it was the statement of External Affairs Minister Jaswant Singh on the subject in the Rajya Sabha which provoked the Opposition into staging a walkout. When his attention was drawn to the demand for an apology from the head of the Catholic church for the allegedly forced conversions in India the Minister chose not to give a straight answer. Instead, he unnecessarily went into the larger issue of Christian values and said that "repentance was a part of Christian ethics". Another related development provided some clue to the BJP not having abandoned its two-track policy of appearing to "distance" itself from certain non-secular activities of the Sangh organisations without actually restraining them from indulging in the acts likely to cause communal tension in the country.

How else should the charge of BJP spokesman Venkaiah Naidu against the Opposition parties be interpreted? Instead of criticising the anti-Pope campaign, he blamed the Opposition for playing vote-bank politics. The Sangh Parivar, has declared war on the Pope's visit and Mr Naidu has the temerity to accuse the Opposition of trying to politicise the issue! As an important member of the Sangh Parivar the BJP would have to do better than to blame the Opposition for the dangerous "war games" of religious intolerance the VHP-RSS-Bajrang Dal is playing in the name of protecting "Hindu honour". The latest issue of The Organiser has published a special article on the papal visit which has the potential of raising the volatile communal temperature to dangerous levels. Stung by the thoughtless and hurtful reference to the Pope as a promoter of "churchianity" the Christian clergy has already given enough indications that if necessary it was prepared to strike back. The Archbishop of Delhi, Rev Alan de Lastic, is holding a Press conference almost every second day with the ostensible objective of answering the charges being hurled at the Pope. But the "hidden" purpose of the periodic inter-action with the media could also be to prepare the members of the community to stand by him in taking on such elements in the Sangh organisations as have no respect for the composite culture of India and faith in the secular values based on the principle of equal respect for all religions. Priests in Goa and even Punjab too have shed their self-imposed restriction of not looking beyond the church and have addressed Press conferences against the anti-Pope tirade. The writing on the wall is in clear bold print. Against this backdrop Mr Advani's assurance about making the Pope's visit a "glittering success" would appear to be highly inadequate. But there is no harm in saying "amen" and praying that his assurance comes true.

PROMISES AND PERFORMANCE
Missing ingredients of good governance

by Hari Jaisingh

MR ATAL Behari Vajpayee has started his new innings as Prime Minister on a positive note and in right earnest. In public perception, he stands taller than ever before. The people look to him as an elder statesman in whose hands the country’s interests are seen to be safe. This makes him stand out among all the other leaders belonging to the BJP and its allies under the umbrella of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA).

Mr Vajpayee is well aware of the advantage he enjoys. This will probably make him tread cautiously so as not to fritter away the goodwill he has generated for himself with the Kargil success.

He is certainly better placed in the country’s tricky political arena but the tasks ahead of him are tougher this time because of manifold domestic and global complexities.

The question uppermost in the people’s mind is whether Mr Vajpayee will be able to act decisively and deliver the goods as per the promises held out by him in his first address to the nation and in the NDA’s election manifesto. He seems to have basic clarity about the problems facing the nation. Even certain priorities are well spelt out. The real challenge lies in keeping the coalition partners together and ensuring cohesive functioning of his government.

A freewheeling George Fernandes could give wrong signals at home and abroad. An infuriated Mamta Banerjee could provide some sleepless nights. Equally difficult could be some of the ideological turncoats of various shades and hues. Some members of the Parivar too could be a source of embarrassment as seen in the matter of the Pope’s visit to India. Of course, the people will finally judge him on the basis of his performance and the overall quality of governance. He has a historic opportunity to reshape the destiny of the nation.

While working out his action plan, it will be worthwhile if the Prime Minister keeps certain basic points in mind. First, the country has been witnessing a revolution of rising expectations for quite some time. The people are not happy with the pace of development as well as the quality of governance. The poor want to come out of the shadow of deprivation and socio-economic maltreatment. The middle class looks for a better deal. The backwards, the tribes and the have-nots want a legitimate share in the national cake, and rightly so.

Do we have the right instruments to meet the challenges posed by this revolution of rising expectations? This is the second area of challenge which needs to be closely examined. The point at issue is: how do we achieve socio-economic equity without slowing down the pace of development and economic reforms?

The policy of reservation by itself cannot ensure upward mobility. We need to explore other avenues to bring about speedier socio-economic justice without affecting merit and efficiency.

Interestingly, the concept of reservation was rejected way back in 1953 by the commission headed by Kaka Kalelkar. It then stated that economic backwardness, and not caste, should be the basis for preferential treatment. Sardar Pratap Singh Kairon, when he was the Chief Minister of Punjab, put it succinctly: “Harijan by income, and not by caste.” Today reservation has become part of vote bank politics.

True, the caste system is a harsh reality. It has been used to exploit and dehumanise the lower castes. This anachronistic system should not thrive in a democratic polity. Indeed, the whole gamut of reservation needs to be reviewed so that the millions of people still groaning under the weight of deprivation and injustice are speedily helped to shake off their burden. Those who graduate into the minimum standards of economic and social uplift ought to make room for the less unfortunate brethren. Social justice and equality demand it. The problem here is not one of finding a political consensus. What is lacking is political will to tackle the issue in an unbiased manner in the nation’s interest.

The problem of mindset apart, it is not a secret that the existing instruments of governance are either rusted or faulty and, therefore, they require a thorough overhaul.

No efforts to speed up the process of development can produce the desired results if administrative overheads eat up 87 paise out of every rupee spent on a project. The entire administration has become unwieldy and unsustainable. We can unleash the forces of development by according top priority to the process of decentralisation. This does not require setting up of yet another commission. Those who deal with developmental issues know it very well where the shoe pinches. So, all that we need is rationalisation of the system, making it resulted-oriented, accountable and transparent.

It needs to be appreciated that a development policy demands adherence to certain norms to get the desired results. No development is feasible without the requisite quantum of capital formation, foreign direct investment, proper infrastructure, adequate power and eco-friendly modern technology. This requires right strategies and a determined approach. Politicians lack proper appreciation of national economic goals. Bureaucrats either play safe or tend to be status-quoist.

The third priority area has to be de-bureaucratisation of the civil service. Having played its role honestly, decisively and effectively in the early years of Independence, the bureaucracy today has become the fountainhead of several ills the country suffers from. It has been politicised. And once a civil servant gets into the clutches of an undesirable politician, he becomes vulnerable. Good governance must begin with good administration. If Mr Vajpayee cannot bring about the necessary changes in the working of the government, his failure is a foregone conclusion.

The Prime Minister has said that he wants to eliminate corruption right from the top. This requires a refreshingly new approach. If Mr Vajpayee is serious about fighting corruption, then he will have to make a beginning with his own office (PMO) and certain “lucrative” ministries. If a minister is reasonably honest, knows his job and puts the country before self, the message to civil servants will be clear and candid. The problem arises when a minister tries to gain at the cost of the national exchequer. If the Prime Minister can bring about transparency and accountability in the system he can succeed in his resolve to root out corruption at the top.

The fourth critical area is the flow of information. Though the right to information is not enshrined in the Constitution, it has to be accepted as a vital instrument to bring about accountability and transparency in the system. There is too much of secrecy in the way the government functions. This is also true of the Ministry of Defence. The Prime Minister will be serving the cause of democracy if he ensures transparency in defence and development deals. We must not allow a few individuals to amass wealth at the cost of the public exchequer.

The fifth challenging area is to cut down unproductive expenses. Power should not be treated as a means to loot the public. It has to be seen as an instrument of service to the public. A lot will depend on the way the Prime Minister conducts himself.

The people are not taken in by rhetoric. They want the business of governance to be taken seriously. Perform or perish. This has to be the battle-cry if Mr Vajpayee wishes to utilise the historic mandate to the advantage of the people.

There is also talk of the second generation reforms. How about public discussion on the subject? These reforms are crucial to the country but they ought to be carried out with the utmost care.

The Prime Minister during his address to the nation laid considerable emphasis on the second generation reforms. What will be the nature and dimensions of such reforms? What will be their implications? It is a pity that even the apex organisations have not come out with elaborate studies, not to speak of studies by economists. It is surprising that even the Planning Commission has not done an in-depth study on the subject.

Mr Vajpayee needs to turn his attention to the basic tasks facing the nation. For, amidst the lure and glitter of globalisation, the Prime Minister must not overlook the fact that India’s economic growth has not been commensurate with the requirement of employment generation. Nor has it led to the restructuring of the system of income distribution which could have both eradicated poverty and substantially improved the levels of literacy and the availability of minimum health services.

Equally noteworthy is the fact that even graduates and postgraduates are not getting jobs, though the central and state governments have been spending the tax-payer’s money to educate them. What is wrong where?

The only way to the India of our dreams — as a great society with the tremendous creative energies of millions — is to concretise the vision of a new India. An India where economic gains do not remain a reality for the few and a myth for the vast multitudes. The widening gap between the myth and the reality has to be erased. Only then will the myth of a new India in the 21st century become a sublime reality. Over to the Prime Minister.

Good dictators, bad dictators!
by V. Gangadhar

IN London, even as the local courts had okayed the extradition of former Chilean dictator Gen Augustus Pinochet to Spain, the 81-year-old tyrant, whose government had ordered the killing of thousands of innocent civilians, had found unexpected support. This came from the Tory ‘tough girl’ and former Prime Minister, Mrs Margaret Thatcher, who had liked military strongman. Mrs Thatcher opposed Pinochet’s extradition on the grounds that the brave dictator had been a faithful ally of the West and even helped in saving the world from communism.

This was a new aspect of communism. Mrs Thatcher did not explain if all the men, women and children killed during the Pinochet regime were communists and agents of the Soviet Union. She was proud of her “strong” leadership of the Conservative Party and would have loved to enact the role of a military dictator. Unfortunately, neither the Constitution of Great Britain nor the political climate of that country had any provision for this. Mrs Thatcher’s antipathy against ruling Queen Elizabeth II was also wellknown and if she had been endowed with the powers of a military dictator, she would have followed the example of the Queen in “Alice in Wonderland” and screamed “Off with her head”.

Western leaders like Mrs Thatcher had always been confronted with this dilemma. Though functioning as the heads of democratically elected governments, many of them had a sneaking admiration of military dictatorships of different hues all over the world. This was more so in the case of Western leaders whose legislative efforts were thwarted by an uncooperative parliament, senate or congress. It was during these times that the leaders must have longed for autocratic powers which would have enabled them to deal ruthlessly with a defiant Opposition, critical media and unrelenting dissenters.

Even the most powerful democratic nations in the world cannot wish for a world manned entirely by the same system and where there were no military dictators. This would be sheer wishful thinking. Over the past several years, we had seen powerful Western democracies come to terms with certain kinds of dictators while remaining totally opposed to certain others. There is no rhyme or reason for this attitude which smacked of hypocrisy. A dictator was a dictator, there can be no diluting the fact.

The United States of America once again had to face this dilemma in view of the recent happenings in Pakistan. What kind of an attitude it should take towards the new strongman Gen Pervez Musharraf? While President Clinton had been making the expected noises demanding the restoration of civilian rule and freedom of the Press, the State Department, which has to deal with Pakistan on a day-to-day basis, seems to think differently. Following the General’s conciliatory television address to the Pakistani nation last week, the US government responded positively to the proposals made by the General and had almost legitimised the new government, at least for the time being.

The US Ambassador to Pakistan, Mr William Milam, in fact, was quite favourably impressed with the new Pakistan dictator and told local newspersons that Washington would deal positively with the new military government. Said the envoy, “I am convinced that General Musharraf is a moderate man who is acting out of patriotic motivations. I don’t believe he is an extremist, I believe quite the opposite. We will have to do business with this government.” That was some praise for a military dictator from the bastion of Western democracy. General Musharraf must have blushed with embarrassment.

The US admiration of the General was likely to be more upbeat in the days to come. The General, according to sections of the Western media, is trying to create some kind of a Camelot in Pakistan and not a Cuba. Well, Americans simply love the memory of Camelot, created by the late President John F Kennedy. General Musharraf appears to have studied recent American history quite well. He posed for photographs with his family and even introduced his two pet dogs to the media. It was like the Kennedy clan flaunting Caroline and John-John the 1960’s. The media reports said that Gen Musharraf’s approach had a touch of Mr Bill Clinton, “answering the dozens of questions thrown at him, smiling here, ducking some questions there and saying all the right things”. What more can one ask for?

Washington has welcomed the General’s statement about withdrawing troops from certain border areas with India. His views on the nuclear arsenal and relations with Afghanistan as well as dealing with Islamic fundamentalism are welcomed as “sober”. The State Department spokesman, Mr James Rubin, even smiled occasionally while referring to the General’s commitment to dialogue with India. Mr Rubin said he hoped this attitude would also be reflected in the Pakistan government’s attitude towards the Line of Control with India and the Kashmir problem. This is wishful thinking. The day after the General’s statement, the Pakistan foreign office clarified that troop withdrawals did not include the LoC and there was no change in the government’s attitude to the Kashmir problem.

There are other reasons why Washington could learn to tolerate the military regime in Islamabad. Former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif had seriously inconvenienced the USA by exploding nuclear weapons and allowing infiltrators to cross over to India. This was certainly done in collusion with the military, but the ultimate responsibility lay with the former Prime Minister. The Pakistan armed forces felt humiliated having to withdraw from Kargil. They had been pushed into a situation not of their own making and suffer the consequences.

History tells us a lot about the cosy relationships some of the former Pakistan Generals had shared with the USA. General Ayub and General Zia come readily to mind. The democratic West did not protest and rush to the aid of India, when General Yahya Khan’s troops killed and tortured hundreds of thousands of civilians in former East Pakistan (now Bangladesh). The Generals of Pakistan were always something special to Washington, particularly the Pentagon officials because they prepared huge defence budgets and bought most of their arms from the USA. Ayub and Zia were also able to convince the U.S.A. that they stood between the region and the all-pervading communism of that era. According to historians, Pakistan was privy to former Secretary of State Henry Kissinger’s secret visit to China when he was actually supposed to be visiting Pakistan. Pakistan played its role in this hush-hush affair because it was a trusted ally of the USA.

India, under Jawaharlal Nehru and then Indira Gandhi, leaned towards the Soviet Union and adopted the socialist pattern of economy. Worse, we entered into large arms deals with the USSR and also signed friendship treaties. Many in the USA believed that India was “pink” and preferred to support Pakistan which was solidly against international communism. Pakistan had a very clear role to play when the Soviets invaded Afghanistan. The USA and its Central Intelligence Agency spent billion of dollars in arming Afghan rebels and training them. Most of these clandestine activities were organised in Pakistan, and the friendship between the two nations became firmer. A backlash to this development came once the communists were forced out of Afghanistan, the huge caches of arms were in the hands of religious fundamentalists and helped the Taliban to establish control in Kabul. The USA and Pakistan had unleashed a monster which is still on the rampage.

History tells us that the USA has always found it easier to deal with military juntas. And what if the Generals in power stashed part of the loot in Swiss banks? The civilian governments had their holier-than-thou elements who cared for their national integrity and some of them did not mind cooperating with a sympathetic Soviet Union. For the USA, the Generals were angels when compared to these “pinkos”.

For a life after retirement
By Joginder Singh

IT is a natural weakness of human beings that we want everybody to be cast in the mould of our thoughts and scheme of things. Human nature is also susceptible to self-justification. There is nothing unnatural in believing what we say is based on experience, scriptures and the laws.

Recently, a former Chief Justice of India and former Chairman of the Human Rights Commission was elected to the Rajya Sabha on party ticket. This raised eyebrows in various circles. Was it correct on the part of an ex-judge to join politics? It has been obliquely suggested that this election focuses on the serious problem about the independence of judiciary. It is not for the first time that a judge or a person occupying a constitutional position has entered Parliament. Earlier also a judge of the Supreme Court resigned and contested elections to Parliament on a party ticket. Another judge resigned to contest election to the office of the President of India. The opinion given by the judges after retirement has also come in for criticism.

A judge is also a human being. There is a constitutional bar on him from practising in the same court where he presided. This is, as it should be, with increase in longevity, and one having been used to working for long hours, retirement leaves everybody, including former judges bewildered. After settlement of the personal problems and getting used to living in a different atmosphere, not only judges every retired person would like to keep busy.

There is still a void in existence even with sufficient money received as post-retirement benefits and pension. Something is still missed by a person who has led an extremely busy life. If he undertakes any work, it is not for money. It is to keep him gainfully engaged. A judge is as much a citizen as a person who is or has not been a judge. The Constitution does not bar the holders of any constitutional office from occupying an elective post after retirement. It is a misconception to believe that because a judge has been elected on a party ticket to either House of Parliament, it might possibly be a return favour for services rendered.

The country so far has had men of probity and high standards occupying judicial offices in the constitutional courts. There has been a single case of impeachment of a Supreme Court judge and a few cases of allegations being made against some Chief Justices and other judges of the high courts.

Any official after retirement, including a judge, would like to continue working, to believe that he is a useful member of the society. It is a normal human feeling that the moment you feel that you are not contributing anything worthwhile to the society the desire for living ends or gets considerably reduced. Politics is a maligned profession. Some politicians are synonymous with all the evils afflicting our society. Is it not a good thing that people who have held high positions in the country by their presence raise its level? Don’t we all say that men who should be in politics, shy away from it? Don’t we all the time urge that it is time for some good people to enter politics to cleanse it from professional politicians whose only means of livelihood are licences, quotas, permits and recommendations?

Pray, why single out only judges? Why not other functionaries like the Governors or Election Commissioners or the Comptroller-General of India? It is not fair to put any single category on a pedestal even after retirement. All retired persons are equal except in the quantum of pension drawn. Retired people also have their plans for a second settlement after the public service is over. There is always a quest for doing more and more in life, for which the retired persons might not have had the time when in service.

Those retiring from senior positions do not seek post-retirement assignments for the sake of money. The retirement has been made quite attractive with post retirement benefits. The total package is almost equal to the last salary drawn. It must not be forgotten that the professional contribution of the retired people, including judges, to the society is of the highest order. Retired people have seen ups and downs in their official career. They have nothing to lose by plain talk and plain advice. There is no apprehension of being superseded or denial of promotion. There is no violation of any conduct rule, which requires its employees not to criticise the government, however, wooden-headed it may be.

The retired officials, including judges, can start a sustained campaign to make the citizens aware of their rights. They can also be involved in training programmes for law enforcement officials and sensitising the administration to be responsive to the public needs. A non-governmental organisation of retired judges can constantly work as a watchdog on the disposal of cases by the judiciary. Perhaps, their pressure can be more effective than any number of representations and appeals made.

The talents, skills and expertise of the retired judges, as of other retired persons should be used by the government of the day, in an honorary capacity without having to bear any financial burden. All commissions of inquiry or committees appointed by the government should be only on no-cost basis, except the actual expenses. At the same time, there is a need to amend the Constitution to ensure that a person who has once held a constitutional office, is not eligible for another constitutional assignment. But the rights of a retired official to be a citizen cannot be denied.

Another malaise affecting the society these days is making wild allegations against publicmen and private citizens, when they have reached a fairly high position. How is that no allegations are made against such people when they were in humble positions. If somebody is guilty of a legal violation, then the proper forum is either filing a complaint along with prima facie evidence with the Court or other appropriate authorities. It does not serve to politicise every government or political party action. It is time that those who matter set an example and not conduct their private warfare for settling political scores. — CNF

(Mr Joginder Singh is a former Director of the CBI).

Impact of receding glaciers
By Bharat Dogra

RECENT research has revealed that several Himalayan glaciers are receding at an alarming rate. Infact in the case of some glaciers the recorded rate is so high that if such a trend is maintained then some glaciers may be almost completely lost within the next four to five decades. As these glaciers have been the most important source of water for the Himalayan rivers of South Asia, including the Ganga, the Brahmaputra and the Indus, this obviously can have disastrous implications for water — availability in the subcontinent in the next century.

However, this later period of water scarcity is likely to be preceded by an initial period of heavy floods (in fact we may already have entered this stage) when higher snow melt brings more water in the rivers. In addition higher inflow of water can also lead to the bursting of glacier-formed lakes. This can unleash very destructive floods in the lower human settlements. These destructive floods can also cause a lot of damage to the dams located below. In case of a dam failure, the accumulated peril of two floods is too scary to imagine.

In the later phase ofcourse there is likely to be a big reduction in the flow of major Himalayan rivers of South Asia, aggravating the water shortages already being experienced in India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Nepal, Bhutan (and China to a lesser extent). This problem will be aggravated by the fact that a large share of the water of several rivers is already diverted by various dams and barrages.

Due to the heavy load of pollutants in some rivers, for some stretches these have already been reduced to a dirty drain-like condition. One can imagine the condition when the water flow is further reduced but the load of pollutants is likely to go up.

Keeping in view these damaging impacts, it is important to start planning with a sense of urgency to reduce as far as possible the adverse impacts of the recession of glaciers.

To a significant extent the recession of glaciers is caused by global factors over which a single nation may have little control. As Edward Goldsmith and co-authors write in their widely acclaimed books ‘Imperilled Planet’, “Glaciers are constantly changing as new snow falls and old ice melts. As the Earth’s climate is at present getting warmer, most glaciers are now shrinking — in the Alps, many glaciers have lost up to a third of their areas in the last century.” This global warming in turn is mainly caused by a big increase in the emission of greenhouse gases. The main culprits are the rich industrial countries, particularly the USA, but they have been very reluctant to reduce these emissions to a significant extent.

However, some local factors such as deforestation, change in the character of forests (from dense natural forests which a lot of broad leaf trees to commercial plantation like forests) and forest fires also have an impact on glaciers and these are more within the control of South Asian countries. Clearly the priorities given to the protection of natural forests and involvement of villagers in this work should be accorded the highest priority in the Himalayan region.

Dense forest growth, particularly of broad leaf species, provides protection from floods and landslides and in addition it conserves rainwater to augment the dry season flow of rivers. These forests shelter and preserve natural springs of water which can provide clean water to many settlements.

The already controversial question of locating high dams in the Himalayan region should be reviewed keeping in view the high rate of recession of glaciers. The design and cost-benefit of dam is based on the water-availability in the river but this itself can become very uncertain with the recession of glaciers.

The changes in glaciers and glaciers-fed lakes should be carefully monitored so that we are kept constantly informed and updated about any changes that take place there. All countries of South Asia should cooperate in this. Instead of fighting a futile and costly war on Siachen glacier, scientists of various countries should work in close cooperation with each other in glacial areas. Local villagers, nomads and sherpas should be involved in the study and monitoring of glaciers. All available information should be shared with neighbouring countries with the objective of reducing the distress of all people.

75 YEARS AGO

October 29, 1924
The No-tax Campaign in Baroda

THE action of the Baroda Government in reviewing the settlement operations in Petland Taluka where a no-tax campaign was in progress as a protest against those operations, and in deputing the Revenue Commissioner of the State and other responsible officers to go minutely into the allegations and complaints of the landholders with a view to rectifying all errors, is not only highly commendable in itself, but is an excellent example both to other Indian States and to the British Government itself.

Too often it is imagined that strength can be shown by a Government only by persistence in a course already decided upon, even though that course may be wrong and as if to add insult to injury it is asserted that the Indian looks upon all concessions, as a weakness.

This is, of course, the exact reverse of the truth. In no country in the world is a graceful concession to public opinion better appreciated than in India, the ideal King of which went so far as to renounce his beloved spouse to please his people.