Opinion - Letters to the Editor   

Ban on colas

The Kerala Government's decision to ban cola production and sales in the State is deplorable. The overuse of pesticides and non-biodegradable chemicals leads to their entering the food chain and gradually into the groundwater sources. So blaming the cola manufacturers alone is unfair. If the Kerala Government and the State Governments that have banned the sale of colas partially (Gujarat, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, and Karnataka) are genuinely concerned about people's health why don't they ban tobacco, which is even more harmful? Or alcohol?

Taju A. Punnoose,
Kottayam, Kerala

Are all other brands of soft drinks and mineral water available in the market free from pesticides? If the governments are serious about health issues, they should ensure that vegetables, milk, cereals, etc., consumed by people of all ages and groups, including children and the sick, are free from pesticides. A minuscule percentage of people consume Coke and Pepsi, and I am sure they are aware of the health hazards they pose.

S.R. Varma,
Alappuzha, Kerala

The decision of many governments to ban colas is driven by populism. It is well known that the sale of liquor and cigarettes thrive under government patronage across all the States.

G. Natesh,
Chennai

While the CSE's findings of alarming pesticide levels in colas deserve praise, the report fails to point out the root cause for pesticide traces. If another NGO comes up with a report saying there is pesticide residue in drinking water, will the government ban it?

Venkatesh Badam,
Bangalore

It is heartening to see that many State Governments have banned the sale of colas. But those who are used to consuming soft drinks will need a substitute. The governments should introduce a new and healthy soft drink without pesticides and other harmful ingredients of the colas.

J. Eden Alexander,
Thanjavur, T.N.

The CSE's findings are a clear indicator of the cola companies' cavalier attitude to public health. The multinationals must face the accusations and prove their professed innocence legally. The Kerala Government's decision is welcome.

Manu Melwin Joy,
Thrissur, Kerala

The Centre and the State Governments should view the problem pragmatically. The correct thing to do is to get these drinks tested in internationally accredited laboratories and if the pesticide levels are higher, order the companies to stop manufacturing and selling them until they get their act right. Banning them is a knee-jerk reaction.

K.M. Srinivasa Gowda,
Bangalore

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