World Environment Day was celebrated on 5th of June, all over the world. The purpose is to build awareness among the people about the danger of ecological imbalances and environmental pollution and mobilise them in favour of eco-friendly environment. The day was observed through seminars, meetings, display of posters, processions, marches, rallies etc. Governments also have announced certain measures to maintain eco-friendly environment.

None can raise a single word against this campaign. Even then we can not avoid certain pertinent questions arising out of the issue. It appears that the developed countries are much more vocal on the issue of pollution and they often blame the developing countries for polluting the environment. But what is in reality? The developed countries are mainly responsible for polluting the environment. In the interest of their super profit, in the name of industrialisation, they are shifting the polluting industries to the developing countries. They are not spending towards preventive measures to protect environment from pollution.

They are the developed countries, who are engaged in war against those developing countries, which do not want to abide by their dictates. They do not hesitate to burn oil fields and in using chemical and radio active weapons even, against the people. Thus, they are polluting the environment and pushing the globe towards destruction.

These developed countries, led by USA, are most vocal in advising the developing countries not to pollute the environment and follow standards set by them. But they never look at what they are doing in their narrow interest at the cost of entire humanity.

Another pertinent question is, whether the same standard can be applicable in the developing countries. The per capita income of developing countries and the standard of living can not be compared with those in developed countries. It will not be fair for the developing countries to follow the same standard as have set by the developed countries. The standards should be set by the developing countries on socio-economic consideration of the respective countries.

^{14th June 1999.}