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some kind of wonderful natural scenery (like the Painted Desert National Monument in Arizona, USA) but quickly realized the true cause. These chemicals have not only polluted the river but the water table and the sub-surface water has become absolutely poisonous and unfit for human and non-human consumption. It is just full of poisonous chemicals, carcinogens, and other disease causing poisons. I was also told that the mosquitoes and frogs have completely disappeared from the area. Can anyone imagine the colossus himsa that has been caused by the actions of these traders, some of them Jains?
o In Old Delhi, there is one area called Wazirpur Industrial area. Here, many Jains run or operate small manufacturing businesses such as metal utensil fabrication, polishing, wire drawing, and other metal processing. In the manufacturing processes, they use many chemicals, acids, and caustic sodas for chemical milling and making the metal surfaces shiny and attractive. After these chemicals are spent but still have lots of acidic and other toxic materials left), they are openly dispersed/discharged on the streets outside. About ten years ago, I happened to visit that area. The amount of open pollution, practically open sewers, pools, and small ponds of these chemicals was a site to behold. The filth, the pungent smell, and the whole scenery were just disgusting. The pity is that no one's conscience is bothered and the same show goes on every day. I really wondered how people can come here, do their business, make money, return home and sleep day after day. To me this is a horrible example of himsa. With some care, this can be avoided but who cares? I ask, is this the way to care for and worship Jambu Dweep and Bharat Kshetra, which we revere?
o In the same area and in many of the metalworking shops, the workers do lots of grinding and metal polishing without sufficient protection and hence they inhale metallic dust, which causes TB and other lung diseases that shorten their lives. Here again the show goes on without missing a beat.
An Ahimsa Crisis: You Decide
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