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respective spheres of work a more liberal and a more mature perspective. This would provide the key to the evolution of a new Earth Ethics.
Ecology has to be given the place it deserves in economic planning in the expansion of industries and in preventing over concentration in crowded urban areas which have become highly polluted on account of population pressure, ecological unsafe slum habitats, contamination of air, water and greenery, industrial wastes, insanitation and overall ecological degradation.
For the world of business, profit motive and considerations of 'eco-efficiency' have been the guiding factors. Often patchwork, make shift, make do arrangements are made from an ecological point of view. They are, invariably seen more in terms of meeting local government's directives than as integral part of economic planning.
Society has paid dearly for such neglectful and niggardly attitude. Bhopal Gas tragedy is a classic example. An attitude amounting to irresponsibility and lack of ethics resulted in generations of poor employees suffering physically, mentally and psychologically. Compensation paid was also too little and too late. Such pollution and ecological damages can never be fully compensated for. They leave a permanent scar on the face of humanity and emerge as the worst examples of brutal violence and wanton exploitation.
We have begun to talk about sustainable development. Industrialists need to keep in view sustainable environment also by laying down highest standards. In fact they would find that in the long run, ecology and anti-pollution oriented attitude would lead to higher profits and feeling of contentment among the labour force.
I have been associated in India currently with an industry in the steel sector called the Steel Tubes of India at Dewas in Central India. The top managements has put so much premium on ecology that the German collaborator during a visit to the beautiful lawns surrounding
Ahimsa: The Ultimate Winner
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