Need for multiple approach to fight Swine Flu

It is not understood how Swine Flu virus which normally affects pigs has become compatible with human bodies. The point is whether any evil science lab has developed human compatible swine flu virus for marketing swine flu vaccine. There are instances of scientists who in connivance with global traders develop new virus or modify virus for marketing vaccines at high cost.

This inhuman method to generate income has its root in countries where economy of scale scores over innocent human life. Where governments have little control over those monsters. There is need for dedicated investigation to know who has unleashed this killer virus in this culturally rich city. The dreaded H1 N1 has already killed 21 people in Telengana. So far 247 swine flu cases have been reported in the state. A team of experts say the virus is active due to cold wave which will become weak in the next ten days. In the meantime the Telengana government has waged an all-out war against Swine flu. The central government has also started supplying swine flu syrups and tablets to control the menace. Though the effort is on to tame the virus, there is no guarantee that the virus would not attack again. So the best solution is to take sustainable measures so that no innocent life would be lost in the virus attack.

There is need for de-congestion of Hyderabad city as the city has become too crowded due to unplanned real estate growth, disappearance of open space and thinning of its tree lair. Trees are the real virus tamers as many virus lose their killer instinct if there is sufficient tree lair. There is an urgent need for dedicated tree census in Hyderabad and its surrounding 10 kilometer radius. Once the census is completed, effort should be made to plant more trees which grow in Hyderabad climate. Plants with medicinal quality namely tulsi, bel and neem should be planted which are natural antidote to many diseases. Tulsi is a potential flu fighter and should be planted in every house for good health. Ward members and elected representative should be given the responsibility of protecting and growing trees in their localities. Government schools should plant more trees since they have space to plant trees. Instead of cutting down trees at the time of constructing roads and other infrastructure, the old trees should be replanted with the help of modern machinery.

Hyderabad should have more open space. Every ward should have one play ground as the disappearance of play grounds from cities create health related problems in the city. The way obesity, diabetes, lungs related diseases and heart problems grow in the city it will mop up people’s surplus income. This is high time to provide open space to residents of Hyderabad. There should be multipronged approach to fight swine flu which cannot be eliminated with vaccine and pills only. Thirty years back Hyderabad had beautiful roads with footpath covered with lush green trees. Today foot paths have disappeared from 70% of roads. Wisdom should dawn upon the urban planners who should recognize footpaths as potential fuel saver. Tree covered foot path is the lifeline for old people, children, women and poor people who safely go to their workplace free of cost and enjoy walking.

Another fuel saver is the low cost cycle track which can save the city from air pollution. There is an urgent need to build low cost environment friendly cycle track all over Hyderabad city. Building cycle track, foot paths, playground and planting trees should be a people’s movement in Hyderabad. What for people will earn money? If they cannot improve the quality of life what is the use of earning? The water quality in Hyderabad has deteriorated so much that it causes skin disease and gastro enteritis problem. Private hospitals thrive on the poor air and water quality. There is need for an all-out war to protect the natural environment of Hyderabad. The diseases created due to human greed should be fought by human with spiritual tools only.

By Sudhansu R Das