Activists file RTI on cola row

[maneesh]

The recent report of the CSE regarding the use of high levels of pesticides in soft drinks has now prompted a group of well-known names from various fields to go the RTI route.

On Friday, several activists including Prof Yashpal (former chairman UGC), Aruna Roy (RTI activist), Arundhati Roy, Shanti Bhushan, Arvind Kejriwal and Sandeep Pande (both Magsaysay winners) were present at the inauguration of the RTI kiosk in Jantar Mantar.

Prof Yashpal and Aruna Roy proceeded to file requests for information under the RTI Act to several government agencies on the occasion.

The questions addressed to the Central Ground Water Board, Central Pollution Control Board, Ministry of Environment and Ministry of Food Processing, covered a gamut of issues, including how much water is being extracted by the soft drink bottling plants, whether the ministries had knowledge of sludge containing various chemicals in discharge of several soft drinks as well as if the government knew the amount of caffeine and aspartame being used in the colas.

Activists file RTI on cola row- The Times of India

[crusader]

I think that is a great move, and will help in bursting the cola bubble soon.