“They didn't tell us that the chemicals would be dumped in open fields and into our rivers,” sighed Vijayasama. We had been thinking the same thoughts. “They didn't tell us that our women would have to walk ten kilometres every day. They didn't tell us that we would get ulcer and sores on our bodies. They didn't tell us…” Her voice trailed off. There is so much they didn't tell you, I thought.

“We don't buy leather shoes or leather handbags or leather clothes,” she said.

outstretched (v) :

pulled out to full length

trailed off (phr. verb) :

became gradually quieter and then stopped

I. Answer the following questions.

1. The people in this village were affected by chemical factories. Where, in your opinion, should the factories be built? Why?
2. If it is necessary to build factories near the villages, what precautions should be taken to keep the villagers safe?
3. The narrator said at the end, "There is so much they didn't tell you, I thought"-what was that so much that was not told, according to you?

Write the following sentences in reported speech.

1. "I can remember the time." she said wistfully, "when all the fields around this village were green and the harvests good."
2. "They said that factories need leather to make shoes, handbags and clothes. They said our men folk would get jobs. They said we would all become rich."
about ponnimanthuri Village

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