M A I L B A G

Importance of good monsoon

I refer to your editorial “Cool tidings: Monsoon arrives eagerly” (May 29). Monsoons are the lifeline of India. Perhaps no other country is as dependent upon climate as India is. The very stability of the government depends upon good monsoon. Even GDP depends upon it. It boosts agricultural growth. It has a bearing on almost every sector of the economy.

It is reported that the southern tip of the Indian peninsula (Kerala) has received South-Western monsoon six days in advance. This has brought cheers to the farmers. The Indian Meteorological Department observes that the country, as a whole, would receive 93 per cent of LPA (Long Period Average) rainfall this season.

Some uncertainties are associated with the Indian monsoon. Beginning of rains may be early or even delayed. There may be prolonged breaks in rain. Rains may end earlier. Prolonged rains in some parts may trigger floods while no rains in other parts may cause drought and starvation. The variability is very high in low rainfall areas. And concentration of rainfall in a few months after high temperature generates many diseases like malaria.

With the new developments in the techniques of weather forecasting, it is possible that the detailed weather for each state and district may be known in advance in the near future.

Dr L.K. MANUJA, Nahan (HP)

Ban on Fanaa

This has reference to the editorial “Intolerance in Modiland” (May 26). The current controversy over the release of Aamir Khan starrer movie Fanaa in Gujarat is yet another act of intolerance by the ruling BJP. The decision has been forced through fear and coercion by the lumpen elements of the ruling party and indirectly by the state government.

Aamir Khan has clarified that he has never been against the Narmada dam but would continue to support the cause of the poor and ousted people for their proper rehabilitation. The BJP is raking up this issue in the state to bolster its image. The ban is divisive and against the freedom of expression guaranteed under the Constitution.

Brig H.S. SANDHU (retd), Panchkula

Unfair ban

This has reference to the editorial “Code for misconduct” (May 27). It is really shameful on the part of the Punjab government, the Chief Minister particular, in banning the screening of the film The Da Vinci Code. He appears to be not averse to the happenings around.

First, the Censor Board has cleared the film after taking into consideration the initial objections raised by the Christian community. Secondly, this film has drawn massive crowds and hefty returns in the West where Christians are in majority. Nowhere any protests or such bans have happened.

The Punjab Chief Minister in particular and the politicians in general should rise above such cheap popularity and let the freedom of expression and true democracy flourish in India.

Dr T.D. SHARMA, Secretary, Himachal Foundation, Dharamsala

Power tariff

The Haryana Bijli Vitran Nigam (HBVN) is charging a fixed minimum charge for electricity not actually consumed. In the winter season, power consumption was amply reduced as coolers, fans and ACs were not used. Besides, prolonged power cuts did not allow the consumers to use electricity as and when required. On top of it, the department wanted the consumers to save electricity.

In such circumstances, power consumption was normally much below the minimum level fixed by the government. It is quite unjust on the part of the HBVN to charge a minimum amount irrespective of the actual consumption in the case of three phased meters. Such consumers are also paying higher rentals. Thus, consumers are being exploited by the state monopoly.

H.G. KHURANA, Karnal

Sensible suggestion

I welcome Mr Manohar Singh Gill’s suggestion to rename Mohali as Ajit Garh which seems sensible and appropriate. However, all the recent changes in the names of our metros have been brought to rectify the inaccurate colonial fads. So original and locally popular names were restored and were instantly accepted.
Thus, one would like that the name of SAS Nagar be changed officially to 
Mohali, which, even at the international level (thanks to cricket), is its original and popular name. Since the abbreviated use of SAS Nagar is an insult to the illustrious son of the great Sikh Guru, one should find better ways to commemorate saints than just renaming towns after them.

BALVINDER, Chandigarh

Power bills

The residents of Gobind Nagar, Ambala Cantonment, do not get their electricity bills in time. These bills are dropped at our houses either a day before or sometimes on the same date marked as “due date” for making payment. Moreover, the meter reader does not perform his duties properly. He takes the reading of the same houses and leaves the others untouched. The bills are subsequently recorded on the average consumption. Consequently, the consumer has to pay more than the desired or expected amount.

The electricity department must ensure that the bills are sent on the actual reading and not on average consumption. The bills should be supplied at least one week before the “due date” for payment.

MANJEET SINGH, Ambala Cantonment