BSNL should catch up

Apropos the editorial ‘Mega telecom merger’ (July 28), such mergers are always welcome as they help the consumers in getting the best price and service. By introducing Jio last year, Reliance had started getting a feeling of being the king in the telecom sector, but with the two giant players, Vodafone and Idea, getting together in the fight against Jio, telecom users will get the best in terms of tariff as well as services such as connectivity, data quality and speed, etc. The government should encourage such mergers in all sectors. It is better from the point of view of owners as well as customers. The sharing of infrastructure can be properly managed in case of two companies merging into one. BSNL should also act smart and play aggressively, for which the government must convert it into a professionally run organisation instead of a ‘sarkari’ establishment. 

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SANJAY CHOPRA, MOHALI

Save every drop 

Apropos ‘Averting the water scarcity crisis’ (July 28), the growing population, ruthless wastage of water, extraction of huge amount of ground water, and pollution of water bodies has put a question mark on the schemes of the government to protect water sources. As per the NITI Aayog report, nearly half of India’s population would end up having no access to drinking water by 2030. The crisis is deepening due to the mismanagement and inadequate water conservation. Around 2 lakh people in India die every year in the absence of potable water. According to the NGT, the Ganga is in extremely bad state. The ‘Namami Gange’ plan has not yielded positive outcomes. A research by the Punjab water and sanitation department warns that water in 1,500 villages has lethal amount of venomous substances that is making people sick. The trash in the Yamuna has become a threat to the beauty of the Taj Mahal. The solution lies in halting the discharge of civic waste in rivers as it is turning them into sewers. Groundwater should be recharged by harvesting rainwater. The wastage of water by ROs should be stopped. People should be sensitised by imparting education on environment. 

JASPREET SINGH, PATIALA

The AAP Punjab mess 

Refer to ‘Khaira parades eight MLAs, asks party to reinstate him’ (July 27); the announcement of change of the Leader of Opposition by the AAP leadership has left party volunteers and supporters in a distressed state. Appropriately called firebrand, Sukhpal Singh Khaira has, indeed, been working honestly and courageously. It cannot be challenged that the party’s popularity in Punjab is mostly due to him and his determination to serve people. It is shocking that the Delhi AAP unit is sabotaging its own party roots in Punjab. It has failed to even mention the reason behind the decision. The decision should be reviewed and revoked. 

Divyleen Singh, KAPURTHALA

No end to hypocrisy 

Refer to ‘Ayyappa celibacy must be respected, SC told’ (July 27); some misguided women activists have sought the Supreme Court’s intervention to restrict the entry of women of a particular age bracket to the Ayyappa shrine in Kerala. Tomorrow, women may be denied entry to a Hanuman temple on the same grounds. And then, to another place of worship. With the numerous deities and devtas we have, it may not be difficult to find some temples to pursue these misguided beliefs. There is no end to hypocrisy. Also, how would the entry of women of the specified age be ensured? Will women be required to carry and produce their birth certificate before entry? 

WG CDR CL SEHGAL (RETD), JALANDHAR

Can Imran Khan deliver?

Reference to the article ‘A fourth marriage’ (July 27); the underdogs of 2013 truly became the top guns of 2018. The success mantra, of course, was the ‘establishment’. Soon after the results, Imran Khan’s speech went on air, where he talked of improving ties with India and resolving all disputes, including Kashmir. If this happens, Pakistan can provide us direct access to the trade route to Iran and Afghanistan; SAARC will be strengthened; and there will be stability in the region. But this is easier said than done. Our experts have little hope of any improvement in ties. The Pakistan military is likely to continue its hostile approach towards India. The next few months will show how serious Imran Khan was about his agenda. 

HIMANSHU UPADHYAY, HISAR

Truckers’ strike justified 

Apropos ‘Truckers call off 8-day strike’ (July 28), truck operators across the country went on a strike against the high diesel prices. The strike caused hardship to people as it hit the supply of essential commodities, the prices of which were raised by traders. The strike also caused losses to industrial units. But the strike seems justified as the diesel prices have soared by over 30 per cent since 2014. The prices need to be reviewed by the Central government. 

SS Bhathal, LUDHIANA

Back to the roots 

It’s a good initiative to connect the youth to the forgotten roots of their culture via electronic media (‘PSEB e-book offers new lease of life to folk culture’; July 27). Over the past few decades, modernisation has shook our cultural roots. Today’s society is more focused on learning and speaking foreign language. They feel pride when they talk in English, Hindi or Hinglish. The effort of the PSEB will help students know the richness of their motherland and mother tongue. However, alongwith e-books, hard copies of regional literature should also be made available to students who have no access to the Internet. Schools and parents should also motivate children to visit their respective native places to learn about their culture, ceremonies and people. These efforts will help bridge the gap between modernity and tradition.

KETKI SINGH, CHANDIGARH

What a tribute! 

I was really impressed with Praveen Sharma for his tribute to his grandmother (‘Homage to grandma, the green way’; July 27). On the condolence meeting of the death of his 90-year-old grandmother, he distributed saplings to all those who came to offer their condolences. It is laudable. He has set an example for others to emulate. In this way, we can make our environment better. Everyone should applaud the initiative and also pledge to do so.  

Kreeti Bansal, NABHA

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