Act, don’t react

Apropos of ‘Local goon Mehran under lens for selective killings’, our system was caught napping, both on the civil and defence fronts, which clearly indicates that everything was taken as a matter of routine, resulting in the loss of many lives. Meaningful intelligence inputs were found lacking. It is high time for the people sitting at the helm of affairs to introspect and shun the attitude ‘let it happen, then act’ and blame it on the neighbouring country. The security of the country and the safety of its citizens are first and foremost.

RS Kishtwaria, Palampur

Villain of the world

Refer to ‘India-China impasse’, China has border/territorial disputes with many of its neighbouring countries, including India, Japan, Russia, Taiwan, Vietnam and the Philippines. The Dragon is responsible for the South China Sea crisis, emerging from conflicts with several countries. It is also embroiled in territorial disputes with India, resulting in casualties on both sides. The situation is still tense on the borders because China is resorting to hypocritical tactics despite bilateral talks on border disputes. Due to its policy of expansionism, China has become the biggest villain of the world.

RK Arora, Mohali

Power consumption

Apropos of ‘Out of coal, Goindwal Sahib power plant shuts’, coal and electricity consumption will be increasing at faster rates than generation from solar and wind energy in India. Electricity generation from coal energy involves a large amount of coal burning and exponential wastage of energy. It also causes pollution. To reduce consumption, the government should supply power by metering every consumer and all electricity subsidies should be in cash by DBT without linking to individual consumption, including water supply to agriculture. About 30% consumption can be saved by DBT.

Ashok Kumar Goel, Panchkula

Coal shortage

State governments say that the situation created by coal shortage is critical (‘Ramping up supply to build enough coal stock: Ministry’). Punjab had to buy 1,500 MW of power at a whopping Rs 14.62 per unit. The Power Ministry says there is no coal shortage. The real problem lies in the transportation of coal daily as freight trains move at slow speed. The long-term solution lies in creating alternative sources of power generation to replace the ageing and far-off thermal power stations (from coalfields). A quick alternative source of power could be to set up solar plants of equivalent capacities in Rajasthan and rooftop panels in institutional, commercial and factory buildings. Developing hydropower in hill states and the Brahmaputra river valley will help. This valley has the potential to develop 1 lakh MW.

RN Malik, Gurugram

How will farm laws help?

Analysing the new farm laws, one wonders how these are going to help. Mandis are not going to be closed down and direct sales will be there in case there is none, like in Bihar. The proposed contract law is a suggested procedure which is not binding. Storage facilities were being built since 2007 and additional ones by corporate houses will not cause any hoarding as the government holds enough to take care of it. The government should answer what was the purpose of enacting these laws, except for one-upmanship vis-a-vis the earlier government which could not do so due to lack of numbers. Except for numerous deaths, causing harassment to common people, and developing hostility towards trade and industry, it has achieved nothing. The solution lies in guidelines and leaving it to the states to alter, amend, implement or reject them.

Col PK Kapoor (retd), by mail

Count blessings

Apropos of ‘Losing sight of blessings’, robust health is the greatest gift of God. Wealth and material possessions lose their meaning in the absence of this vital gift. Material possessions do not bring lasting peace and happiness, though they do make life a little easy. We need to count our blessings instead of cribbing about what we do not have. Having a positive mindset, even in the face of adversity, works better for early healing. Sooner this realisation dawns, the better it would be for all.

RAVI SHARMA, DHARIWAL

Manage plastic

Plastic is one of the greatest products in our hands. Its usage and versatility cannot be denied. Banning polythene bags will not be practical. We should find ways to recycle it. The best solution is to mix plastic waste with bitumen to use it for surfacing roads. This will improve the life of roads. The anti-litter law for the disposal of plastic waste should be enforced. Plastic waste should be collected periodically. Ragpickers are already playing a key role. Give them better incentives.

Sateesh Dadwal, Chandigarh

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