For clean air

Apropos of ‘Ordinance to curb pollution in Delhi’, the air quality in Delhi-NCR has been dismal for a long time, and all efforts to improve it have been in vain. What’s unfortunate is that Delhi’s air pollution, especially during this time of the year, is due to the actions of its neighbouring states. To make this sustainable, what’s required is a shift in the mindset of not only the farmers burning stubble, but also the residents of the states to adopt eco-friendly measures for a better future. It’s only a matter of time before an exodus takes place if sustainable measures are not taken to improve the state of affairs.

Gunjeet, Chandigarh

Combating pollution

‘Combating air pollution’ points to this hydra-headed environmental problem. So far, all efforts by the apex court or the government to check pollution have yielded only mixed results. Statutory measures in the form of a commission to control the pollution is welcome, but the real test of capability for the administration will lie in providing good and healthy environment at ground zero, as the NCR is the face of India on the move. Let the NCR be divided into small segments to drill a sense of responsibility and awareness. Problems like pollution need cooperation and coordination at various levels.

Jagvinder Singh Brar, Patiala

Inking of BECA

The latest dialogue between India and the US has sealed the last foundational agreement in the form of BECA. This makes India a close strategic partner of the US even in the absence of a formal alliance. India can now technically acquire sophisticated platforms such as armed drones from the US that can shore up defence capabilities in the face of the China-Pakistan axis. It will allow the Indian and US armed forces to exchange geo-spatial information. BECA marks the end of the prolonged phase of mutual trust-building and sets the stage for more expansive security cooperation. Growing India-US ties pose credible deterrence against the Chinese aggression, which will shape the regional and global environment in favour of peace and stability.

EL SINGH, by mail

Victims of stalking

Apropos of ‘The chilling pattern’, changes in law after the Nirbhaya case included notifying stalking as a criminal offence, but in many such cases, pursuing police action against stalkers is not the norm. In the Faridabad case, a complaint was made in 2018 against the stalker. In Mumbai, one Yogesh Kumar stabbed a woman he met at work. The takeaway is how quickly stalking, an everyday crime, can escalate into murder. Besides the police, a host of other institutions, from schools to families, also need to do a better job of socialising gender relations. Today, dominant notions reek of male entitlement. While modernity is making men and women engage on equal terms on the outside, the transition needs to happen at the mental level, too. It is vital to talk about what a relationship means. It’s not coercion, but a choice.

PS KAUR, by mail

Let law take its course

It is unfortunate that personal conviction and belief have overshadowed a former celebrated policeman (‘The unfair arrest of Fr. Stan’). He is unhappy that the NIA has arrested Fr. Stan without proving his guilt. But as a seasoned police officer, he should have known that the NIA can prove guilt only after taking him into custody. How can the NIA investigate and prove charges against any individual without his or her custodial interrogation? Ribeiro should have faith in court. If Fr. Stan is not guilty, the court would automatically exonerate him. Then, Ribeiro has every right to condemn the NIA. Why jump to conclusions when the case is in its infancy only?

AK SHARMA, CHANDIGARH

Commendable ruling

Refer to ‘Married daughter eligible for jobs on compassionate basis’; the decision of the High Court will further strengthen the empowerment of women. This decision is altruistic and will help courts in finalising pending cases expeditiously. Sons and daughters are equal in every way. Property inheritance is equally shareable. In this particular case, the descendant is only a married daughter and cannot be construed for denial of opportunity for compassionate appointment.

GIAN P KANSAL, AMBALA CITY

Endangered bats

Refer to ‘Sujanpur battles bat menace’; I wonder if the forest department has verified whether the mammals are actually bats and not flying foxes! Rumours that they carry the contagion may be nonsense. Many species of these creatures are endangered and we should not foolishly push them closer to the brink.

Vinay Tandon, Kasauli

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