Gas chamber-like situation in NCR

Refer to ‘NCR’s choking reality’; as many as 30 million people are forced to live in a gas chamber-like situation, akin to smoking 50 cigarettes per day — cutting life expectancy by seven years. It’s a health emergency where people are suffering from breathing problems, sore throat, asthma, chest pain, cardiovascular complications and lung cancer. Poor migrant workers are moving back to their native places. A bold political will is the need of the hour to tackle the hazards of smog. If Beijing, once known as ‘the smog capital of the world’ now has a moderate Air Quality Index, India can also take concrete steps to curb the problem.

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Janak Raj Sarangal, Gurdaspur

Enforce strict rules to curb crisis

Apropos of ‘NCR’s choking reality’; the air pollution crisis in the NCR is a stark reminder of policy inaction and the urgent need for sustainable solutions. Temporary measures such as school closures, work-from-home directives and a ban on certain vehicles only scratch the surface of a systemic problem. Long-term strategies, including stricter regulations on industrial emissions, stronger enforcement of stubble-burning bans and substantial investment in sustainable urban infrastructure are essential to combat this crisis. It is time for collective and uncompromising action to ensure that future generations are not condemned to breathing toxic air. A visionary approach is a must to secure a healthier environment.

Gaurav Badhwar, Rohtak

Encourage public transport

With reference to ‘NCR’s choking reality’; Delhi’s pollution problem, which is becoming a serious health hazard, is not a sudden outburst. It is the result of the gradual accumulation of lapses, signifying that earlier warnings related to it were taken casually. No timely steps were taken to control this issue. Burning of crop residue and bursting of firecrackers on Diwali have been contributing to the problem every year. Construction work and the fast-growing number of vehicular emissions have added fuel to the fire. Steps should be taken to encourage public transport or carpooling. Allowing factories emitting smoke to operate in the region is another serious offence.

Anup Kumar Gakkhar, Haridwar

Our economy at risk

Refer to ‘Adani in trouble’; the small stock market investors are in trouble again. Our media and probe agencies underplayed the Hindenburg allegations, lending credibility to the denial by the Adani Group. Even now, these are in the same old mode in responding to an indictment for alleged bribery and fraud by the conglomerate. As is the general perception, the all-powerful Adani may manage to weather the storm even this time. Individuals are advised not to put all eggs in one basket. It is far more risky for the economy of a nation to do so.

Hira Sharma, by mail

Ensure transparency in Adani case

With reference to ‘Adani in trouble’; the arrest warrants issued by US authorities against Gautam Adani and his associates, based on charges of bribery of over Rs 2,000 crore, have raised significant concerns. While the Indian government is yet to make any official statement regarding the accusations, it is crucial to uphold transparency and ensure a thorough investigation in the matter. Given the scale of the charges, it is important that the authorities take a proactive stance in scrutinising the case to ascertain the truth. A joint parliamentary committee should be established to investigate the matter to examine the charges, hold all responsible parties accountable and ensure that the truth prevails, irrespective of the individuals involved.

Balbir Singh Kakkar, Jalandhar

Ban freebies by political parties

Apropos of ‘Anybody’s game in Maharashtra’ (Trysts and Turns); the greed of political parties to grab power by foul or fair means is evident in the Maharashtra Assembly polls. All constituents of the Mahayuti and the MVA left no stone unturned to lure and win over voters. Many women have received Rs 7,500 in their bank accounts under the ‘Ladki Bahin’ scheme. Such financially unviable projects put a burden on the state’s economic health, leaving little scope for development. The ECI and the Supreme Court should intervene and ban such unethical activities to garner support. The country needs to march smoothly on the path of prosperity and progress without any hindrance that can cause an unnecessary drain on the nation’s resources.

Subhash Vaid, New Delhi

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