Refer to ‘The SYL dispute is difficult —not impossible’; Yogendra Yadav’s five-point framework reflects a genuine desire to resolve one of India’s most fraught interstate disputes. Yet, seen from Punjab’s perspective, it glosses over historical and legal realities that any durable settlement must confront. There is a misconception that Punjab is water surplus and profligate; the reality is almost the opposite. The state is caught in a vicious cycle: inadequate and unreliable canal supplies have pushed cultivators into deeper dependence on groundwater, which in turn is driving the state towards an ecological precipice. Riparian status comes with liabilities as well as rights. If Haryana now asserts a substantial claim to Ravi waters, will it also accept a corresponding share of the financial burden and human suffering caused by Ravi flooding? Moreover, the Centre’s approach to riparian states is inconsistent.
KBS Sidhu, by mail
Result of political misalignments
Refer to ‘The SYL dispute is difficult — not impossible’; Punjabi Suba was not created but a full-fledged state of Punjab was disintegrated. Political misalignments created this issue. Political motives of leaders led to bifurcation of Punjab. Political parties have created bitterness in the minds of people, otherwise we have seen people of both the states fighting unitedly during the Kisan Andolan. There is no better solution than that the political leadership stops exploitation of the subtle issues.
Surinder Pal, Chandigarh
Women have to walk extra mile
Refer to ‘When daughters are left behind in dynastic politics’; it is a harsh historical social reality across the country, irrespective of region, party or family. Nothing better can be expected in a patriarchal society wherein women have to walk the extra mile to claim their rightful place. The concluding punchline brings it out more emphatically by pointed reference to Sonia Gandhi’s ‘travesty’ who doesn’t seem to think that her daughter Priyanka, and not her son Rahul, is ready to take the party ahead.
DV Sharma, Mukerian
Informed citizenry important
With reference to ‘Digitally vulnerable’; it is a disturbing reality of our times how ordinary citizens, particularly senior citizens, are being psychologically terrorised and financially ruined. There is an urgent need to address this challenge at its roots. Cyber safety must be made an essential part of education curriculum. People must be made aware how online scams operate, how to verify official communication and how to respond in emergencies. Such knowledge would empower young adults, who can in turn guide elderly family members, creating a stronger social defence against cybercrime. In an age of digital terror, informed citizens are the strongest firewall.
Harish Monga, Ferozepur
Strict traffic monitoring
Refer to ‘Fatal roads’; road safety must be given priority by the citizens as well as the governments. Dark spots must be dealt with by engineers, while travellers should stick to speed limits and not drive under influence of liquor, among many other precautions. Traffic authorities must be given designated areas so that no patch of road is left without surveillance. Technology must be used to check and correct irregularities. Most important is the evacuation of road accident victims to medical facilities without delay. These initiatives will help reduce accidents substantially and the sufferings of affected families.
Subhash Vaid, New Delhi
Political move will not help
Refer to ‘Lok milnis to help govt assess ground realities, says Mann’; it is a welcome step, but if it is a political move rather than an administrative one, it will not sustain. As an additional measure, the existing public grievances system needs to be streamlined with active participation of top bureaucrats who should personally ensure that each and every grievance is acknowledged and tackled speedily to the satisfaction of the complainant. It is observed that most of the complaints are shown as closed without their actual settlement.
Jagdish Chander, Jalandhar
