SC saves the day

Refer to the news report ‘SC overturns UT mayoral poll results, declares AAP-Cong candidate winner’; the Supreme Court has undone a grave injustice by setting aside the Chandigarh mayoral election outcome and declaring AAP-Congress candidate Kuldeep Kumar the winner. By invalidating eight Opposition votes to ensure victory for the BJP, returning officer Anil Masih did a disservice to the voters. The SC Bench is right to hold that the votes declared invalid had been validly cast in favour of Kumar, who had actually got 20 votes against BJP candidate Manoj Sonkar’s 16. The message is loud and clear: the apex court won’t allow subversion of the electoral process.

DVG Sankara Rao, Vizianagaram

Saving forests need of the hour

Apropos of the editorial ‘Definition of forest’; the Supreme Court’s interim order to revert to the expansive definition of ‘forest’, as laid down in the 1996 ruling, is welcome. The petitioners’ concerns about the land classified as ‘forest’ as per the earlier definition being diverted for non-forest use during the exercise are genuine. The protection of forests is necessary to maintain the ecological balance. The green cover has depleted over the years because of infrastructural development. Many animal species have lost much of their habitats and now face the threat of extinction. Saving forests is the need of the hour.

Krishan Kant Sood, Nangal

Sustainable development is key

With reference to ‘Definition of forest’; the Supreme Court has thrown a lifeline to India’s forests by reverting to the wider definition of ‘forest’. By doing so, the court has also ensured protection for 1.97 lakh square km of undeclared forest land. Activists are rightly concerned about the dilution of forest protection rules, mass declassification and exploitation. The court, echoing its 1996 verdict, has stuck to a broader definition of ‘forest’, safeguarding vital green cover. We must understand that this is not about ‘development vs environment’; it is about progressing in a way that does not disturb the ecology. Forest restoration must be a priority.

Ibne Farooq, Mumbai

Break the deadlock

Refer to the report ‘Cranes, earthmovers in tow, farmers all set for Dilli Chalo protest march today’; the tillers’ rejection of the government’s MSP offer for five crops has scuttled the Centre’s attempts to bridge differences. While not a full package, the Centre’s proposal showed promise. Key issues like a guaranteed income for farmers and diversification from water-intensive crops could have been addressed. It is the limited scope of the proposal that probably prompted the growers to turn it down. This highlights the complex challenges the two sides are facing in finding common ground. As a lasting resolution seems elusive, both must try to meet in the middle.

Mohammad Taukir, Bettiah (Bihar)

Misuse of antibiotics concerning

With reference to the article ‘Ensure enforcement of rules to combat antimicrobial resistance’; unnecessary antibiotic consumption leads to serious health issues. The insightful piece has shed light on the menace of chemists dispensing antibiotics without proper scrutiny. The practice is, in part, driven by the demand for immediate relief and high doctor fees. It is imperative to spread awareness among the masses about the consequences of the misuse of antibiotics. Patients must embrace alternative treatments like ayurveda and homoeopathy, which offer effective solutions at a lower cost. A multifaceted approach is required to combat AMR.

Vijay Kumar Katial, by mail

Redress students’ grievances

Apropos of ‘UGC tells universities to appoint ombudspersons’; the move is a step in the right direction. The appointment of ombudspersons is mandatory for all higher education institutions for a speedy redressal of issues faced by students. The 300 institutions that are yet to make such appointments must comply with the UGC direction soon. Further, there is a need to ensure that only experienced professionals are appointed as ombudspersons so that they are capable of handling students’ grievances, such as irregularities in admission. The ombudsperson must make efforts to resolve any grievance within 30 days.

Sudesh Kumar Sharma, Kapurthala

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