Strengthen institutions in Punjab

With reference to ‘Sink or swim, the onus is on Punjab’; it not only refers to the recent floods but also Punjab’s debt-to-GSDP (Gross State Domestic Product) ratio, which is 46-47%, making it one of the most indebted states in India. Given the serious impact of such a poor economic scenario, it is a reminder to the political leadership, community leaders and the general public. All the stakeholders need to shed indifference and contribute in numerous small ways to overcome the formidable challenges. Rebuilding and strengthening the weakened institutions is the need of the hour.

Jagvinder Singh Brar, Patiala

Pre-emptive steps for clean air

Apropos of ‘Blame game over Delhi’s air must stop’; the focus is not on the real sources of pollution like industrial emissions, vehicular smoke, power plants, etc. As a result, we are not focusing on what is really necessary but on whatever is politically expedient. The Supreme Court allowing government-approved ‘green crackers’ as a test case is said to have contributed to the toxicity this Diwali. Successive Delhi governments have ignored the major contributors to air pollution. The solution to the problem, which has become an annual phenomenon, lies in sustained efforts, nudges and incentives. All necessary measures to clean air must start long before impure air starts to choke people and continue till air quality improves.

Mona Singh, Amritsar

Implement anti-pollution laws

Refer to ‘Blame game over Delhi’s air must stop’; the farmers of Punjab are unjustly and unreasonably blamed and cursed for the pollution in Delhi. Accountability of all other pollution causing sectors must be fixed. Courts can issue directions only in a limited number of cases, but the best course is that the respective governments must strictly implement the laws framed to curb water and air pollution in letter and spirit. The Directive Principles of State Policy, which are guidelines for the government to create a just and welfare society, enshrined in the Constitution should be kept in mind.

Surinder Pal, Chandigarh

ECI sleeps over revdi culture

Apropos of ‘Pre-poll splurge’; political parties leave no stone unturned to secure votes as elections approach. While the Opposition parties make promises to be fulfilled when they come to power, the ruling party does not think twice before doling state funds recklessly to remain in power. The splurge makes the playing field uneven which is a fraud in the name of free and fair elections. The Election Commission has been assigned the role to conduct elections in a democratic manner, but it remains a mute spectator to such covert attempts to bribe voters. This pre-poll monetary bonanza was showered with impunity before the commencement of the model code of conduct in Bihar elections. The financial burden on the state exchequer is a complete contrast to the rhetoric of good governance.

Nirmaljit Singh Chatrath, Kapurthala

Will Rahul reap benefits?

By endorsing RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav as INDI bloc’s chief ministerial face in Bihar, the Congress continues ceding states to regional parties. The grand old party is hoping that the regional parties will reciprocate by propelling Rahul as the PM candidate in the 2029 General Election. However, whether the Congress will be in the reckoning till then is another issue. The onus is on all veteran Congress leaders to realign themselves to put up a strong and constructive alternative to the BJP-led dispensation.

Lalit Bharadwaj, Panchkula

No complacency in tree plantation

Refer to ‘India ranks 9th in global forest area’; though the news is heartening, there is no room for complacency in achieving still better results. It needs to be highlighted that India’s total afforestation coverage is approximately 2% as against 32% of global land area. Moreover, strategic action is required to check regional imbalances in afforestation as in many parts of the country, massive tree felling is being carried out in the name of development without resorting to compensatory tree plantation, as per the Supreme Court guidelines.

Jagdish Chander, Jalandhar