Taking on pollution

Levels of pollution have gone up to an alarming range in Haryana, Delhi and the NCR. The Centre and state governments should take some constructive steps to bring down the dangerous pollution levels. During Diwali, fireworks are burst in an uncontrolled manner. Scientists should come up with innovative and non-hazardous fireworks to celebrate festivals and occasions like weddings. The government can enact laws for farmers: not to burn parali and to plant trees in 10% of the land for farmers owning more than 5 acres. Factories and workshops should be kept under strict surveillance to follow anti-pollution rules. For them too, tree plantation should be mandatory on 20% of their land. Pollution certificates should be given only after all standards are met. All universities, IITs and IAS institutions may be instructed to conduct seminars and suggest steps to control pollution. The Railways has plenty of spare land near rail lines and can plant saplings there.

YL KAPUR, Kurukshetra

Go with earlier verdict

Refer to ‘Sabarimala goes to 7-Judge Bench’ (November 15); the first verdict in September 2018 clearly states that women of the age group 10-50 can visit Sabarimala. The Supreme Court should not have gone for the reconsideration of the verdict. Once a verdict has been passed, it should be formulated. No one compelled women to enter Sabarimala; only those who are willing could enter the shrine. All protests in Kerala led by the BJP were purely for the votes of upper- caste Hindus. The Supreme Court should stick to its earlier verdict.

Ralph Tom Joseph, Kerala

Rethink on Sabarimala

Refers to ‘Sabarimala goes to 7-Judge Bench’ (November 15); after much debate, the SC has referred the case for further analysis and consideration. Though there was a 3:2 majority in the five-Judge Bench headed by the CJI, the court failed to give a clear-cut answer to all questions raised regarding the entry of women at Sabarimala. It is evident that the court has tried to avoid a conflict among the public, like the previous Ayodhya verdict. This act is appreciated, especially when political parties had been waiting to take advantage of the verdict. Whatever be the final verdict in this case, let it safeguard the individual rights of people.

Archana Santhosh, Kerala

CJI under RTI

Apropos the editorial ‘SC ruling on RTI Act’ (November 15), moving from a prevailing culture of secrecy to the culture of openness, the judiciary’s decision on placing the CJI office under the RTI is appreciative of how judicial independence cannot be treated as a garb to not allow citizens to know how the guarantors of their rights function. Let’s hope this verdict would be a significant step in strengthening the RTI to create an accountable and transparent judiciary, and also protecting public interest.

Divya Singla, Patiala

Redress forums don’t work

The Himachal Pradesh Government has launched a plethora of grievance redress platforms, including CM Helpline, e-Samadhan and the much-hyped Jan Manch. But the effectiveness of these facilitation measures has become a new headache for the common people, despite the so-called statutory provisions under the HP Public Services Guarantee Act, as nobody knows the outcome of the complaints. I have a first-hand experience. I have been going from pillar to post for the past 16 days for drinking water supply to my house, and registering my grievance with the MC, among others, but nothing has come of it.

Krishan Kant Verma, SOLAN

Why ban creative writing?

Reference to the news ‘Don’t engage with media, teachers told’ (November 15); it is a step towards reining in teachers in the name of making them disciplined. The new rules have banned them from writing to newspapers and participating in debates and discussions on radio and TV channels. The framers of these rules forget that the teachers are the most learned class of our society and the best to guide people. Their writings can create awareness among society. The government may ban them from writing against government policies, but not creative writing.

Faqir Singh, Dasuya

Eggs in midday meal

It is heartening to note that eggs are being introduced in midday meals. Science claims that egg is vegetarian food, since it does not contain any blood, flesh or bones. It is simply an animal product. Eggs and milk are a wholesome diet, and healthy for growing children.

R BANSAL, Zirakpur

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