Use technology to avoid mishaps

Apropos of ‘Kumbh stampede leaves painful lessons’; the article highlights the tragic consequences of overcrowding at large religious gatherings. To prevent such incidents, pre-event awareness through social media and other communication channels is essential. Mobile applications should provide real-time updates on crowd density, safe zones and emergency helplines. Short videos, infographics and multilingual messages should be shared on various social media platforms. Newspapers, too, can effectively reach a wider audience. Awareness campaigns should focus on safety protocols, urging pilgrims to follow designated routes, avoid congested areas and stay calm. Engaging religious leaders and influencers to promote safety guidelines will enhance compliance. Regular public announcements on radio and television can also help reinforce safety measures.

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Ashok Singh Guleria, Kangra

Public cooperation a must

Refer to ‘Maha Kumbh tragedy’; the possibility of a mishap is not unexpected for a city trying to accommodate huge numbers, multiple times its population. Managing such a huge event involving crores of people over several weeks is an arduous task. Though any administration tries to prevent an untoward incident, safety measures can be made better with public support. Cooperation of the people can go a long way in ensuring that the event passes off peacefully. The public’s involvement and its positive, compassionate approach can help avoid big mishaps. NGOs with a good track record can also chip in with volunteers.

Anup Kumar Gakkhar, Haridwar

Overcrowding inevitable

Apropos of ‘Kumbh stampede leaves painful lessons’; one must consider the limitations of a city tasked with managing crores of people. How can a hundred people live in a space designed for 10? Moreover, VVIP culture and the government’s profit-making pursuit, which involves leasing out every available inch of land for revenue involving middlemen, further complicates the matter. It is very easy to criticise the administration, but where there is a crowd of lakhs and crores, there is a possibility of an accident, and unfortunately an accident has happened.

Priyanka Saurabh, Hisar

US tit-for-tat policy for India

The recent decision by US President Donald Trump to impose 100 per cent tariffs on certain imports is a concerning development for India. With an intention to protecting American industries, such tariffs can have far-reaching consequences on other countries. It will result in higher prices of consumer products, potential job losses and retaliatory measures from trading partners. This could ultimately harm the US economy. However, India is already extracting 100 per cent tariff from around 20 American companies. So, the US is adopting a tit-for-tat policy.

Abhay Sharma, Una

Classroom teaching important

Refer to ‘Gains and gaps’; online teaching replaced the conventional mode during the Covid pandemic, which deprived many students from rural and marginalised communities of classroom teaching. Reading proficiency of kids decreased in the absence of face-to-face interaction with the teachers. In view of the rapid strides being made in the field of science and technology, the syllabi and courses must be planned in such a way that students are able to grasp concepts better. The successes, highlighted by ASER, shouldn’t lead to complacency, and our education sector must keep up with developments across the globe.

SS Paul, Nadia (WB)

Politics over Yamuna water

Refer to ‘CM Saini rebuts Kejriwal, drinks Yamuna water near Delhi border’; the debate over whether the river water is potable or not seems to be a waste of time. It is an attempt by political parties to gain mileage. Everybody knows that even if the Yamuna water meets the potability standards, it’s treated water that flows from the taps. Moreover, people drink filtered water using various means of filtration. Those who can’t afford it boil the water or use some innovative technique for the purpose. However, the government must immediately stop the discharge of harmful industrial effluents into the Yamuna.

Col RS Narula (retd), Patiala