M A I L B A G

Case for Indus Treaty II timely

BG Verghese’s two-part article on the Indus Treaty (May  25 and 26) underlining its deficiencies as also the need for Indus II is very timely. If it is taken in the right spirit, the follow-up action as suggested in these articles is bound to be rewarding for the peace process since future wars are likely to be over the waters.

The leaders of India and Pakistan would be showing statesmanship by starting the process of negotiating another treaty for ensuring optimum utilisation of waters of the rivers in this region.

India has always stood for equitable utilisation of waters as provided in the Helsinki Rules. The two countries are capable of showing the way to the rest of the world by fully cooperating in harnessing the waters which the nature has bestowed on them.

SUBHASH C. JAIN,
Union Law Secretary (retd),
Gurgaon

II

The writer said: “India is entitled to almost the entire waters of the Sutlej, the Beas and the Ravi. Yet it releases over 3 MAF (mostly flood waters) down to Pakistan, on account of the SYL dispute and the fact that the Indira Gandhi (Rajasthan Canal) is yet to be completed”.

This is not correct. I have worked in the Punjab Irrigation for 38 years, part of which was in the rank of the Chief Engineer. On account of storage dams having been built over all the three rivers (the Sutlej, the Beas and the Ravi), for most of the year, floodgates are not opened. Even when opened, they may be for a few hours, in a wet year, and there is no question of releasing 3 MAF water.

Dr G.S. DHILLON,
Chandigarh

Aping the West won’t help Music, dancing, painting, literature, customs and fashions are the main avenues through which a country’s culture develops and grows. However, we are forgetting our own culture and blindly aping the West. Take, for instance, music and dance. While the younger generation is thrilled at rock and roll dance, very few are attracted towards Indian classical music. We have already adopted western ways of life. If the present trend continues, Indian culture will disappear one day. We should strive to preserve and maintain the dignity and glory of our past culture by adopting the Indian way of life. R.S. CHOHAN, Mohali

Plug the leakage

The water pipe on the road opposite the water pump at Shanthi Nagar in Ludhiana has been leaking for days, but the Municipal Commissioner has not taken action to stop it. This is creating lot of difficulties to residents and passersby. Early action is solicited.

K.L. JOSHI, Ludhiana

Well done!

Three cheers for the Pakistani Muslim women who organised a mini marathon in Lahore against the radical Islamic leaders who try to curb their rights. The Indian women are really proud of our counterparts in Pakistan for raising their voice against the male dominated society.

HARVEEN K. SEKHON,
Malout (Punjab)

Tribal welfare

The Centre has rightly constituted a high power committee to prepare a report on the status of Muslims. But what about the tribals or Adivasis who live on the outskirts of many states in a pitiable condition? I wish a similar report be done for the welfare of those below the poverty line.

D.R. SHARDA,
Chandigarh

Ads at what cost?

The Amarinder Singh government in Punjab (like its predecessor) has been squandering away public money on advertisements. Be it Baisakhi festival, Hola Mohalla or Jor Mela, their import is highlighted through huge advertisements in all the newspapers.

Even small events like road widening and completion of a grid sub-station of the PSEB are blown out of proportion. God alone knows when this colossal wastage of public money will stop.

T.R. GOYAL,
Chandigarh