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Politics over Bodh Gaya blasts

The terror attack on the Mahabodhi temple in Bodh Gaya town of Bihar has exposed the lack of security arrangements at religious places in India. That the blasts took place in spite of security alerts to the state government highlights how serious our government is towards the common man's security. Had they acted on the warnings, the blasts could have been averted. It is shameful that the temple of Lord Buddha, who spread the message of peace all over the world, was attacked by terrorists.

The responsibility of protecting the temple lies with the state government that failed miserably to check it. The issue is serious and the Centre and state governments should take steps so that such incidents are not repeated. After the blasts, politicians were at it again - indulging in blame game and playing politics over the attack to gain political mileage. This is really condemnable. A collective effort on the part of the Centre, state governments and common people must be made to fight terrorism.

NILHIL CHOPRA, Ferozepur

Spurious milk

If the government were to conduct a survey, it would come to know that the milk supply far exceeds its yield. Actually, milkmen supplying milk to consumers in cities and towns are not supplying real milk. They are preparing milk from milk powder and to meet the ever-increasing demand of people, they add oil and detergents and mix these in milk to increase its quantity.

Though most people are aware of this, they are helpless and are purchasing and consuming this spurious milk and other milk products prepared with this artificial milk. As a result, most milk consumers are suffering from diseases caused by spurious milk. The government must look into the matter and ensure that synthetic milk is not supplied to the public.

DALIP SINGH WASAN, Patiala

Misusing clout

This refers to the news item 'Kin of nine judges appointed law officers' (July 8). This can happen only in India. Ours is one of those countries where youth are very hard working and talented, but lag behind due to unemployment. Students with good marks sit idle at home because they do not have parents or relatives at high positions in government departments or have a good clout with politicians.

On the other hand, those who are not competent are able to get good jobs due to their parents or relatives enjoying a good clout with bureaucrats or politicians. This can create social unrest among youth and breed contempt towards authority. This is also one of the major reasons that highly educated youth prefer to settle abroad.

NAVJOT, Jalandhar

Helping agriculture

The hike of Rs 60 per quintal in the MSP of paddy is a farce. Agriculture is in chaos these days. The number of farmers is decreasing. Most of today's youth are not interested in taking up agriculture as their profession. And the days are not far when agriculture will find few takers.

Besides, the costs of inputs are increasing and the output is decreasing. The government should rise to the occasion and leave no stone unturned to promote and make agriculture a lucrative option. The remedy is that farmers must get remunerative prices. The hike in the MSPs of paddy and cotton should be

Rs 300 and Rs 500 per quintal, respectively.

RAM CHANDER NEHRA, Hisar

Ban flouted

In 1995, the Beas river, being in flood, had ravaged many parts of Kullu and Mandi, causing extensive damage to buildings raised on either side of the river. And the state government had to ban construction work on both sides of the river up to a certain distance. In 2000, the Sutlej caused unprecedented destruction from Kinnaur to Bilaspur. Despite all this, buildings along the banks of rivers in the state have only mushroomed. The reason is the failure of successive governments to implement the ban effectively.

The recent devastation in Uttarakhand should be an eye-opener for us and the HP government. The government should take strict measures to prevent construction work before it is too late.

ROOP SINGH NEGI, Kinnaur

Saving wild animals
This refers to the news item 'Death of three black bucks sparks protest in Fatehabad' (July 8). It is shocking that 500 black bucks are located on 185 acres of barren land at Badopal village, which is divided by metallic fencing erected to secure the residential area of the Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL). Is not it ridiculous to locate 500 black bucks on a barren land where the provision of food, water and shelter is not made? This naturally has reduced the carrying capacity of the wildlife habitat, forcing black bucks to stray into nearby villages and towns.
Generally, eco-sensitive zones are essentially required to protect the wildlife habitats. But this fact has been totally ignored by the authorities and the area is divided by the fencing of NPCIL residential area. Lack of security in wildlife sanctuaries, mismanaged habitats and ineffective enforcement staff need to be taken into account. It is our moral duty to give respect and a natural habitat to wild animals. It is imperative that the Ministry of Environment and Forests (MoEF) issue fresh guidelines to speed up the process of creating an eco-sensitive zone required to protect wildlife habitats.
DR SOSHIL RATTAN, Amritsar