L E T T E R S    T O    T H E    E D I T O R

Laudable effort to save Sukhna

The Tribune investigation “Sukhna is dying, save it” (June 3) by Sanjeev Singh Bariana and Smriti Sharma Vasudeva is a commendable effort. Weeds, seeds and silt are the inseparable parasites of water bodies i.e. lakes and ponds. There is no mechanism to free water bodies from silt and weeds. These can be minimised but not stopped. Sukhna Lake is not merely a water body of the city. It is the lifeline of the city. It is a paradise for the morning and evening walkers of the city.

The major problem of the receding water levels is due to the neglect of maintenance of catchment areas, which fall under Haryana. The de-silting of the catchment areas is more important than de-silting the lake. There has to be extensive forestation and plantation of grass in the catchment areas to check soil erosion in the lake. It has been also experienced that the lake is being exploited commercially. De-silting work must be taken up on a priority basis with the help of neighbouring states of Punjab and Haryana. The government should act fast to revive this lake. Sukhna must survive.

Capt AMAR JEET KUMAR, SAS Nagar

Enact new adoption law The editorial “Inter-country adoptions” (June 2) has rightly emphasised that guidelines alone will not be able to secure the adopted children’s interests better. Guidelines have no binding force. They are only in the nature of recommendations. The new guidelines may be helpful in ameliorating the plight of adopted children but not the same way as a new law would. The Guardian and Wards Act was enacted in the year 1890 when rights of Indians were subservient to the interests of British. Much water has flown since then. Social conditions, lifestyle behaviour and needs of children have undergone a sea change in the last century. Satellite technology, aircraft and other modes of communication have made the entire world a village. The outdated GAWA ought to have been replaced as it affects the vital rights and interests of thousands of children in the country. Increase in trafficking of children abroad is often being highlighted by the media from time to time. Law has to ensure that citizenship of the country to which adoptive parents belong, be conferred to such children. An agency ought to be created which should monitor the well-being of the adopted child till he or she attains majority. The law cannot afford to remain silent. It has to mould and change itself as per the needs of society. It is time the Centre passes an appropriate legislation. AJAY K JINDAL, via e-mail