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

N-energy can lessen power pangs

The major problem being faced by the power sector is coal shortage and the problem is going to be more acute with fall in coal productivity and with more thermal plants coming up in future (editorial ‘Power sector woes’, February 7). The solution lies in accelerating the pace of building planned nuclear plants with a capacity of 45,000 MW by 2020 and 63,000 MW by 2032, the present capacity being 4,780 MW only.

We owe gratitude to our Prime Minister who realised the importance of ending the chronic power shortage which is hindering economic growth badly. He made tremendous efforts in persuading the nuclear supply group to lift the ban on supplying us nuclear fuel and technology. Now let the Power Ministry act vigorously to achieve the targets which often slip badly.

With improved safety measures in place, nuclear power plants are as safe as other critical industrial and chemical plants. Only two serious accidents have occurred in the long operational history of 60 years of nuclear reactors numbering around 350 in the world, including 20 in India. As such fear of mishaps should not deter and deprive us from exploiting nuclear energy for producing much-needed power, totally free from thermal pollution causing serious ailments.

RL MAHAJAN, Ludhiana

Putting to good use

The news item ‘Govt proposes two eco-battalions for ex-servicemen’ (February 9) should be welcomed as a very timely, positive and a long-awaited initiative from the new government in Himachal. This step is bound to leave a significant impact and to substantively contribute towards long-term benefit in restoration of the fragile and fast-deteriorating ecology of this hill state.

Similar initiatives in some other states of the country have, in the recent past, immensely benefitted the people. Such battalions are adept not only in turning arid and traditionally uncultivable soil, especially in rural areas, into productive land but also in revival of many dried-up water sources like wells, springs, ponds and lakes.

These, in turn, can promote a variety of gainful pursuits like growing fruits and vegetables on commercial basis, promoting fisheries, besides educating people and particularly, school children through practical demonstration.

The ex-servicemen are eminently suited to successfully undertake these projects since they possess the necessary motivation and training.

GOVIND SINGH KHIMTA, via e-mail

Youth vying for quota

Initially, division in society was based on varna/ profession, which slowly evolved into caste by birth, and now into economic class (Dr DN Panigrahi’s ‘Looking beyond caste for modernity’, February 7). Off late, the quota system for SCs/STs/OBCs has been creating further divide in the society. Though, the youth are considered as the pillars of hope for creating a casteless modern society as far as inter-caste marital relations are concerned, however, they are not ready to say good bye to academic and job reservations.

The ill-guided youth extend overwhelming support to caste-based agitations for reservations, as has been witnessed in Haryana and Rajasthan.

Dr PURAN SINGH, Nilokheri

Soccer in a fix

The latest scandal regarding match fixing in world soccer by the Singapore gamblers bribing the Europeans via Germany has stunned soccer lovers throughout the world who considered it as a thrilling game.

Alas, like cricket, it too has shown its ugliest side in getting trapped in match fixing in which players, officials and referees have been involved due to greed for money.

The 'beautiful game' has been struck a particularly dirty blow and its integrity is under attack like never before. If football is to be saved, it is high time for FIFA to relent and adopt technologies that can reduce the scope of fixing.

DILBAG RAI, Chandigarh

Rock Garden

The beauty and maintainence of the world acclaimed and a landmark of Chandigarh, the Rock Garden has been deteriorating over the years and nobody in the administration is bothered. The cafeteria is non-functional and public lavatories stink and are in a pathetic and unhygienic condition. The flow of water in the waterfalls is erratic. New features like the art gallery and the doll museum which were to be added, have failed to see the light of the day. Remedial measures must be taken immediately before it gets too late.

REETA KOHLI, Chandigarh