Make kids run

It is a matter of grave concern that 30% children in Punjab are getting flabby by eating junk food supplied in the school and college canteens in the cities of the state. The children remain busy in computers, video games, TVs and mobile phones all the while apart from being overburdened with lengthy syllabuses. The Union Health and Family Welfare Ministry is right in proposing to ban junk food in school canteens.

We, as parents and teachers, should force the children to take care of their health by doing some exercise daily. Even in schools there should be an exclusive period of running for all children, apart from the PT period.

RK KAPOOR, Chandigarh

Don’t open Rohtang

According to reports, the Lahual-Spiti administration has not yet completed the winter stocking of essential items of civil supplies in the snow-bound Lahaul-Spiti tribal areas. The BRO has been requested to keep the Rohtang pass open for traffic till December 31 to make up the shortfall in the civil supplies. The BRO has reportedly conceded to the request.

However, the relevant top sheet (Survey of India map) shows a cross in red ink print on the spot representing the Rohtang pass, along with cautioning words: “Open from 15st June to 15th October.” An attempt to keep the pass open after October 15 amounts to fighting against nature. No one can say how much snow the Pir Panjals will receive in the coming weeks.

A lifetime spent by me in the BRO in the Himalayas from Khardungla in the north-west to Kaladan in the north-east shows that any thought of keeping the Rohtang open during the harsh winter is avoidable bravado.

K.L. Noatay, Shimla

Justice for poor

This refers to the news item “SC : No dismissals for non-payment or delay of court fee by the poor” (December 4). The apex court says: “It is the duty of the courts to see that justice is meted out to people irrespective of their socio-economic and cultural positions or gender identity.” The terms ‘court fee’ and counsel charges are vague and bewildering to litigants. The government should amend the existing dispensation. Procedures and counsel’s fees etc. should be clearly defined and placed at a conspicuous site in the court premises in a way that the poor litigants are able to follow them and can take help in hiring the services of a counsel. Cumbersome processes, huge fees and delay in delivery of verdicts prevent many poor people from seeking justice and they prefer to suffer silently.

BALAK RAM DHIMAN, Nadaun

Amritsar ignored

No matter which political party is voted to power, the condition of Amritsar remains miserable. Drinking water gets mixed with sewage in most areas of the walled city, due to which many people suffer from infections like gastroenteritis, hepatitis and typhoid fever every year. Poor sanitation, damaged roads and traffic jams all contribute to make a hell of the holy city.