GM foods

The article “Should India permit GM foods?” by Suman Sahai (October 13) is a must read by every stakeholder of agriculture. Rainbow revolution is necessary to end hunger. This necessitates an increase in productivity accompanied by agro-product processing and marketing.

The 'Evergreen Revolution' or the 'Gene Revolution' with Agbiotech must complement and supplement rainbow revolution in letter and spirit. Rain harvesting is also essential for reducing the declining water table on the one hand and waterlogging on the other. Let us adopt agbiotech technology under the public -private partnership (PPP) model instead of private venture. Agriculture need to be recognized as a profession involving genetic engineering and vermin culture which is more than a vocation.

Dr MM Goel, Kurukshetra

Aadhaar card invalid?

It was shocking to know from one of my friends that the Aadhaar card was not recognised as an identity/residence proof when he went to the MC, Panchkula, for the registration of his son’s marriage. On the one hand, the central government has instructed all banks to open accounts under the Jan Dhan Yojana without asking for any other document if the Aadhaar card is produced, and on the other hand, the Haryana Government treats it as trash. Why has the government spent crores of rupees on issuing Aadhaar cards if they are not to be recognised?

Ashok Juneja, via email

Bhakra Dam

The maximum storage level of the Bhakra Dam has been reduced from the designed level elevation of 1685 ft to 1680 ft. This will affect its storage capacity and power potential. There is an ever-increasing loss due to 'silting' and no step is being taken to control silting. Comparatively, the picture is quite different across the Wagah border in West Punjab, Pakistan.

The capacity of the Mangla Dam has been increased and steps taken to stop the march of silt towards the dam. It has become 9th largest dam in the world. And, another dam — the Dasu hydroproject — is coming 240 km upstream to increase the storage capacity of the Tarbela dam.

The power production potential of WAPDA (Water and Power Development Authority) Pakistan attained as per 2013-2014 figure in 31.804 billion units and power production cost is Rs 1.50 only.

GS Dhillon, Chandigarh

Curb poll shows

This is apropos the news “Commuters suffer amid candidates’ show of strength” (September 27). Candidates in fray undertake road shows along with a huge number of followers to woo voters without considering how it affects the routine lives of the ordinary people. The shows cause delays to people in reaching their destinations. Even an ambulance is not spared. The Election Commission should take cognisance of this freedom which hangs heavy on other civilians and restrict such shows. The returning officers in each district should earmark specific places for holding rallies and meetings by the candidates during elections.

Susma Arora and Rajinder Kumar Arora, Kurukshetra

Police brutality

The murders at Jamalpur (“AAP seeks CBI inquiry into Jamalpur killings”, October 2) are an example of police brutality. They are reminiscent of the dark days of militancy when fake encounters were permitted and out-of-term promotions given to policemen who lacked wisdom and education in policing. Policemen were promoted because they killed for money and rank. Vast amounts of money have been invested by such cops in the real estate as is revealed by quite a number of cases that have surfaced. But they cannot escape the court of conscience.

Balwinder Singh, via email

‘Haider’ shocker

Shockingly, there is less of Shakespeare in the film ‘Haider.’ And sadly, a song has been shot at the famous Martand Sun Temple in Kashmir which is under the control of the ASI. How did the ASI allow hundreds of people to watch the shooting on the weak walls of this temple? How did it give permission for shooting in this archaeological marvel?

VINOD RAZDAN, via email