Swachh Bharat

In the light of the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan initiated by the Prime Minister, the littering of Wankhede Stadium on the occasion of the swearing-in ceremony of the CM of Maharashtra on October 31 and the Delhi venue of the oath-taking ceremony for the cleanliness campaign on October 2 as reported in the media is a matter of concern as it points to the hollowness of the pledge. People are shown sweeping streets only for the sake of coverage in the media. Nobody knows what happens to the waste later or whether it is disposed of properly. Developing a foolproof system of waste disposal in the country and making its violation a legal offence on the analogy of smoking is the need of the hour.

Dr RS Kishtwaria, Palampur

Killer tobacco

Apropos the editorial “Tobacco kills” (October 27), the leafy plant of tobacco was brought to India from South America by Portuguese traders during the reign of Emperor Jahangir. Inhaling the smoke of dried tobacco leaves through a contraption called the hookah first came into vogue among the ruling class before it spread to the commoners. The advent of cigars, cigarettes and bidis further helped the spread of tobacco consumption.

It was the tenth Sikh Guru Gobind Singh who, more than three centuries ago, ordained the Sikhs to not touch tobacco. The present day social reformers, saints, swamis and babas can save their followers and the public by prohibiting the use of tobacco.

SS BENIWAL, Chandigarh

Warning not enough

Mere warnings of harmful and deadly effects of smoking or chewing tobacco are not enough to make people give up the habit. The government move to cover 85 per cent space of the cigarette and bidi packets for displaying slogans with pictures of the deadly effects of using tobacco products will hopefully help prevent smokers from signing their own death warrant.

Smoking was banned in Chandigarh and the city made ‘smoke free’ some years ago with a directive that anyone found smoking in public places would be fined ~200. But sadly, the order has not been implemented strictly.

RK KAPOOR, New Jersey (USA)

Disturbing loudspeakers

Though the Supreme Court has banned the playing of loudspeakers from 10 pm to 6 am, many of us suffer from sleepless nights due to the night-long high-pitch sounds emanating from religious programmes. Recently, I had to bear this noise for three nights as loudspeakers were used in different houses in my neighbourbood in the outskirts of Patiala. At midnight on the last day, I informed the police on number 100, but even they could not stop it.

Dr Vidwan Singh Soni, Patiala

Stray dogs, monkeys

Mahesh Kumar’s letter “Dog homes needed” (October 30) correctly points out the stray dog menace. Remedial measures at the government level are required in this regard. Stray dogs and monkeys are dangerous for inhabitants not only in cities and towns, but also villages. The population of monkeys in villages is increasing more rapidly. They run after people carrying bags, specially schoolchildren, frighten them and bite the vulnerable.

The government should analyse the menace and implement suitable ways and means to curb the alarming increase in the population of the dangerous animals.

Capt PC Yadav (retd), Bhageshwari

Cow cess good

The instructions issued by the Bathinda Municipal Corporation and other districts regarding the levy of cow cess is appreciable. The Punjab Government should think of tackling the problem of increasing population of dogs since the ban on their eliminatio. They have become a menace in cities and villages. The fear of attack by stray dogs always lurks. They also make the surroundings dirty.

Some space should be secured for them where they could be looked after. Cess can be imposed on dogs too. The pet dog owners should be charged as they take them out in the streets to get them eased.

Paul RP, Jalandhar