Enforce rules in letter and spirit

Refer to ‘Mid-air mess in HP’; the death of two paragliders on the eve of the World Cup in Himachal Pradesh is a sad reflection on the safety measures being taken in the sport. The government needs to frame strict rules and enforce them in letter and spirit. These accidents happen due to unprofessionalism of pilots. Some overenthusiastic paragliders also venture into high-risk zones or inner valleys with little knowledge of the topography and the local wind conditions. The government is contemplating to install special towers in high mountains to pinpoint the crash sites. The sooner it is done the better.

KR Bharti, Shimla

Enhance safety measures

Apropos of ‘Mid-air mess in HP’; Bir-Billing is known as the paragliding capital of India due to strong and stable air currents. But the tragic deaths of paragliders in the last two years is alarming. After the recent incident wherein a Belgian paraglider practising for the forthcoming World Cup died, the lack of safety measures has come back into focus. In foreign countries, choppers are readily available for rescuing, but such facilities are not available in Himachal Pradesh, which makes it all the more risky. The state government encourages adventure sports to boost tourism, but it will also have to take strict action to enhance safety.

Bal Govind, Noida

Combating Punjab’s drug crisis

With reference to ‘Punjab’s drug war’; the editorial rightly hails the state’s intensified efforts to combat drug trafficking. The arrest of 10,524 smugglers over the past 10 months and the confiscation of large quantities of drugs are commendable steps. However, a strategy of publicly naming and shaming high-level operators would send a strong message that the drug trade comes with serious consequences. Besides, bolstering border security and robust anti-drone measures are essential measures to intercept narcotics at their source. Only through relentless, multi-agency collaboration can Punjab hope to get rid of this scourge and pave the way for a healthier future for its citizens.

Chanchal S Mann, Una

Save youth from drug menace

Apropos of ‘Punjab’s drug war’; the Punjab Government and the BSF should be congratulated for arresting thousands of smugglers. But the most important question is: who are the big fish behind this anti-national and anti-social business? The problem of drug trafficking is still looming large over the landscape of Punjab. The BSF has captured 183 drones from the Pakistani side; these must have been meant for ghost smugglers on the Indian side. It is the duty of the state government to divulge the identity of such criminals. The youth of the state are the most vulnerable target of these nefarious elements. Hopefully, the state government will not sit idle till the entire nexus behind the drug menace is destroyed.

Ravinder Kumar Jain, Ludhiana

Need impartial judicial system

With reference to ‘We have learnt nothing from 1984’; the assassination of Indira Gandhi and its aftermath was a tragedy of errors. The violence added a dark dimension to the history of India. It was all the more painful when the ruling dispensation christened the ‘genocide’ of a particular community as ‘riots’. The kind of justice the families of victims would get is a foregone conclusion. What lesson have we learnt even after 40 years when killers from the grand old parties are still roaming free? Lessons can only be taught by a strong and impartial judicial system.

HMS Nagra, Faridabad

Adverse effects of toxic chemicals

Refer to ‘The bitter truth behind pretty-looking fruit’; fruits have miraculous effects on our body but their taste, tang and nutritional values depend upon the way they are allowed to ripen — naturally or artificially. In artificial ripening, chemicals such as ethephon are used. In incorrect doses, it can be toxic, can cause weakness, and have an adverse effect on our heart, liver, kidneys and the neurological system. It breaks the organic composition of various micronutrients and changes the outer colour of the fruits, while the pulp remains raw. Naturally ripened fruits are indeed a boon for us and chemically mellowed a curse.

Sunil Chopra, Ludhiana

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