India-Canada row worsens

With reference to ‘Adopt firmer stance’; Justin Trudeau’s acknowledgment of Khalistan supporters in Canada comes off as a desperate move amid his sinking electoral prospects. The Canadian government’s decision to scrap its fast-track visa policy and its inability to control violent outbreaks in the country show its real stance. The diplomatic row between India and Canada has worsened. There were multiple opportunities for talks, but Canada chose to justify its brash and baseless accusations. Evidently, the people who have been hit the worst are the students who were planning to settle in Canada. They must reconsider their options now.

Shaurya Lall, Zirakpur

India must tread carefully

Refer to ‘Adopt firmer stance’; the standoff between India and Canada over the Hardeep Singh Nijjar murder case has brought unprecedented bitterness due to mishandling of the issue on both sides. Any bilateral dispute should either be resolved mutually or through the intervention of a third party acceptable to both. Trudeau has accepted the presence of Khalistanis in Canada. It supports the fact that they are allowing anti-India activities in the name of liberty and freedom. His condemnation of attacks on Hindu temples is significant for both nations. There is a large presence of the Indian diaspora and students in Canada. Any wrong step by India shall be detrimental to our interests.

BM Singh, Amritsar

Strong action against polluters

Apropos of ‘Polluter penalised’; it is a good step on the part of the NGT to punish offenders causing pollution. But it is not enough to ensure that such offences won’t be committed again. The authorities concerned should impose hefty fines on those who neglect or cause harm to the environment. At the same time, no defaulter should be spared. The action should not stop here. Pollution is harmful for the health of citizens and often leads to serious diseases and even death. The time for soft measures is long over and strict and strong action is the need of the hour.

Ravinder Mittal, Ludhiana

Control pollution on priority

Apropos of ‘Hurtling towards a climate apocalypse’; unsustainable development leaves behind a grim trail of ecological destruction. We pat our backs for constructing new highways and buildings, overlooking the effects of deforestation. More vehicles on the roads and never-ending construction may reflect the prosperity of a country, but harmful emissions cause pollution and are a matter of serious concern. Zebra crossings must be made functional as in developed countries, where a single push button halts traffic, making it easier to cross the road. It should be ensured that minimum number of trees are axed in order to widen roads and raise buildings. Our collective efforts can make the country pollution-free.

Anup Kumar Gakkhar, Haridwar

World leaders must make efforts

With reference to ‘Hurtling towards a climate apocalypse’; vehicular emissions are one of the major causes of pollution. There is definitely a dire necessity for massive structural changes to stem the scourge of pollution. Developed countries are major contributors to carbon emissions and must make a commitment for their reduction. World leaders should undertake serious endeavours to combat pollution for the survival of humankind. Though big initiatives by the government are important, individual efforts such as lifestyle changes can also help save the environment. Unless we do our bit, climate change may cause irreparable damage to our planet.

Ravi Sharma, Dhariwal

Allow Senate to continue

Refer to ‘Delay in holding Senate polls bodes ill for PU’; in recent years, the role of Senate members in the functioning of Panjab University has come under criticism, especially from those heading the institution. The Senate has not outlived its utility in academic institutions. What has overstayed its welcome is the role assigned to senators in the PU Act of 1947. Reforms are the need of the hour to meet the requirements of the university. The present Senate should be allowed to continue till a new one is formed.

Sanjay Chopra, Mohali

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