Man, the biggest polluter on earth Sir, This refers to the editorial Planet calling (DH, June 5). It is right that it is up to the people to make sure that the rulers pay heed to the climate change crisis. The wiping out of the vast stretches of the great Amazon rain forests in Brazil, the Americans preference for using swanky, big 5-litre gas guzzlers instead of opting for 2-ltrs small engined cars, the Brits prefer gas guzzlers, instead of rapid public transit system, worldwide rise in global tourism resulting in heavy air travel and resultant consumption of aviation fuels, unimaginable rise in world population and pressure on resources are all contributory factors among others for spurt in climate change.
The biggest polluter is man ever since he started walking on the earth, which is 4.6 billion years old. Climate studies had only 200 years of history, but the story of pollution goes back several thousands of years. When exactly it started remains unknown. Pisipati Sriram
Hyderabad
Action please Sir, We read in newspapers, almost everyday about the devastating effects of global warming and lack of action to protect earth. Suggestions are pouring in — not to use mercury vapour lights that emit carbon dioxide. But people continue using them. Action should be taken to stop the production of mercury vapour lights and to reduce the price of cfl bulbs. Similarly, we see vehicles emitting dark smoke and the police department insists on emission certificates rather than taking action. The authorities concerned should detain those vehicles, which emanate smoke to protect earth. B S Raghavendra Rao
Mysore
People, the sufferers Sir, The Gurjar agitation and the Meenas’ counter brings to focus the perils of the reservation policy. It is the deprived who start the agitation but those whose privileges are threatened counter it. It was the same case with the wrongly conceived reservation for OBCs for admission to the nations elite institutions, when the creamy layer did not want to be excluded. In the resultant violence, it is the people who pay for the vandalism and not the politicians. N V Suryanarayana
Syracuse, NY, USA
Who is a Hindu?
Sir, This refers to the controversy over the purification of the Guruvayur temple after the visit of Vayalar Ravi and his family. Who is a Hindu is being debated ad nauseam without any answers. Could the different temple boards and Hindu religious heads clarify on what basis do they decide who is a Hindu and on whose authority? Do we have a common Hindu manifesto for all Hindus? If so what is it? where is it? Sreelata menon
Bangalore
Laughing stock?
Sir, This refers to Two tainted cops rewarded (DH, June 5). It is not known on what basis these two tainted cops have now been rewarded with promotions though there was misconduct and dereliction of duties, which should have been reflected as adverse remarks in the performance reports. Even in cases of promotion by selection, the appointing authorities are required to satisfy as to past performance as reflected in the special reports. Absolute care is essential to ensure that there shall be no laughing-stock in public administration. S NAGARAJAN
Bangalore
Bihar will be saintly
Sir, This refers to Two tainted cops rewarded. It is shocking and unpardonable. This is an official sanction and signal to the corrupt to continue doing what they want, irrespective of the consequences. Honest citizens can only wring their hands in frustration. At this rate Bihar will appear saintly compared to Karnataka. K Jayasimha
Bangalore
Man, the biggest polluter on earth
