We need to protect forests and animals
Sir, This refers to your editorial Save the tiger (DH, Aug 4).There is little doubt that providing safe environment for wildlife has become a daunting task in India. It is no secret that despite the protection given, these animals get killed with impunity.

As far as poachers are concerned, all they have to do is place deadly traps such as wire traps or spring loaded jaw traps either at key water-holes in the forests or on the animal trails. These traps are concealed within the earth or behind thick leaves.

When the animal steps in, the powerful traps close on its legs and make the unsuspecting animal immobile. The trapped animal is then bludgeoned to death. In some cases the hapless animal is shot. Instead of the precious tiger, sometimes the poachers end up getting other animals in the trap.

The message is clear, we need to protect the forests and the animals within or else we will end up paying a heavy price.
Gopal Sutar
Riyadh

Kudos to Kode
Sir, Justice P D Kode, the TADA court judge, deserves appreciation (DH, Aug 5). Unfortunately, media was preoccupied with coverage of the person who was pronounced guilty. Many were compassionate with the undertrial and remained so even after the person was declared a convict.

One responsible minister even called persons heartless if compassion was not expressed. It is in this background that functioning and accomplishment of justice Kode merits applause. It needs courage and moral commitment to uphold the law in such circumstances.
B N Gangadhar
Bangalore

Landmark judgement
Sir, Kudos to Justice P D Kode. Among many convicted in the Bombay serial blasts case, the spotlight was on Sanjay Dutt; it is just because he happens to be a film actor. As conscientious citizens, we should be well aware that in the eyes of law, all are equal.

And for this very reason, the TADA Court Judge Kode deserves all the praise. Amidst several years of listening to arguments of lawyers, he lived a life of isolation with imminent danger posed by the prosecuted.

Kode passed a landmark judgement without any prejudice. It is unfortunate that some TV channels in order to sensationalise the happenings have started debates that are skewing the court's verdict.
R Govindarajan
Bangalore

Spare us
Sir, When it rains, the traffic in Bangalore is affected; that is a natural disaster. When the VIPs land in Bangalore, the traffic again is affected; this is man made and entirely avoidable.

What do the press advisors of these VIPs do any way? Do they not let the VIPs know that the aam admi do not want their visits which throw their daily life out of gear?

If at all they must come calling on their party cadres or local government officials, why cannot they hop from place to place by helicopters?

Please spare us of the agonies you thrust on us by the kind visits.
N K Raveendran
Bangalore

Why such a visit?
Sir, The report Rural growth gets fillip (DH, Aug 4) refers to the fillip attributed to the physical presence of Manmohan Singh, Sharad Pawar and Montek Singh in Bangalore. Was it necessary for them to come down to Bangalore to “achieve” what they did?

Their visit cost the exchequer a pretty penny and caused mayhem on the roads of Bangalore to the chagrin of the denizens. Could the same things have not been achieved by e-mails and conference calls?
Hero Vaz
Bangalore