With reference to the editorial, ‘Desperate measures’ (November 17), the decision to advance the introduction of Bharat Stage VI grade fuel by two years may appear good but in no way does it present itself as a pragmatic and an effective solution to curb pollution. Considering that vehicular pollution accounts for only 25 per cent of cancer-causing particulate matter while the contribution of road dust to particulate matter stood at more than 30 per cent, it appears the introduction of BS VI fuel will not create the desired impact on the ground.

Only stringent penalty for polluters, promoting cleaner fuels and replacement of coal burning with cleaner fuels and tough targets for particulate matter 2.5 levels across the country will help mitigate air pollution.

M Jeyaram

Sholavandan, Tamil Nadu

Cut and paste solutions are not going to solve the smog problem. The authorities need to first do a scientific analysis. Smog-eating forests should be planted. Some people have relocated to escape the pollution, but everyone cannot do it. Pakistan Punjab has banned stubble burning. Can it be replicated here? This is a politically-loaded question.

Deendayal M Lulla

Email

Heed the doctors’ pleas

The striking doctors’ decision to partly suspend their protest at the request of the High Court and resume their services in outpatient departments in Bengaluru has come as a welcome relief for patients dependent on private healthcare. The doctors are protesting against the contentious Karnataka Private Medical Establishment Bill. The strike had caused a clamour at government hospitals putting immense pressure on hospital staff. The ball is now in the court of the State government and it would do well to lend a willing ear to the pleas made by the medical fraternity and arrive at a consensus.

NJ Ravi Chander

Bengaluru

Time for a rejig

This is with reference to ‘Wrong lessons’ by Prince Mathews Thomas (From the Viewsroom, November 17). Parents are exerting more pressure on their children to compete with other students. They are least bothered about the learning abilities and capabilities of their wards. Private schools, with the intention of maintaining a sustainable track record, resort to all forms of measures not permitted in scientific pedagogical practice. Low-paid teachers with high target pressures also causes create an unfriendly environment for students. It’s high time school curricula, pedagogy and administration were deliberated upon.

G Veerakumaran

Thrissur, Kerala

Never learning

The article,’When will we ever learn from Chennai floods’ by Narayanamoorthy and P Alli (November 16) is not ‘flooded’ with solutions; rather it only points fingers. What is clear is that we do not have a proper drainage system. What we have was installed during the British period. We have learned that flood waters have been rising high not just in low-lying areas. We have learnt also that the city’s water crisis is not due to no rains, but due to water running off into the sea.

The Government has learnt from statistics that there many lakes/ponds in the city and suburbs for more storage but they were not deepened when it was dry;;it is now thinking how to deepen them when they are full. The other statistic is that the recent rainfall was below normal and hence the reservoirs are not full. So, in effect, what have we learned? Enough is enough. Let us await for next monsoon for the answer to the question: When will we ever learn?

PT Giridharan

Email

Keep it simple

Several methods were suggested on how to compute revision of pension: multiplying the basic pension by 2.57; basing it on notional pay fixation; and a ready reckoner system which remains cumbersome. The Centre should employ retired persons to clear the work and pay off arrears by November 30, using a simple formula.

V Ganesan

Chennai

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Send your letters by email to bleditor@thehindu.co.in or by post to ‘Letters to the Editor’, The Hindu Business Line, Kasturi Buildings, 859-860, Anna Salai, Chennai 600002.

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