Death traps
The death of five-year-old Mahi,days after she fell into a borewell,is tragic (Gurgaon tragedy: Mahi brought dead to hospital,IE,June 24). The haunting question is: why has our administration not learnt from similar incidents in the past? A few years ago,six-year-old Prince,trapped in a borewell,was rescued successfully,much to everyones relief. The incident received much attention,yet deaths like Mahis continue to occur. Soon after she fell into the well,a youth in West Bengal died under similar circumstances. Innumerable manholes and borewells remain uncovered,putting the lives of common people at risk. It reflects the apathy of our public works departments.
Ganapathi Bhat,Akola
Concrete steps
THE imposition of a heavy fine on 10 top cement companies is laudable for more than one reason (A question of trust,IE,June 23). The Indian cement industry ranks second in the world. Some of the errant companies are owned by reputed business houses. Still,in a concerted effort,the production capacity utilisation was brought down deliberately this year. This has affected the modest home-builder as much the industrial developer. The Cement Manufacturers Association should encourage its members to enhance profits by raising labour productivity and reducing costs,particularly in power consumption and transportation.
Y.G. Chouksey
Shifting goalposts
THE CPMs rationale for supporting Pranab Mukherjee as president is self-serving and far-fetched (Left divided,CPM to back Pranab,IE,June 22). Had Mamata Banerjee agreed to go along with the Congress in the presidential election,the CPMs stand might have been very different. The party has claimed that abstaining from voting for a presidential candidate would blunt its involvement in the emerging political scenario. But this can be taken with a pinch of salt. Another reason proffered by the CPM is that Mukherjees candidature has the widest possible acceptance. Such an argument has not moved the party in the past. The CPM should not be swayed by Banerjees tantrums. It should only be driven by the changing realities of Indian politics.
Tarsem Singh
New Delhi
Music and lyrics
APROPOS Ferraris,dope and misogyny in global village of Punjabi music (IE,June 25),the concern raised in the story is genuine but suggesting that the entire body of Punjabi music promotes obsession with drugs and big cars is misleading. The popularity of the new breed of Punjabi singers is not driven by the lyrics of their songs but by the catchy music. While dancing to these tunes,no one pays heed to the lyrics. These new rappers and pop singers cannot be called the flagbearers of Punjabi music.
Jaspratap Singh
New Delhi
