Opinion Disastrous gaps
The editorial When disaster strikes (IE,April 17) rightly states that India has a lot to learn from the Boston blasts
Disastrous gaps
* The editorial When disaster strikes (IE,April 17) rightly states that India has a lot to learn from the Boston blasts. In India,a terror strike usually results in chaos and confusion as the authorities are taken by surprise. Indias vast population makes the job of intelligence agencies difficult,even though they are equipped with state of the art technology. There is a need to upgrade and coordinate the countrys intelligence network in order to meet contingencies in future.
Devendra Khurana
* THE Boston blasts were shocking. But the response of the US authorities,minimising the loss of lives,is commendable. India is vulnerable to disasters,both natural and manmade. But are we prepared for any of these eventualities? A disaster management system consists of four components mitigation,preparedness,response and recovery. Mitigation involves warding off such incidents,preparedness includes the skills and mechanisms needed in case of disaster,response is about providing humanitarian assistance after the disaster and recovery constitutes rehabilitating victims. Because of the dense population,loss of life and property is immense in India. We still have a casual attitude to these crises there are not enough fire extinguishers and CCTV cameras in public places,crowd management leaves much to be desired and the response to disasters is slow and unplanned. Terrorist attacks have been successful because of poor intelligence gathering and dissemination of information. Mock drills have not been a frequent feature. Proper training and awareness must be provided to the public to make them capable of handling threatening situations and minimise casualties.
Anchit Mathur
Train of thought
* THE JD(U)s statement that the Godhra question should be posed to Vajpayee,not Nitish,does not seem to be justified (Pose Godhra question to Vajpayee,not Nitish: JD(U),IE,17 April ). As long as a passenger is on board a train,his or her safety is the railway ministers responsibility. Nitish Kumar,who was Union railway minister in 2002,should have owned up to his share of the responsibility. But there is wisdom in moving ahead and addressing current problems,such as corruption,security,the rising cost of living,poor health and educational facilities.
S.K. Kapoor
Delhi
Tie up
* IF INDIA is to assume a greater role in Asia,it should be assertive in protecting its core interests (Do nothing Delhi,IE,April 16). It should maintain mutually beneficial relations with both China and the US. China is set to become the new global financial hub,so India should set aside its border disputes and other concerns to take advantage of China growing financial might. This is the same strategy that it has employed with the US,even though the two might have differences.
Abhishek Kumar
Senha
Share
