Opinion Water works
Given the revision in water tariffs,water has become the subject of hot discussion. It is the governments responsibility to provide a constant supply of hygienic water at reasonable prices....
Given the revision in water tariffs,water has become the subject of hot discussion. It is the governments responsibility to provide a constant supply of hygienic water at reasonable prices. Taxes imposed are meant to take care of such basic facilities. Therefore,the government should not look upon this sector for business opportunities. Though I am not entirely against the tariff increase,my criticism is towards the approach: government and its organisations look for short-term solutions to problems. Further,the issue of water meters needs to be looked at. Many in the city do not have water meters and even when they do they are likely to be non-functional and their readings not checked properly. Therefore the implementation should be more effective in terms of installation and regular checks on meters if the DJBs revenues should increase.
Sanjay Ganjoo
New Delhi
In our interest
Jairam Rameshs announcement that India is ready to voluntarily reduce its carbon intensity by 20-25 per cent from its 2005 level is a good decision (A time for numbers,IE,December 4). Indias record of reduction should be enough to carry conviction of its determination; moreover its in the company of other major states who have taken this line. Also,it should be seen in the light of a major polluter like the US. Considering that India is still a developing country,by taking a voluntary position it retains its flexibility and its all in the best interests of the country.
H.R.B. Satyanarayana
Mysore
Surge and worry
1.)Pranab Dhal Samantas Changes in script (IE,December 4) is an eye-opening analysis of the coming American surge in Afghanistan. Obamas surge and exit is an attempt to save face for the US. NATO allies dont seem encouraged. China can do a volte face depending on its internal compulsions. As for Pakistan,it has two objectives: a client state in Afghanistan and secondly,with the weapons and economic aid from the US,it wants to settle Kashmir. In this context,even to count its blessings,
America should be able to checkmate Pakistans military establishment. Pakistans civilian government will never be effective as long as the countrys military is allowed to call the shots. For India,therefore,there is every reason to be alert in its western neighbourhood.
Prasad Malladi
Nidadavole
2.)After due consideration,the US president has pledged an additional 30,000 troops to Afghanistan (Surge,exit,IE,November 3). This shows that the US still relies more on military might to win its war on terror than focusing on restructuring and reconstructing an Afghanistan parcelled out among warlords and the opium traders. Indias role,given its status as a major benefactor of the Afghans,should have been recognised. But it seems the US is mired in fears of losing the war with the pressure to exit strong.
Pooja Sharma
Noida
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