The Hindu : Readers' Mail

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Wednesday, Feb 25, 2004

Tamil Nadu

Tamil Nadu - Coimbatore

Readers' Mail

Delayed journey

Sir - Trains running between Coimbatore and Rameswaram as well as Palghat-Rameswaram on the meter gauge take a lot of time to reach the respective destinations. For instance, buses cover the 60-km stretch between Palani and Dindigul in one hour and 10 minutes, while trains take over two hours.

En route, these trains often become `stationary caravans' and the cause of the delay is known only to the stationmaster and drivers. An unconfirmed report said that only those trains moving at less than 40 km per hour could run on these rails. But the Railway is operating Express train service here. Despite the high fare, commuters who choose Express service do not get any benefit compared to passenger service. In addition to this discomfort, the trains never adhere to the schedule, taking the valuable time of the commuters.

Authorities concerned may use their good offices to either reduce the fare for express trains or stick to the timetable.

B. Karthikeyan,

Palani.

* * *

Man vs elephant

Sir - Instances of wild animals, especially elephants, raiding fields are increasing by the day, sometimes resulting in the death of pachyderms by electrocution. To minimise these incidents, a two-pronged strategy can be implemented.

One, the forests must be rejuvenated on a war-footing with the help of environmentalists, social organisations, unemployed youths, students together with the cooperation of villagers. Water troughs meant for wild animals must be dug at least five kms into the forest and not close to farmlands. Check dams must also be constructed in the forest.

Second, farmers must be provided with materials required for solar panel, battery-operated electric fence, focus lights, and view towers, free of cost.

In addition, patrolling must be undertaken during night by personnel from the Forest, Electricity and Revenue departments, along with the farmers. Otherwise, the Government may utilise the services of ex-servicemen. By implementing the above, the Government can save lives and crops, and above all wildlife. If we fail to conserve wildlife, posterity will not forgive us.

P.S. Subbaiyan,

Coimbatore.

* * *

Parking blues

Sir - In Crosscut Road, the two-wheeler parking lot from Gandhipuram, Mahavir's to Shobika Junction poses hardship to users. The cement slabs throughout the parking lane, make it difficult for people to park and remove vehicles. In fact, instead of slabs, an indicator line would be convenient. The Corporation authorities must look into this problem.

J.S. Rao,

Coimbatore.

* * *

Mindless wastage

Sir - There is a hue and cry about acute shortage of water in Coimbatore and depletion of groundwater. Despite this, one can see water being wasted, particularly on Road No. 7, Bharathi Park Cross Road, Saibaba Colony, where the educated elite connect hoses to the taps and use it. Why can't they instruct their servants to use buckets and sprinkle water on the roads, in case they wish to wash the path in front of their gates? If the educated lot are not bothered, how can we expect awareness among the masses? Will the authorities do something?

V.S. Rajangam,

Coimbatore.

* * *

Rational demand

Sir - We would like to refer to the letter in the Reader's Mail dt. 18-2-2004. Mr. N. Sivan's arguments are quite reasonable. All like-minded people, associations and political parties will agree with him. If the EB is not able to take up monthly meter reading, let the authorities divide the meter reading units into two and collect the charges on a monthly basis.

K.R.G. Nagar Social Service Association,

Coimbatore.

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