The Hindu : Tamil Nadu / Coimbatore News : Readers' Mail

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Wednesday, Oct 13, 2004

Tamil Nadu

Tamil Nadu - Coimbatore

Readers' Mail

Injustice to others

Sir - It is sad that in spite of repeated warnings from various sources of media, the number of smokers in Coimbatore is going up by the day. This vice is injurious to those around them, unlike alcohol intake. Smokers also pollute the atmosphere. There are petty shops near courts, bus stands, railway stations, restaurants, cinema halls etc. that sell cigarettes.

The establishment owners can request or restrict the cigarette/beedi buyers not to smoke in front of the shops. Studies have proved that passive smokers are more affected than the smokers themselves. Public smoking has already been prohibited by the Supreme Court and banned by the State. It is high time the enforcing authority implemented the law strictly.

C.S. Sabari Santhanam

Member

Citizens' Voice Club

Coimbatore

Buses don't stop

Sir - Town buses do not stop at the Tirupur Textiles stop in Peelamedu. Residents of this locality are therefore put to a lot of hardship.

The move by the transport authorities to take action against buses stopping at unauthorised places is most welcome. Similar action is warranted against town buses that do not stop at approved bus stops.

G.C. Srinivasan

Coimbatore

Regrettable allegation

Sir - This refers to your article dated Oct. 4, 2004, on timber mafia hyperactive in Shevaroy Hills. The silver oak trees removed from Yercaud Hills are only from private estates and properties.

The day-to-day activities of tribals here are based only on plantation of these trees. With coffee prices coming down, the tribals have no option but to turn to silver oak trees. Though Government prescribed only 100 trees per acre, they planted more than 400 trees. The crowded trees prevented growth of other vegetation.

And many trees had to be removed. Placing the silver oak (Gravillia robusta) in scheduled timber list is foolish.

The Yercaud constituency is considered AIADMK's bastion. But heavy loss to the party in the parliamentary election is because of placing the silver oak in scheduled list.

The only option to bring prosperity to the tribals of Yercaud is by removing the timber transit rules.

There is no question of environmental degradation because the number of trees prescribed per acre by Government has been maintained. Without analysing valid reasons, it is regrettable that environmentalists refer to these tribals as timber mafias.

A. Senthil Kumar

Salem

BSNL plans

Sir - The BSNL, Coimbatore launched two new plans (Rs. 360 p.m. with 300 free calls and 975 p.m. with 1025 free calls) in July, 2004 (report on The Hindu dated June 18, 2004). Those who applied for new phones under these plans were asked to pay only Rs. 1,000 as deposit against Rs. 2,000 and installation charge of Rs. 800 was waived.

It was also mentioned that existing subscribers could opt for any of these plans and that the new plans would be in addition to the existing four plans.

Old subscribers, who approach for change of tariff now, are informed that the scheme is closed.

It is surprising that new entrants under the scheme will permanently be charged at a lower tariff whereas BSNL's old and longstanding customers cannot opt for the particular plan now.

Many old customers might learn about the plans only now.

It is one thing to give incentives at the time of installation of a new phone but to offer lower tariff permanently is a different matter irrespective of whether the phone is used for business house or at residence.

It is unethical for a commercial organisation, that too a Government concern, to discriminate its customers based on the date of application. All the plans should be available to all the subscribers as per their choice. No wonder phones are surrendered by old subscribers.

S. Venkatasubbu

Coimbatore

Cutting down trees

Sir - There is a lot of repair work on Mettupalayam Road. This is being done to strengthen and widen the road. Throughout the stretch, there are thousands of tamarind trees on both sides.

It seems that the authorities have decided to cut down all the trees to widen the road.

These trees not only yield tamarind but also add to the scenic beauty. Instead of cutting the age-old trees, roads may be laid to their left and right.

Light vehicles can use the new side roads and the existing road can be used by heavy vehicles, thus help reduce the rate of accidents. These trees will act like a fence between heavy and light vehicles.

Trees can be cut at junctions and wherever they jut into the road. Trimming the tree branches will also help.

V. Sriharan

Coimbatore

Protect Nature

Sir - I am a student of Satchidananda Jothi Nikethan, Kallar.

The ecological conditions in and around the city are really pathetic. We are hardly able to find lush green trees. They are being cut down mercilessly for industries. Already the ozone layer has greatly been affected due to pollution. So, children, the pillars of any nation, should be aware of the prevalent condition.

Efforts can be taken in rural areas also, to preserve trees. Organisations such as Siruthuli and Youth Hostel Association of India are creating awareness on this through camps. Lets join hands to protect Nature.

K.A. Shivaranjani

Mettupalayam

LIC's negligence

Sir - I remitted Rs. 2,36,324 by cash to Life Insurance Corporation, Gobi branch for two Balvidya Plans on February 27, 2002 for my two grandsons (policy numbers 762866092 and 762865421). After various reminders, I got the policies on June 3, 2002.

The branch again delayed sending annuities from 2003/2004 at Rs. 500 p.m. for the policy No. 762866092.

These two policies got transferred to the LIC branch at R.S. Puram on June 21, 2004. Since then this branch has not taken any action for paying the annuities.

K. Balasundaram

Coimbatore

Member

Citizens' Voice Club

Coimbatore

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