Opinion - Letters to the Editor   

Clemenceau issue

The time has come for all to join the battle against the proposal to dismantle the asbestos-laden former French aircraft carrier, Clemenceau, at Alang in Gujarat. Why are the developed nations still playing with the lives of the poor in developing countries such as India? Why can the ship not be broken down in France? India is not a dustbin.

Sri Rama Chandra Murthy Velamuri,
Rajahmundry, A.P.

It is sad that the issue has not been accorded the attention it deserves in our media. They are more interested in propagating issues such as Valentine's Day. The Clemenceau issue is not just an environment-related matter; it is also a matter of national pride.

Swati Rawat,
New Delhi

Those protesting against the proposal must understand that ship demolition is directly related to the development of the nation, inasmuch as it is the cheapest source of iron. As for the asbestos aboard the French vessel, it can become an absolute non-issue if necessary safeguards are taken.

N. Yateesh Parikshit,
Guntur, A.P.

NGOs such as Greenpeace and other activists should know that there are more than 700 large-scale and small-scale industries in India that use asbestos as the raw material; more than 5 lakh people are employed in such industries. The international standard for asbestos inhalation by men is less than 5 fibers/litre whereas the inhalation level in these units is more than 300 fibers/litre. No activist has ever raised his or her voice in this regard.

P. Christudas George,
Thrissur, Kerala

Why should the ship be destroyed at all? Can we not put it to better use by anchoring it in safe waters and using it for marine studies and for conducting research? It can also be turned into a warehouse or even a mini-town. A few more such aircraft carriers put together can give the Indian Air Force a mini-runway in the midst of the ocean.

Subramaniam Balaji,
Chennai

The rhetoric from the side of France officially has put the Indian ship-breaking industry in a dilemma over future assignments. The focus is now on "ethical development." Is the future of coming generations being marred by economic development that is marked by degradation of human resources?

Radhika Arora,
New Delhi

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