Karnataka   

Bridge across Kumaradhara

Sir, — The Netravati and the Kumaradhara overflow during every rainy season. Inundation of low lying areas during June and July every year is a common feature. It has also been a common phenomenon that Kukke Subrahmanya is cut off from roads for a considerable period during every monsoon. Pilgrims and tourists are put to hardship. No efforts have been made to construct a proper bridge across Kumaradhara river. Two years ago, the then zilla panchayat president had, in a local television channel, promised to look into the problem. I request the district in-charge Minister J. Krishna Palemar to take steps for a lasting solution to the problem.

J.F. D’Souza,

Mangalore

Sir, — Strike is a weapon available for workers of various organisations and industries under the Industrial Disputes Act to seek fulfilment of their demands. However, frequent strikes by workers will not serve the purpose nor will they get public sympathy for their cause.

The strike by the employees of State Bank of India on August 18 and 20 failed to get public support because of the frequency. People have learnt to live with these strikes as many have opened accounts in private banks. They are not unduly disturbed if one bank does not function for a day or two. It will be in their own interest if the bank employees realise that the impact of their strikes now is not up to the desired level.

Q.S. Krishnamurthy,

Bangalore

Sir, — Most of the footpaths in Bangalore are uneven with stone slabs having been laid erratically. The police in advertisements say that pedestrians should walk on the footpath only. But the footpaths are not convenient for the pedestrians to walk on, especially during nights. Therefore, most people tend to walk on roads, although it is dangerous. I request the commissioner of BBMP to take steps to improve the footpaths at the earliest.

B.S. Raghavendra Rao,

Bangalore

Sir, — Flooding has become quite common in most river basins in the State.

The Government is actively considering relocating residents of the areas concerned to safe regions. However, shifting of people will cause upheaval in the lives of farmers as they have their lands to take care of.

Instead, steps such as building of houses on stilts should be taken, livestock kept in safe places and agricultural produce stored in special elevated godowns. Strong trees can be planted in areas that are prone to floods so that excessive rainfall does not adversely affect life.

P. Basavaiah,

Chitradurga

Sir, — According to media reports, the subcommittee which was appointed to study the property tax issue, has submitted its findings to the Government for consideration.

A 25 per cent increase in property tax rates, as suggested, is quite high and should be reduced to a maximum of 6 per cent so that taxpayers can afford to pay the same.

Syed Shaukat Ahmed,

Bangalore

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