Letters to The EDITOR

Devil and the deep sea

It is a known fact that the Delhiites or the Delhiwalas are known to us for some wrong reasons.Thehe recent ruckus created by the elected leaders in MCD mayoral election between AAP and BJP councillors should make every Delhiites to hang their heads in shame. The recent uprise of Khalistani movement in Punjab, another state ruled by AAP is very alarming to the entire nation, and AAP’s supremo Kejriwal’s total inaction in this regard also points a finger of suspicion to AAP’s integrity. They seem to put their interests of their party above that of the nation. To add salt to the injury, the party’s two senior cabinet ministers are languishing in Tihar jail at present. It appears as if the electors of Delhi have lost their civic senses and are caught between the Devil and the Deep Sea. Their civic sense and loyalty to the nation is questionable.

Lanu Dutt Chowdhuri,

Guwahati.

Heat waves in India

Heat waves are not new to India. Already, the Indian meteorological department (IMD) has forecast an above normal temperature in north-eastern, eastern and central parts of India this summer. Lack of rains is a precipitating factor for the possible heat waves between March and May. Wheat cultivating farmers are being advised to irrigate or initiate soil treatment to conserve moisture. Earlier, anything around 40 degree celsius was considered ‘hot’. The new norm in India, in the coming years, may as well be 34 degree celsius to 35 degree celsius especially in selected cities along the coastal areas. Otherwise, a heat wave measures an average rise of at 4.5 degree Celsius. A 6.4 degree departure in normal temperature forms a severe heat wave.

Experts have said that unlike in the past, India is going to witness more frequent and severe heat waves. In the years to come, a two degree rise in temperature is expected to push the globe to thrice the normal exposure, and this phenomenon is likely to affect the south Asian countries more. Heat brings humidity, and the natural cool air from the seas get smothered by high humidity in coastal India drenching people with perspiration. People need to remain aware of heat exhaustion, heat cramp and heat stroke — the three common heat conditions. From excessive sweating in mild forms to absence of sweating in severe heat afflictions, symptoms may vary. Simmering heat, paucity of water and polluted air form a deadly triplet.

Dr Ganapathi Bhat

Akola (Maharashtra)

Playing Holi

Festivals are a source of great joy in India. Holi, the festival of colours, is one such important event. It is arguably the most fun-filled and boisterous of all Hindu festivals. However, it has been observed that residential societies waste a lot of water during Holi every year.

People should be asked to play Holi only with dry colours. They should avoid colours which are mixed with harmful chemicals, as these may lead to skin diseases and even cause blindness if they get into the eyes. Everyone should take care not to waste water while celebrating Holi. Every drop of water is precious, and costs money.

Jubel D’Cruz,

Mumbai