Letters to the EDITOR: Glacier retreat in Arunachal Pradesh

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Glacier retreat in Arunachal Pradesh

It is indeed a matter of serious concerns for the ecologists and environmental conservationists that the land of rising sun, Arunachal Pradesh has lost more than one hundred glaciers over 32 years. It has sounded the warning about the consequences of our utter ignorance about the rise in global temperature happening as a result of climate change. The editorial, 'Saving water towers of Arunachal Pradesh' published in your esteemed daily on February 20 has rightly said that glaciers in Arunachal Pradesh are feeding major tributaries of the Brahmaputra and hence, communities in lower riparian areas in the Assam are largely dependent on AP's glacier melt-water. The researchers study findings during the observation of this year's International Year of Glacier Preservation, officially launched by UNESCO and Water Meteorological Organization, have cautioned that shrinking glaciers may lead to twin problems of flooding and unstable river flow and long-term water shortages for agriculture and drinking for communities of both the states. The faster melting of Himalayan glaciers is the immediate outcome of increase in black carbon as it absorbs more light and emit infrared radiation that increases the temperature. Surprisingly, the government of India does not have adequate and reliable field data as the sources of black carbon (B.C) reaching Himalayan region are complex and uncertain. There is urgent need for the central and state governments to extend more financial assistance and facilitate collaborative university-level study and research to bring more credible data into the public domain for formulating pragmatic strategies and time-bound action plan by the disaster management authorities in Assam and Arunachal Pradesh to check potential disaster situations. Making glacier preservation in the border state needs to be given top national priority.

So, comprehensive healthcare of AP's glaciers cannot be compromised at any cost as its impending disaster will have a cascading and catastrophic impact on socioeconomic lives of people both the states.

Iqbal Saikia,

Guwahati.

Social justice

Though the world has tremendously taken off in all spheres of life, there are some races, classes, and religions that feel deprived of equal chances to education, healthcare, and employment, among others. Social justice aims at correcting this, and a robust social justice system encompasses social integration, equal employment opportunities, and poverty eradication. Nations around the world are interlinked socially and economically. Social development and social justice are indispensable to each other and are crucial for fostering peace and security among the nations.

On the corollary, social justice and social development cannot be attained in the absence of peace and security or in the absence of human rights. "Empowering inclusion: Bridging gaps for social justice" is a natural theme for World Social Justice Day on February 20. Social justice should be the pivot around which national and international policies have to revolve. But global prosperity has a big stumbling block: injustice and insecurity faced by sections of society. Inclusive governments bat for social justice and, consequently, national progress. Institutional reforms and better labour market outcomes are offshoots of effective governance. Every society should be transparent, honest, and accountable to promote the much-needed social justice.

Dr Ganapathi Bhat

(gbhat13@gmail.com)

Is justice done?

A Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) court in Kolkata sentenced a 34-year-old man Rajib Ghosh (also known as Gobra) to death for raping a seven- month-old infant after kidnapping her from a Kolkata pavement where she had been sleeping beside her mother. After the rape the child continues to be critical in RG Kar Hospital for two months amid assessments she would be left with permanent damage. In a swift 80-day judicial process, the judge Indrila Mukhopadhyay Mitra deemed the case 'rarest of rare' and awarded Rs 10 lakh compensation to the survivor, emphasizing lifelong mental anguish despite physical recovery. Actually, people like Rajib are born with a criminal and twisted mind. Leaving him alive means a constant threat to society. A rapist is one who not only disrespects women as taught in our scriptures, but he violates her self-esteem forever along with those of her near and dear ones. Such people cannot be trusted to move freely in society. It is best to hang them or at least give them life long prison sentences without parole. Hats off to the police for their success and the judiciary for a quick disposal. But the big question in India will this order be implemented as quick as the judgement? No. Now, the rapist will go to High Court, Supreme Court and if the same order is followed, he will go to the President for mercy. By this process he will remain in jail at the cost of taxpayer's money and after 14 years he will be released. For free and fair judgement, we need to bring some change. Otherwise, the victim and her family will suffer forever.

Bidyut Kumar Chatterjee

(bkchatterjee9@gmail.com)

Science for global well being

Science Day is a globally celebrated event commemorating the Raman Effect discovered by Sir C. V. Raman, the renowned Indian physicist, on February 28. This day is highly significant as it aims to raise awareness about the importance of science and its contributions to society. The theme for Science Day varies each year, but it always revolves around promoting scientific knowledge and encouraging young people to pursue a career in science.  The theme for National Science Day 2024 was “Science for a Sustainable Future.” The focus of this theme was to emphasise the crucial role that science and technology play in tackling global challenges and creating a more sustainable future for everyone. In essence, Science Day highlights the significance of science and its impact on society by promoting scientific inquiry and inspiring future generations of scientists.

Jubel D'Cruz,

(jubeldcruz@yahoo.com)