Letters to The Editor — January 6, 2025

Mega project for Nicobar

The report, “Cruise terminal proposed for Great Nicobar Island” (January 5), was disturbing to read. The ecologically super-sensitive islands will be subject to destruction. The endemic flora and fauna can never get replaced. The island is of strategic importance in terms of our maritime security. Hence, the activities here should only be for those that concern our defence forces. There seem to be overenthusiastic officials in Delhi who should heed the word of caution and the points being raised by the local senior officials.

B. Sundar Raman,

Coimbatore

The shady manner in which the central government is attempting to implement its much-trumpeted ‘₹72,000 crore mega-infrastructre project’ will result in catastrophic consequences. It is hoped that the National Green Tribunal will deter the government from implementing the project. This is a moment for environmentalists, scientists and environmental advocates to come together, make this issue a rallying point, and thwart the government’s attempt by launching a “Save Nicobar” mass movement.

T.N. Venugopalan,

Kochi

Meet farmers, start talks

The farmers’ protest has rekindled memories of the year-long agitation, during 2020-21, near Delhi’s borders. The protest now is for the legitimate demand by farmers on MSP and a waiver of loans. The government should begin talks with representatives of all kisan organisations to resolve their long-pending demands.

S.K. Khosla,

Chandigarh

The MSP for key agricultural commodities has been a persistent sticking point in the negotiations between the government and the farmers. Indian farmers’ problems have worsened as farm incomes have been squeezed by slower output growth, higher costs and increased vulnerability to climate change. There is basically a lack of understanding of what agriculture needs. Above all, there is a lack of political commitment to ensure remunerative prices to farmers.

R. Sivakumar,

Chennai

In Sydney

The Border-Gavaskar Trophy lived up to its name. The two powerhouses in the game fought hard and, the better team won. This series will mark the end of many eras and also the start of new ones. The record attendance during the matches ensures that Test cricket lives on.

Subash Balakrishnan,

Mississauga, Ontario, Canada

Published - January 06, 2025 12:24 am IST