Letters to The Editor — January 7, 2025

Decoding vs polarising

In Uttar Pradesh, there seems to be much effort in pursuing ‘excavations’, presumably in search of temples. Such actions often stir up communal tensions and divert attention from developmental issues that need attention. On the contrary, the Tamil Nadu government has set an inspiring example (“Stalin offers $1-mn prize for decoding Indus Valley script,” January 6), which is definitely a move aimed at enriching our cultural and historical understanding.

This sharp contrast in governance approaches in two States at either end of the country, raises an important question: should our focus as a nation be on fostering knowledge, education and innovation? Or, should it be on reopening historical wounds that risk dividing our society? While one approach seeks to unite and enable progress through intellectual pursuits, the other appears to dwell in the past, potentially polarising communities.

I urge governments across India to prioritise initiatives that promote unity, education and scientific advancement over those woven with divisive agendas. Only by doing so, can we pave the way for a brighter, more harmonious future for all in India.

Abdul Kalam Azad,

Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh

Chemical waste disposal

In 2015, some of the chemical waste from the site of the Bhopal gas tragedy was incinerated in Pithampur as a trial measure in 2015 and a report showed that there were no adverse results. If that was the case, why has the government waited for close to 10 years to incinerate the rest?

D. Sethuraman,

Chennai

It has been reported by this daily that a batch of the waste will be burnt using diesel. Will this not result in more pollution? Why is plasma torch incineration not being used? The Bhabha Atomic Research Centre has highlighted the use of this technology for universal waste processing which has ‘huge potential in environment friendly mitigation of municipal, hazardous, nuclear, [and] e-waste’.

Dr. Sunil Jacob,

Bengaluru

Published - January 07, 2025 12:24 am IST