This refers to reports on cases of malaria at Tilaknagar, Chembur. It is true that
there are a number of new constructions at Chembur. But once the source of mosquito breeding is known, it is a trivial matter to control it with pesticides, which are mixed with the water used for curing cement concrete. The BMC seems to have failed in this matter. Builders apparently pay for such preventive measures by way of built-in taxes during the construction stage.
There is a lot of stagnant water all over Tilaknagar in open drains visible to all. Despite this, no activity of controlling mosquito breeding is seen; although oil film is the easiest preventive measure. It is mandatory for pathology laboratories to report malaria cases to the BMC, it is reported. If not detected in time and treated, Falciparum malaria can be deadly. Nor are awareness campaigns being conducted to educate the public about preventive measures. —PRV Raghavan, via e-mail.
Jaswant’s ‘mole’
Jaswant Singh has blundered. The 'mole' he claimed exists turns out to be something he himself doesn't know. The
nation wants an explanation from him for the waste of time and energy of the parliamentarians and the media due to this irresponsible reference to the 'mole' in his yet-to-be-released book, A Call to
Honour. The book seems to have turned out to be a call to ‘dishonour’ the country. Is it just a gimmick for selling his memoirs?
—Aboobakar Thwahir, via email.
Helping the needy
The report "I don't beg anymore" (Sunday DNA, August 6) states the need of the day. I compliment the people involved in educating street children and making them into responsible individuals, Janata Dal for providing them their office for this "special" class, and also ISKCON for providing meals for these children. Today, we need more people and organisations to help the needy, especially women and children who are deprived of a decent living and are forced to work for their living or go begging for alms. There are many such people, including child workers, who need to be educated to be finer individuals. Instead of feeding animals and birds (who can take care of themselves) individuals and organisations must instead start more such centres where children could be educated and free food will be given to them.
—Cajetan Peter D'Souza, Mumbai.
Double standards
When former BJP foreign minister Jaswant Singh was blamed for his book, it was deemed to be blot on BJP's image. In contrast, while the Congress foreign minister Natwar Singh was blamed for his corrupt practice to benefit his son and relative, the Congress was given clean chit. These double standards are only possible in secular India.
—Aditya Rathi, via email.
