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Stop toxic waste

In musings “The global trash bin” (TSI, Oct. 23) Prasoon  S Majumdar has rightly pointed out that for decades India has been the most sought after destination for global waste export. Its market is being used as a dumping ground for the left over and obsolete electronic stock from the European and American markets to the tune of 50,000 tonnes besides its own generation of about 350,000 tonnes of electronic waste every year. Extracting metals like copper and gold in open acid baths, which is illegal, releases toxins such as dioxins, heavy metals, lead and  cadmium. Acid and chemical residues contaminate water and soil. Informal recyclers work without protective clothing, exposing themselves to hazardous chemicals that can lead to physical injuries. To check the illegal imports of such a toxic waste Prasoon has given pithy suggestions  that we should follow. Before these toxic wastes enter our living room, our environment ministry needs to take steps to stop them.
Prabhjot Kaur

Mohali

Amazing job

The editorial “Five successful years of being passionate about India” (TSI, Oct. 16) highlighted TSI efforts to publish the magazine in 14 languages. Moreover it drives one’s thought to spell out success, the courage to undertake great journey. I congratulate the editorial team for their relentless pursuit of perfection and for adhering to the ethics of neutrality and fearlessness. It’s quite amazing that the editor Professor Arindam Chaudhuri through his style of writing and mind blowing and stirring thoughts has been stealing the show. I can say that TSI deserves all the praise as it never hesitates to call a spade a spade. I can’t but eulogize TSI’s ideas of Independence to Kashmir, voting through SMS, improvement of judiciary and other ideas. So I am inspired enough to call TSI a trail blazer, a torch bearer and a crusader to redefine journalism.

Durbadal Ghibela

Balangir, Odisha

Time to uplift them

Prasoon S Majumdar in his write-up: “Is death better than this?” (TSI, Oct. 16) has highlighted the plight of the girls.  I praise him for writing such a good article. Despite newspapers unfailingly reporting about the pathetic situation of girls, their positions have not changed in our society. This fight too has turned out to be just a war against corruption that is too not able to yield positive result. We are misguided that all possible steps are being taken to uplift them and improve their health standards. But the fact is nothing like this has happened. Despite some changes being made in the Constitution the situation has not improved. It is  high time that we took steps to improve their situation so as to bring an end to their ordeal.  The first thing that needs to be done is to bring change in our approach towards girl child. Are we ready for it?

Sobha S Nair

Trivandrum