Optimistic about India’s budget

A reader pins hopes on India's new budget. Other topics: rainforest, Sharjah traffic, ponies, exercise, electric cars.

A reader pins hopes on the new Indian budget unveiled on Saturday. Above, people watch a display screen at the Bombay Stock Exchange. Rajanish Kakade / AP Photo
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I am optimistic about India's future after the government presented the budget on Saturday, even though there are no "fireworks" in it as most Indians had expected (Modi's mark on India's finances, March 1).

Experts have been pointing out that there are some areas that needed more attention, but we must be realistic that a budget cannot be perfect.

Nevertheless, this one is well-balanced, with significant amount of growth multipliers embedded in it through a sharper focus on expenditure and investment.

However, the challenge is not yet over. It needs to be seen how the government implements the vision that it laid out in the budget.

HA Chaudhary, India

How to resolve Sharjah’s traffic problems?

Regarding Maryam Ismail's opinion article Sharjah needs fresh thinking about its traffic problems (February 25), there are three things that can alleviate Sharjah's traffic problems: the Dubai Metro extension, flexible working hours and affordable housing in Dubai. In fact, any one of these three things will be greatly beneficial.

Sid Mohialdin, Dubai

If Sharjah’s traffic problems are resolved, house rents will rise. That will affect people like us. So it’s perhaps better this way.

Najeeb Kananjeri Mambra, Dubai

Rainforest is not a wise idea

I wish to express my exasperation at Dubai's plans to create a rainforest (Dubai to build Middle East's first rainforest, February 25). How can a rainforest survive in a desert?

Dubai is indeed a high achiever in so many spheres, but the idea of building a rainforest seems unsustainable.

I agree that the project will have economic benefits. However, it will also carry major risks. The desert is not fit to pursue such a project mainly because it will require a large amount of water. To generate that water for irrigation will require power.

This is a hot region, so much of the water will evaporate. Generating that extra water means more pressure on natural resources. I think they should rethink this project and consider whether we really need it.

Syeda Humna Naqvi, American University of Sharjah

Where will the ponies go?

I am happy to know that the Marina Mall authorities have decided to end pony rides on its premises (Pony rides at Marina Mall end after Facebook pressure, February 27). It may be worthwhile to find out what happens to the ponies once they are removed from the mall. Do they get a better life or simply suffer the same plight elsewhere?

Kiran, Abu Dhabi

Better your life through exercise

With reference to your editorial Healthy living begins with small steps (February 26), genetic heart disease resulted in my husband needing a quadruple heart bypass last year. Since the beginning of this year, we've been trying to walk more and eat less. We now achieve 10,000 steps on most days and are feeling so much healthier.

We all spend time watching the television and surfing the internet and say we’re busy. Instead, we should do more exercise if we want to remain busy in a meaningful way.

Janet Cox, Dubai

Dubai chooses the right course

We should be proud of the fact that Dubai has made things easy for drivers of electric cars by enabling them to plug into a network of 16 charging stations around the emirate (Electric car charging stations launched in Dubai, Feb- ruary 25). It’s also heartening to know that out of the 16 stations, two are powered by solar energy.

I hope car dealers will now start importing adequate numbers of these eco-friendly vehicles. Well done UAE.

Mohammed Ali Al Marzooqi, Dubai