I am commenting on the weather condition in the United States (US faces big chill as polar cold front sweeps across, January 6). This shows how humanity is paying for the sins of global warming. We will have to rethink about what we create and call development, which is often done by ruining nature in some way. We are too dependent on our cars, air conditioning and smoke-spewing factories. If we don't control our polluting ways, nature will create such problems. Global warming and the problems of greenhouse gases should be taken seriously by governments across the world.
Nature seems to have started to revolt. Nobody can stop it by talking. We still have time to take corrective actions. Otherwise, this is the beginning of the end.
Iris Smith, UK
A comprehensive analysis of whether the polar vortex is, in some way, a result of environmental decay caused by man, or a natural phenomenon not unrelated to human activities, should be carried out so that we can take preventive measures that would help reduce human suffering.
Name withheld by request
Indian Railways needs structural overhaul
I am writing in reference to the editorial Accountability key to India's rail safety (January 10).
It is true that railways in India are not trustworthy. Not only in terms of safety equipment, but otherwise, too, there is no safety of passengers. While travelling overnight by trains, they are often attacked robbers and extremists. But the government does not care. The only time it matters is when there are some politicians or bureaucrats among those passengers.
The railway is a huge organisation and it is very difficult to manage properly and ensure accountability of staff. If the structure does not change, it is impossible to bring reforms in it. And there is little chance of such overhaul any time in the foreseeable future. The editorial has rightly observed that the railways reflect the state of affairs in India. It’s really pathetic. That is why so many people refuse to return to India and are ready to struggle abroad.
Sunita Joshi, Dubai
Chief minister must be realistic
There is great danger that Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) may get lost in minor details and lose sight of the larger issues (AAP's new faces go from anti-corruption warriors to governors of Delhi, January 2).
For instance, take the case of the housing arrangements for the party chief, Arvind Kejriwal. He has not been able to decide where he should stay following criticism of his decision to move into a five-bedroom house, with an attached five-room office. There is nothing luxurious about this. All senior government ministers have to maintain an office at home with rooms for visitors and support staff.
Every bit of criticism should not sway Mr Kejriwal. If the chief minister becomes over-frugal, it could adversely affect his work.
Again, take the case of the red-beacon cars. Senior government ministers do need such cars to get to work quickly. In Delhi it can take hours to move from the east corner of the city to the west. Should senior government officers be twiddling their thumbs in cars for so long while going to work?
In politics one needs to be realistic. Privileges like houses, cars and staff are given to ministers so that they can do their jobs better and faster. Not availing of these facilities will slow down the administration and decision-making.
Rajendra Aneja, Dubai
Uzbekistan is in perfect shape
I am commenting on the travelogue Retracing rough roads but glittering architecture on the Silk Road in Uzbekistan (January 9).
Having lived and travelled throughout this country, I would say the roads in Uzbekistan are in fine shape. It is very easy to travel by car between Khiva, Bukhara, Samarkand, and Tashkent; including the road to the Ferghana Valley.
Furthermore, the conditions for guests in Uzbekistan have never been better, and to connect the atrocities of ancient rulers does little to support the development of tourism in Central Asia.
What would the Germans, for example, say if you wrote something like, “Welcome to Berlin. While it has fantastic architecture, it was also the home of Adolf Hitler and the Nazi Party.”
Name withheld by request
UAE’s progress is admirable
End of a 75-year era of oil-fuelled progress (January 9) is an inspiring story. And the fact that Emiratis have used the petro dollar to improve their lives is admirable.
Randall Mohammed, Dubai
