Motorists, watch out for cattle ahead

Vehicles on the Rajarhat Expressway have to contend with scores of cattle merrily obstructing their path. Instead of taking corrective measures, authorities have put up attractive boards along the road informing drivers of the presence of cattle as if the animals were part of the original plan and were meant to be there. Moreover, the road on the eastern flank is severely damaged and is a virtual death trap for unsuspecting drivers. I fail to understand why nobody is made accountable as the public pays a tax for the maintenance of roads.

Nisheeth Bijawat, Park Street.

Curtain call

Bengalis are said to be very fond of theatre, but the turnout at the recently-held Natyamela at Rabindra Sadan was dismal. There were few enthusiasts at the inauguration on November 25. The current social trend shows that youngsters are more attracted to the electronic media. This will have an adverse effect on the existing and upcoming theatre groups. The government must encourage theatre in a big way.

Bhupen Bose, Address not given.

Priced out

The price of tickets for cricket matches at Eden Gardens has been increased exorbitantly. During the last day of a Test recently held at the stadium, a considerable portion of gallery remained vacant. I presume the price hike might have kept the crowd away. The authorities should fix the ticket prices rationally so that cricket-lovers do not find them unaffordable. It surely doesn't make sense if the prices are so high that tickets don't get sold and seats remain vacant.

Rabindranath Kar, Sankar Ghosh Lane.

Barbed border

Much is being said about the improved trade ties and medical tourism with Bangladesh but my recent visit to the country has made me pessimistic. Indian tourists, with valid travel documents, are being harassed by customs officials in Bangladesh. Even immigration officers at the Benapole border demand bribes. I was forced to cough up a 'tax' of Rs 300 on my way back to India. I have never heard of our government charging any tax from Bangladeshi tourists so it is high time that our neighbour also mends its ways.

Kazi Kamruddin, Lalbazar Street.

Wrong number

BSNL claims to be improving its services every now and then. The fact is that the network problem has continued to bother subscribers from the very beginning. Such is the condition that the cellphones don't work inside Emami Market, AC Market or any other crowded shop. Why is BSNL increasing its subscriber base when the current load is unmanageable'

Omkar Lal Das, Kidderpore.