Checks at gate key to zoo revenue boost

During a visit to the Alipore Zoological Gardens in the last week of December I noticed that many visitors were not buying entry tickets for children in their early teens. The rule, however, as displayed on the boards put up at the entrance, says that all children require a Rs-10 ticket for entry. Interestingly, it was not just visitors who were keen to dodge the rule. Even the zoo staffers at the gate were allowing children in without tickets. The display boards should be more prominent and the ticket-checkers should implement the rule strictly. This will earn the zoo more revenue which can be used for its maintenance.

Prantik Sanyal, SP Mukherjee Road.

To Digha, from Howrah

The recently-introduced Digha-bound trains start from Shalimar in Howrah. But that is of no use to the multitude of tourists from outside the state who use Calcutta as the transit point to Digha. They have no option but to board the long-distance buses from different parts of the city. It would be much more convenient, both for Calcuttans and for visitors to the city, if the trains start from Howrah station instead. The railway authorities must seriously consider this suggestion.

Dinabandhu Mukherjee, Behala.

Ban in phase-out mode

On January 1, I went to Victoria Memorial with friends. We were shocked to find visitors being allowed to enter the premises with plastic bags. It was only weeks ago that the Memorial compound was declared a polythene-free zone. The guards seemed unaware of or not interested in implementing the ban. Also, we found that many benches were in need of repair.

Dev Mandi, Karl Marx Sarani.

Revelry inside, chaos outdoors

A house in BE block of Salt Lake, adjacent to the Kwality bus stop, is often let out for various social functions. However, on such days, the invitees park their cars, two-wheelers and even private buses right in front of the building, on the main road. Those waiting for buses are forced to stand in the middle of the road as vehicles are parked, blocking the passenger shed. I have personally complained to the house-owner about the inconvenience but to no avail. Will the Bidhannagar Municipality take appropriate steps to save us the harassment'

Madhabi D. Ghosh, Salt Lake.

Milking sympathy

Several para dadas are forcefully collecting money in the name of the tsunami relief fund. Some are even rebuking those who are not willing to donate. It is likely that the money collected will be misappropriated. Police should check the credentials of these people.

Sumant Poddar, Kyd Street.