Sir — I would like to share my views regarding the news story “Calamity brainwave stuns Opposition - Protests drown minister’s flood tourism comment” published on October 3. I found tourism minister Prafulla Samal’s “innovative” suggestion about floods as an opportunity to boost the state’s tourism potential to be very offensive. Though many might have found his comment hilarious or would have chosen to dismiss it as any random remark, I personally felt disturbed by his comment. How could the minister afford to make such a thoughtless and insensitive statement when 41 lives were lost because of the floods, not to forget thousands of people who were rendered homeless? And, he wants a “debate” on the issue of “calamity tourism”? Well, for the sake of argument, let us assume tourists come down to the flood-affected areas (and there is a great possibility that they would come in large numbers since most people are plain sadists who enjoy watching others in pain and misery). But let’s ask ourselves two questions and I am not trying to be funny here. Where would they stay - on the roofs of people’s damaged homes or stay afloat amid the raging floodwaters? What would they eat - relief material that is distributed to the flood victims? I completely agree with former agriculture minister Damodar Rout when he said this about Samal: “Only a man devoid of self-respect can make such a statement.”

Pabitra Bhusan Swain, Niladri Vihar, Bhubaneswar

Boat blues

Sir — This is with reference to the news story “Rescue hit by boat crunch” published on October 2 wherein it had been reported that the boat owners were not paid their dues towards hiring of boats during the floods of 2006 and 2008, despite requesting to the authorities concerned several times. As a result, this time, they took their boats deep into the sea so that they could not be engaged for rescue operations and be harassed again. If these facts are correct, it can be construed that even God cannot help revamp the administrative system, red-tapism being an inseparable part of it. It is also possible that their payments might have been swindled by the corrupt authorities. As a concerned senior citizen of this state, I have taken up this matter with the chief minister Naveen Patnaik, revenue and disaster management minister Surya Narayan Patro and chief secretary Bijay Kumar Patnaik through a letter, a day after the report was published. I urge the authorities to investigate into this matter and if found true, to take strict action against the guilty so that they do not play with the lives of the people marooned by the floods. I have my own doubts if my letters would reach them or not. Earlier, I had sent some letters on other important issues to the authorities through registered post that were not even acknowledged, what to speak of action. This time, I took a wiser step by sending my letters through ordinary postal service (and thereby, spending less money than the last time) because I am more or less aware of the outcome. Considering the lackadaisical attitude of the administrators, I sometimes wonder if we would witness something such as the Mahabharata. Would God come down on earth to punish the culprits and rescue the innocents?

Tusarkanta Satapathy Shastri Nagar, Bhubaneswar

Parents’ concern

Sir — This is with reference to the article “Raffle worry for parents” that was published on October 11. It was rightly highlighted that such practices are being conducted in many schools in both Cuttack and Bhubaneswar and the authorities of these educational institutions, that are expected to groom our children with a sound moral base, are inculcating wrong habits in their young minds. However, it is the duty of parents, irrespective of the school their ward is sent to, to be united and form a single body for an entire city or town which can discuss these issues to keep a check on the school authorities.

Satyaprakash Behura, CDA, Cuttack

 

Civic apathy

Sir — I was shocked to read the report “BMC ignores burning issues” published on October 14 which compared the Unit-I daily market to a tinderbox. My husband and I visit the market twice a week to buy vegetables, groceries and other essential commodities. I shudder to think what it would be like to be caught in a fire mishap someday. The place, inarguably, makes you feel nauseated with closely packed shops as you snake your way through the narrow streets. The report mentions around 20,000 people visit the market everyday, which has just eight entry and exit points and all of them obstructed by encroachers. The market has caught fire earlier on four occasions (but at night) because of short-circuit. Yet, the tangled electric wires, which hang from every nook and corner of the market, are not taken care of by the civic authorities. One can imagine what risk 20,000 people are putting themselves into everyday. The market neither has fire-fighting equipment nor a water reservoir or a single fire extinguisher for use if a fire breaks out. To make it worse, fire safety norms were not followed while planning the market. The fire prevention officer says his appeals to authorities to take corrective measures have gone in vain. Are the Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation officials waiting for a real tragedy to strike which would then motivate them to take necessary action? I hope the civic body wakes up before an untoward incident.

Swaroopa Rath, Bapuji Nagar, Bhubaneswar

 

Water woes

Sir — This is regarding the article “Jobra residents hit the street over water woes” published on September 10. The people of Jobra are grateful to you for highlighting the real plight of the residents who have been facing numerous problems because of inconsistent water supply. It was an impartial report, substantiated by true facts. The Telegraph has been highlighting the problems of the people of Jobra on a regular basis. I wish to congratulate your team and thank you for your continued support.

Bibhuti Swain, Jobra, Cuttack