Something fishy

Sir — The Karala river, known as the ‘Thames of Jalpaiguri’, was in the limelight recently after thousands of dead fish floated up in its waters one morning (“Down the river, flotilla of dead fish”, Nov 29). These fish are believed to have been killed by poison that contaminated the waters. The death of so many of a species and the toxic poison in the water are bound to have a negative impact on the environment.

The incident also brought to the fore a common practice among fishermen — that of using poison to kill and catch fish. The poison usually used is a pesticide called Thiodan, which is said to be available in the neighbouring tea gardens. This heinous practice seems to be widespread in North Bengal. The fact that the same fish are ferried to markets and sold to people raises serious health concerns.

This illegal practice must stop at once, and errant fishermen as well as vendors must be brought to book. A ban might also be imposed on the sale of pesticides in the local market. The easy availability and misuse of such substances pose a serious threat to the eco-system and might even result in the extinction of certain rare species. Indeed, fish may finally disappear from the rivers of North Bengal.

Yours faithfully,
Janga Bahadur Sunuwar, Bagrakote, Jalpaiguri

Sir — As a vegetarian, I am unaffected by the lack of fish in the local markets. However, as a citizen of Jalpaiguri, I was shocked and alarmed by the report, “Veil off fishing with poison” (Nov 30). Not only has a variety of fish, including boal, tangra, arh and puti, been poisoned, but birds such as herons have also been found dead in the waters of the Karala.

The unprecedented spectacle of thousands of dead fish floating down the river drew people in hordes. Many scooped up the poisoned fish in order to make a meal at home, free of cost. Luckily, the local administration heard of the matter soon and took steps to prevent the sale and consumption of the fish. Officials and policemen patrolled the roads, using microphones to warn people not to buy or eat the fish. It is to their credit that a major disaster was averted. Hundreds could have fallen ill or died. Apart from killing the fish, the contaminant increases the acidity of the water and lowers the pH level so that the water becomes dangerous for human beings.

Yours faithfully,
Dilip Kumar Kar, Jalpaiguri

East wind

Sir — In their article, “Winds of change” (Nov 28), Sanjay Pulipaka and Krishnan Srinivasan provide a lucid analysis of the wisdom of strengthening ties with Myanmar. For years, the country had remained in the grip of the military junta. But changes over the last one year suggest that democracy may return to the country.

Myanmar’s military junta had kept the Nobel laureate, Aung San Suu Kyi, under house arrest, effectively reining in her fight for democracy. Many members of her party, the National League for Democracy, were also imprisoned. Election results have been shamelessly tampered with in the past and in 2010, new electoral laws were framed so as to prevent the NLD members from standing for elections. Nevertheless, Suu Kyi’s release is an encouraging sign.

At present, Myanmar seems to be opening up to the rest of the world after decades of isolation. Hillary Clinton’s visit to Myanmar signals a thaw in the country’s relations with the United States of America. President Thein Sein’s recent visit to India and the fact that Myanmar is preparing to host a summit of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations in 2014 are proof of the country’s growing interactions with the international community.

If India is to keep up with the changing political climate, it must articulate its eagerness for closer ties at the next Asean meet and engage in a comprehensive dialogue with Myanmar. India’s importance as an emerging power has generally been recognized. Building mutually beneficial relations with Myanmar is in tune with its strategic interests. This should not be overlooked or neglected.

Yours faithfully,
P.B. Saha, Calcutta

Sir — Now that the military junta in Myanmar appears to have softened its stance, India should seize the opportunity to build better relations with the country. It should work through diplomatic channels to create a more democratic atmosphere in the neighbouring country. India needs to win back the trust of the people of Myanmar. It had lost this trust through its aloofness during Myanmar’s times of turmoil. It is in India’s interest to build ties with the country and to keep China at bay.

Yours faithfully,
Chandan Ghosh Choudhury, Calcutta