Net loss

Sir — While surfing the internet recently, I came across an advertisement offering freelance writing projects. When I got in touch with the person concerned, I was informed that the advertisement was a scam and no such content writing projects are being offered. It is true that the internet has helped people connect with the world. At the same time, those who use the internet must be made aware of such fraudulent practices and other cyber crimes. The government must take steps to stop these malpractices.

Yours faithfully,
Amlandeep Bhattacharya, Calcutta

Old friends

Sir — The other day, I was on my way back from my village in Haripal. It was raining heavily. On the way, I noticed that huge tracts of agricultural land had been left uncultivated. I was told that farmers had stopped cultivating their fields on account of the poor monsoon. Given the steep rise in the price of kerosene, they cannot afford mini-pump sets that are used to draw water while sowing saplings. This disturbing phenomenon goes to show, once again, that the advances in science and technology notwithstanding, man is still a pawn in nature’s hands. Human greed has already threatened the natural world in many ways. There is also a lack of political will to make a difference.

In my view, every household should be asked to grow at least one tree. Every case of felling should invite a jail term instead of a mere fine. The construction of roads and buildings should be undertaken without harming trees. Voices are raised when people are evicted in the name of development. But the felling of trees elicits only feeble protests. Existing laws to protect the environment must be made more stringent to help law-enforcers act efficiently. And once trees are protected and nurtured, can the rains be far behind?

Moreover, a tree should not be considered in terms of its material value only. Ancient trees remain mute witnesses to incidents of the past.

Yours faithfully,
Kausik Ray, Serampore, Hooghly

Puppy love

Sir — The other day, I saw a young girl helping a puppy which had been injured after being run over by a car. On hearing the puppy’s screams, the girl rushed towards it, tore a part of her handkerchief and neatly bandaged its injured limb. On being asked what she would do with the animal, she replied that she would take it home and help it recover.

After a week, I saw her return the puppy to that very spot. The animal looked to be in a far better condition. Our society needs people like this young girl who has shown how to take care of animals when they are in trouble.

Yours faithfully,
Upasana Pandit, Calcutta

Parting shot

Sir — I boarded the Janshatabdi Express from Tatanagar on August 5. I had a reservation and the coach number was DR2. But to my horror, when the train reached the station, I found that the display board featuring the specific coach was missing. The last coach number that was visible was DR1. After DR1came D1. The passengers who were supposed to board the coach, DR2 , were thus reduced to a state of panic. Moreover, not a single ticket examiner could be found on the platform. All of us ended up travelling like people in an unreserved compartment. The railways seems to have buried its sense of responsibility.

Yours faithfully,
Sudarsan Nandi, Midnapore