Unkind milk

Sir — Allergies to food items can be life-threatening. One of the most common food allergies is lactose intolerance — the inability to digest the sugar component of milk. Disconcertingly, people suffering from this condition are usually judged and even bullied for their dietary deficiency. However, a study has found that tolerance to lactose is an evolving trait among humans. In fact, nearly 70 per cent of the world’s population suffers from lactose malabsorption. We must remember that nutrition varies from person to person. Individual food habits need not always conform to majoritarian practices.

Shashwati Singh,Hyderabad

Failure to act

Sir — The chief minister of West Bengal, Mamata Banerjee, has rightly pulled up the police force for its negligence in the case related to the kidnapping and the death of two teenage boys from Baguihati. The police failed to take cognisance of the complaint lodged by the family members, leading to a delay in locating the teenagers. By the time they were found, they had been killed. It is also alleged that some officers sought money from the families of the deceased for investigating the case. This is shocking. The charges have resulted in the suspension of two officers (“BaguihatiIC, probe officer suspended”,Sept 8). Corruption is prevalent in most police departments in the country. Strict action must be taken against erring officers. Negligence must not be tolerated.

M.C. Vijay Shankar,Chennai

Poor condition

Sir — In a letter to the prime minister, Narendra Modi, the chief minister of Delhi, Arvind Kejriwal, rued the poor state of the education system in the country and highlighted that around 80 per cent of government schools in India are “worse than junkyards”. While Kejriwal’s remark may have been politically motivated, there is no denying that most government schools, especially in remote areas, lack basic facilities. The Centre should work with the states to improve the condition of government schools.

Ashima Sisodiya,Ujjain

Buckle up

Sir — Three people were injured in an accident in theNew Town area when the car they were travelling in hit a truck owing to over-speeding. The passengers in the rear seat were not wearing seat belts. This is a stark reminder of the importance of wearing seat belts even while seated at the rear. Last week,Cyrus Mistry, the former chairman of the Tata Group, was killed in a car accident; the vehicle was speeding and he was not wearing a seat belt. Following Mistry’sdeath, the Centre has made seat belts mandatory for all passengers. But wearing seat belts is not enough. Authorities must conduct proper screenings before issuing driving licences. There should be adequate road signs and better lighting on the streets and highways to improve road safety.

Kiran Agarwal, Calcutta

Sir — According to the latest report by the National Crime Records Bureau, about 1.55 lakh Indians died in road accidents in 2021. The figure shows a grim picture of road safety in the country. Wearing a seat belt is one of the most effective ways of minimising the chances of fatal accidents. Everyone must abide by the rules to ensure safety.Ishika Asodiya,Ujjain

Timely ban

Sir — It is heartening that Delhi has imposed a ban on the production, storage, sale and use of all types of firecrackers in the national capital. The ban comes just ahead of the festive season and will be in force till January 1, 2023. This will bring down pollution levels in the region. People must be made aware of the hazards posed by air pollution so that they willingly follow guidelines.

Gundu K. Maniam,Mumbai