Opinion - Letters to the Editor   

Degradation

The floods in north Karnataka are a direct consequence of decades of environmental degradation in the catchment areas of the Krishna-Godavari basin. It is surprising that floods occur in a stable topography like the Deccan Plateau. The load in the river basin has increased due to the loose soil deposited in the riverbed which is again due to deforestation in the catchment areas. I hope the floods will open our eyes to the grave dangers of environmental degradation.

V. Sivasankar,

Bangalore

We are the architects as well as the victims of natural calamities. When we litter the Earth with plastic covers and polythene bags that make its outer surface unable to absorb rainwater, how can we expect floods to recede? Disposable water bottles, sachets and other polythene products lead to the clogging of nallas (ditches) paralysing the drainage system. Unless we take concrete steps to save the Earth, catastrophes will continue to claim their toll.

Ippili Santhosh Kumar,

Srikakulam

Global warming and large-scale deforestation have resulted in natural calamities, including drought and floods. As far as our country is concerned, policymaking is marked by inefficiency and indecisiveness. The debate on the uses of interlinking rivers continues to rage. We lack the political will to improve matters.

Karavadi Raghava Rao,

Vijayawada

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