The Semmozhi Express (Train No 16615) plying between Coimbatore and Mannargudi happens to be a train fully operated during night. If we look at the operation time it is only during night. But only seat is provided in the express and no berth.
It is very inconvenient for all the passengers to sit and sleep during a full night’s journey. If berth is provided, it would be an extra income for the Railways while at the same time providing convenience to passengers who are ready to pay. The Railway authorities should consider this suggestion.
T.R. Thiruvenkadam,
Thudiyalur.
Perpetuating
a memory
As an octogenarian and a native of Mettupalayam, at the foot of The Nilgiris, I am delighted to know that the people in The Nilgiris and the family of late A. Dharmalingam, a veteran journalist from the Badaga community, is commemorating a year-long celebration of his birth centenary commencing from January 11, 2015 to January 11, 2016.
I am one of his admirers from the beginning as he was splendidly contributing through his reportage as the correspondent of the Madras Mail,The Hindu and UNI to boost the image of the ever enchanting charms of The Nilgiris. There is another reason for me to praise him on this occasion, since my daughter- in- law pleasantly happens to be the grand daughter of a late Rama Gowder, himself a veteran Badaga freedom fighter of The Nilgiris.
As a fellow freelance writer I am privileged to pay my respects to the memory of Mr. Dharmalingam.
K. Bala Sundram,
Dharmapuri.
Earnest appeal
Several instances of deficiencies in the public utility services provided by the local bodies, government departments and public sector undertakings and numerous other grave grievances of serious public concern are being brought to the notice of the authorities through the widely-read Reader's Mail column of The Hindu .
Stray dog menace in various localities of the city has been a regular one among them. A few years ago, the City Corporation informed the public that it had undertaken sterilisation of the stray dogs as a major step to prevent propagation.
Unfortunately, this measure has had no positive impact so far. On the other hand, there is a steep increase in the number of stray dogs. In Saibaba Colony, every road is infested by packs of stray dogs and they create great scare in the minds of the large number of early morning walkers.
As if to add insult to injury, numerous stray horses also move about freely in this locality. What the residents need is a permanent solution to this problem. This is an earnest appeal to the civic body to provide the same.
K. D. Viswanaathan,
Coimbatore.
Mosquito menace
Mosquito menace has reached epic proportions in LML Colony of Ward 55 near Ammankulam. Since it is a low-lying area, the drainages are not scientifically laid. Some of the industries nearby have violated the Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board rules by releasing industrial effluents into the drainages. Hope the authorities will take action.
N. Rajkumar
Pappanaickenpalayam.
More trains needed
The Karur — Namakkal — Salem broad gauge track was laid by spending a huge amount. But at present, only a couple of passenger trains are being operated on this route. What is the use of spending crores of rupees for just two trains. The Salem Railway Division should take steps for the operation of more trains in the Salem — Karur — Tiruchi section.
K. Balamurugan,
Namakkal.
Traffic accidents
go unabated
It is interesting to note that more accidents take place during the Traffic Safety Week observed annually in January.
Not a day goes without the report of a number of gruesome accidents in which hundreds of people are killed and many times more are maimed. Traffic Safety Weeks are conduced and the transport authorities talk about stringent punishment to rash and drunken driving. Yet nothing concrete has been achieved and the accidents are on the increase.
Governments and local bodies should act on this problem on a war footing and aim for zero-accident situation. An emergency maybe declared on the roads and army men may be placed to control the traffic until the desired results are achieved. Even in major wars so many people do not die as one sees in traffic accidents.
Will the Supreme Court take suo motu action about the situation in which lakhs of people are killed or maimed for life every year?
V. S. Venkatavaradan,
Jagir Ammapalayam.
(Readers can mail to cbereaders@thehindu.
co.in with address and phone number)
