Though India has played a pioneering role in environmental and wildlife conservation efforts and legislated its domestic law in synchrony with the Stockholm Convention, it is in the implementation process where we have been left behind (“From Kerala to Uttarakhand, trampling on nature,” July 6).
The core of the problem lies in the availability of funds. The entire conservation effort needs to be dovetailed with the required finances so that the people living there have alternative arrangements. It is disheartening that when the 37th conference of UNESCO declares places in Western Ghats as the World Heritage sites, the States concerned are opposed to the move.
Second, wildlife science has to promote examples of success stories in conservation. It is quite true that research on wildlife and environment is limited to science papers. How laymen could be aware and contribute to the effort should be the main goal. Here, panchayats play a very crucial role.
It is only natural that with development, people are ever more dependent on machines and technology. But people must also consider the sustainability of such development.
Abhishek Kumar Agrawal,
Nuapada
Now that reconstruction has begun, there must be execution of flood-resistant roads and buildings, flood shelters, better pilgrim facilities, improved weather warning systems, more vehicles for the overseeing agencies and police posts. God forbid there be another disaster. It is unfortunate that in India, progress is nothing but jumping from one problem to another.
Commander (retd.) M.C. Rao,
Visakhapatnam
