The insightful remarks by the Chief Justice of India on the lack of implementation of environmental laws in connection with cases of animals suffering after ingesting plastic bags should be an eye-opener on >the urgent need to ban plastic (Nov. 19). The case of plastic garbage weighing 52 kg being removed from the stomach of a cow should make plastic manufacturers realise the harm being done.
D.S. Reddy,
Vijayawada
Despite a ban on the use of plastic, the law does not seem to be effective. It is unfortunate that while the cow is revered, we continue to harm the animal. There needs to be a national debate on the use of plastics and bags. It is a fact that plastic does not degrade in the environment and causes great harm to numerous animals.
Balasubramaniam Pavani,
Secunderabad
The report has come at a time when grave danger awaits not cows but precious wildlife in some of the most pristine parts of Kerala. With the months long pilgrimage season to Sabarimala about to begin, wildlife lovers are gravely concerned about the annual problem of plastic articles being strewn in the area. In February this year — and just after the end of the previous pilgrim season — the necropsy of a dead elephant in the area found polythene carry bags, aluminium foil papers and packed food wrappers in its digestive system. It had died of constipation and intestinal blockage. Plastic waste has also been found in the dung of other wild animals.
Preeti Menon,
Kochi
