World’s longest running survey of smoking has found that the risks of the habit have been seriously under estimated. Researchers used to think that the death rate in middle age was about twice as high in smokers as in life-long non-smokers. Now they know that it is almost three times as high. But men who give up smoking at almost any age fare better than those who carry on and those who give up under the age of 35 fare no worse overall than people who have never smoked. The long study on smoking, which began in 1951, conforms that smoking increases the chances of developing 24 types of fatal conditions, including cancer, heart diseases, strokes, bronchitis. About half of all regular smokers will eventually be killed by their habit of smoking. Facts show that urgent steps are needed to check tobacco consumption. Teenagers should take a pledge against smoking.
H. Ghouse Baig,
Tiruchi
Much-needed link
I was to read that the Salem Railway division ( The Hindu , June 5) is going to operate two new trains between Salem and Thanjavur. Thanks to the efforts taken by the Salem Divisional Railway Manager. The services will definitely a boon for the economic development of this region. In future, the train may be extended up to Velankanni. We eagerly expect the inaugural date of the two trains.
R. Sivakumar,
Poondi
Build road dividers
The turning point near Pattiswaram road and the zigzag curve near the Satguru Madam at Maruthanallur on the Kumbakonam-Mannargudi national highways are accident zones. Heavy vehicles negotiating such curves without sounding horn poses risk to autorickshaw drivers and two-wheeler riders. Road dividers should be built at these places immediately to prevent accidents.
R. Pichumani,
Thippirajapuram
Expand hospital
The General Hospital at Uppukara Street in Tiruppanandal enjoys good patronage. The outpatients outnumber the available capacity and there are a good number of inpatients always. The hospital should be expanded to serve better. A 50-bed unit with adjunct facilities can be added on the first and second floor.
V. Srinivasan,
Tiruppanandal
Clear plastics waste
The plastics waste accumulation in front of the Agarwal Hospital in Kumbakonam-Mayiladuthurai Road has not been cleared by the authorities in spite of many representations by the residents and shopkeepers. It poses a health hazard. Strict instructions should be given to the civic authorities to clean up the place.
K. Santhanam,
Kumbakonam
Have four lines
Indian Railways should consider having four lines on freight passenger routes. This will bring in more revenue to the Railways and help improve its performance.
S. Kumaragurudasan,
Kumbakonam
Enact Right
to Service Act
The Madurai Bench of Madras High Court has slammed government officials for making the common man run from pillar to post even for availing basic services such as getting patta documents, community certificates, ration cards, and old age pension. At present, there is no accountability nor time-bound performance. It is time to enact a Right to Service Act to prevent red-tape.
R. Ramaiah,
Pudukottai
Excess fee in
different names
Some private schools collect exorbitant amounts as book fees, in an attempt to overcome restrictions in collecting tuition fee fixed by the empowered committee. Parents do not complain against the practice for fear of their children being victimised. The government should empower the district administration to check the practice and bring erring schools to the book.
R.S. Moorthy,
Karur
Shares autos in
Kumbakonam
Kumbakonam attracts a large number of pilgrims. Introduction of share autorickshaws is an absolute necessity. It is a long-pending demand of the people and authorities should introduce the system at the earliest.
S. Lakshmi,
Kumbakonam
Test all kinds
of junk food
In the wake of recent ban on Maggi noodles for containing excess amount of lead and monosodium glutamate (MSG), it should be noted that junk foods are now becoming dangerous to good health. Children addicted to junk food may develop nutritional deficiencies that lead to low energy, mood swings, sleep disorders and poor academic achievement. The government, both Union and State, should include all types of junk foods available in the market for safety tests and verification of standards.
A. Haja Abdul Khader,
Adirampattinam
TASMAC
shop timings
The State government is reported to be considering changing the timings of liquor outlets of the Tamil Nadu State Marketing Corporation. The shops should be open from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. only. This would help bring down the number of alcohol consumers. The revenue of the government may come down but public welfare is more important.
Dimple R. Mohan,
Tiruchi
