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
Let us keep
hospitals clean
Government has been investing heavily on hospitals in Tamil Nadu. But the true development is in the hands of users and employees. Hygiene has become a casualty in hospitals. Spitting and urinating in open spaces are common. It is time the public cooperate with the government officials to keep the government hospitals neat and clean. Continuous awareness creation and monitoring is required for the upkeep of government hospitals. The Mahatama Gandhi Memorial Government Hospital in Tiruchi now boasts hi-tech medical equipment and specialist doctors. These facilities become redundant if the hospital premises breed untidy situations and surroundings.
A. Prabaharan,
Puthanampatti
Widen the bridge
at Manachanallur
Manachanallur is known for rice mills. The State highway from Mannachanallur to Tiruchi, has two small narrow bridges — one at Mannachanallur town and another at Aththani village. A large number of vehicles pass through these bridges. Two-wheeler riders suffer the most because of the narrow bridges. I request the authorities to widen the bridges.
Saravanan Natesan,
Puthanampatti
Turmeric conundrum
Merchants have said that this year the turmeric yield is less per acre for a variety of reasons and costs Rs. 7,000 per quintal whereas the Andhra variety is only Rs. 5,000. Just to match the price some merchants mix Makka cholam available at Rs. 20 a kg and grind along with turmeric to match the price of the produce available from Andhra. Since cholam is a food product, most people are unaware of these wrong practice. Agmark authorities should immediately act to curb this menace.
T.M. Renganathan,
Srirangam
Schools without
playgrounds
Many high schools and higher secondary schools in around Tiruchi do not have proper play ground, which denies students the physical exercise required to keep them physically fit. Though the Education Department stipulates that certain area of play ground to be made available by each and every school adjoining on the school premises, schools with out any play ground get their recognition renewed every year by hook or crook. Some schools with good ground allow the space to be used for conducting exhibitions denying the schoolchildren the facility of the play ground, which is highly objectionable. It is surprising that district education officials are keeping their eyes closed to the practice.
Nirmala T.,
Cantonment
Haphazard parking
The Cauvery bridge near Mambazha Salai always seems to be busy as it is the only short route which connects with Srirangam and its adjacent areas. During peak hours, one can see vehicles observe a long queue on both sides on account of traffic congestion. During holidays, numerous people park their two-wheelers over the bridge on any side and pass their time with friends and family. Two-wheelers and four-wheelers are parked on both side of bridge, affecting movement of buses and other vehicles, leading to chaos and hold ups. The authorities should intervene to prevent parking of four-wheelers on the bridge.
Murugappan S.P.,
No. 1. Tollgate
Discoloured water
The quality of Cauvery water supplied by the Tiruchirapalli City Corporation is worsening day by day. The odour and colour of the water makes it unfit for drinking and cooking purposes.
Hansel S. Christopher,
K.K. Nagar
Build roads
Most streets in K.K. Nagar area don’t have proper roads. With the recent rains, the streets have become unusable mainly for the elderly and the children because of water stagnation. I request the corporation authorities to take up re-laying of the roads on the streets in K.K. Nagar area, before the onset of monsoon.
Chitra S.,
Iyyappa Nagar
