The article, “Sub-soil water for Madras” (Op-Ed page, ‘From the Archives’, July 8) reminded me of the water crisis in 1969. A severe drought situation prevailed and thousands of animals died. The present crisis in Tamil Nadu is not much different and this is in no small measure due to the over-exploitation of natural resources. Former U.S. Congressman William Bourke Cockran once said: “The earth is a generous mother; she will provide in plentiful abundance food for all her children if they will but cultivate her soil in justice and in peace.” We have to care for nature if we expect it to be kind to us.
Gopal Marimuthu,
Chennai