Massive urbanisation creates more waste daily (“India: Collector, Pollution Control Board chairman asked to appear before High Court over waste dump fire in Kerala”, Gulf News, March 7). The towering Brahmapuram landfill in Kerala’s scenic seaside town of Kochi became clouded with toxic fumes after the waste dump yard caught fire, recently.

This massive fire caused dangerous heat and methane emissions leading to big discomfort for Kochi residents. This incidence has added to India’s growing climate challenges.

Though the week-long massive fire at the 110-acre solid waste dump yard in Brahmapuram was controlled, the smoke emanating from it spread over a 30km radius of the port city, leading to the temporary departure of a large number of people from smog-filled Kochi, to escape toxic fumes. Residents complained of breathlessness and discomfort.

These toxins and Polycyclic hydrocarbons (PAHS), present in these fumes from burning mixed waste can lead to rapid cell mutations, which, if uncontrolled, can cause cancers. The situation is so alarming as residents are gasping for breath.

To prevent such incidents in future in other cities, the only answer to this is the scientific management of landfalls, as globally, there have been a lot of technological advancements in this subject.

Sir — Unchecked urbanisation is one of the main reasons for the generation of huge amounts of waste. Recently, Kerala’s Brahmapuram waste treatment plant caught fire, emitting toxic methane fumes all over Kochi.

The fire, which is still raging at the over-110-acre dumpyard, is emitting a tremendous amount of heat and smog. People are temporarily leaving Kochi to avoid an adverse impact on their health — the toxins present in these fumes can cause rapid cell mutations, leading to cancer.

Instead of this unscientific approach towards waste management, governments must find alternatives.

Sir,While India is fighting on multiple fronts, which has given the strain on all the sectors of our economy,most economic activities have com to standstill ,due to the Coronavirus Pandemic ,agriculture sector has been affected badly due to migration of far labourers,deadly cyclone Amphen has devastated the food crops in eastern parts of India,even last year farmers suffered due to outbreak of locust but this year locust invasion is more serious,

It is a grim reminder of the situation when TV channels had shown fast growing Locus's invasion in some residential areas of the NCR,which points towards an alarming situation.

Though we are busy fighting Corona-pandemic unitedly with all resources at command,timely preventive measures are required to control further outbreak of Locust.

Otherwise it will lead to a bigger disaster,It will badly affect agricultural production/vegetation, which the country can't afford in the present grim economic scenario.

As swarms of Locusts have descended in big way Agriculture production states,Hence Loust warning system should be strengthened,other preventive measures be taken.

Sir,The Unfortunate incident of multiple Landslide in Kinnaur in Himachal Pradesh due to heavy southwest rains ,in which nine tourists were killed and three injured, due to fall of a heavy boulder on a Tempo traveller,is a clear warning ,that we should stop interfering in the normal course of nature.In this incident ,a young lady doctor full of life Dr Deepa Sharma from jaipur also lost her life.

In recent times such unfortunate incidents have been seen more frequently in the Himlayan region ,which are the outcome of disturbing the fragile Himalayan region due to the changing course of rivers, leading to massive deforestation.

In recent times,Uttrkhand has seen many such natural disasters due to flash floods arising out of ecological imbalance,these floods in Chamoli in Uttarakhand had caused massive havoc in the region.

These sensitive fragile regions are being exploited due to construction of highway expansion projects to build Mega Hydro-projects,Large Dams,unsustainable tourism projects, unplanned development etc for our greed to profit.

For a long time Indian state has ignored the warnings about the fragile ecology in the Himalayan region.This Kinnaur incidence is a warning for us that we should stop interfering in normal course of nature

We must not forget that, if we go for mega infrastructure projects without considering its environmental impact,nature will hit back in the form of floods and landslides.

Hence before a permission is granted for such mega infrastructure projects in Himalayan region,the Government should make it mandatory for a comprehensive independent safety environmental Audit from a credible independent agency for Environmental sustainability .

On 21st may,2021,another iconic personality Sunderlal Bahuguna died of Covid-19,he was an Eminent environmentalist and pioneer of environmental movements whose demise marks the end of a glorious Era in the field of environment and conservation,for decades, he had been fighting for the preservation of forests in the Himalaya who he had become the become a public face of the Chipko movement.

He is credited for the success of the "Chipko movement" or "Chipko Andolan" a forest conservation movement that began by him in 1973 at the foothills of the Himalayas in Uttarakhand,Chipko movement had drawn big global attention,and it had also become a rallying point for the many environmental movements globally,but he will be most remembered for the collective mobilization of women.

In Fact he had been continuously warning the successive governments and the civil society about the high cost of unchecked and unplanned development for the preservation of the fragile mountains of Himalayas,recent major disasters in Himalayan hills from Kedarnath floods in 2013 to Chamoli tragedy, are the reminders that Sunderlal Bahuguna warnings can't be ignored for which he had had rightly been fighting for the preservation of forests and unplanned and unchecked development

in Himalayas, these disasters are a reminder that Bahuguna’s lessons can be ignored at our own peril,

He had also carried out massive protests against the construction of Tehri Dam.

He was a Gandhian to the core,whose message will remain relevant for years to come whose contribution towards the cause of the environment will remain unparalleled, In the 70's he undertook many padayatras to mobilize the villagers which amplified the message of Chipko movement,which drew national and international attention to their cause.

He taught the Generations of activists about the connection between forests, livelihoods,and unplanned development that harmed ecological balance in Himalayan,

gender inequalities, and the sheer injustice of ‘development’ that stole trees, soil and water away from villagers for the benefit of city-dwellers.

He was awarded the country's 2nd highest civilian award "Padma Vibhushan for his legendary contribution for environmental conservation, he was also awarded an Honorary degree of doctor for social science from IIT (Roorkee) ,he had authored several books,

Legendary environmentalist had been continuously warning the successive governments and the civil society about the high cost of unchecked and unplanned development in fragile mountains of Himalayas and the recent disasters in the region from the Kedarnath floods to the Chamoli tragedy, are the reminder that Bahuguna’s lessons can be ignored.

He was an icon.whose th e the Chipko movement had become a mass movement, His lasting legacy will continue to inspire environmental and local communities to conserve Himalayan Ecosystem which is already showing the sign of detriotion.

The Life,Philosophy and values of Shanta Gopala Gowda are more relevant in today's deteriorating politics, it is unfortunate that preset leaders are selfish and are immersed in their own welfare rather than welfare of society, he has left behind a indelible mark not just on politics but on social activism.

When such legends like Dinesh Mohan ,Rajkumar Keswani and Bahaguna departs, the nation is always poor, their contribution in their respective field will be remembered for generations to come,life and values of these legends are more relevant in present day's detrioting life,it is unfortunate that present day,people are selfish and have immersed in their welfare rather than of society,these people all had immensely contributed for the well being of society,and have left behind a indelible mark on the social activism , these people have not gone but they have left a lasting legacy which will be an inspiration for us .

He will be best remembered as Himalayan voice for ecological truth

My soul rests in peace.

Veteran leader and former Minister R V Deshpande should be applauded for his concern about climate change deforestation and encroachment of water bodies,(wake up call,now fight climate changes:RVD,DC,18th)his suggestions should be taken very seriously and remedial steps to be initiated.

It must be remembred developmental activities are being carried out haphazardly without concern for environmental ,it will spell doom for for already fragile ecology ,

Institutions,researchers should come together to address this crucial issue,

This refers to the editorial, “Fighting air pollution” (December 7). The Delhi Government’s decision to restrict plying of vehicles with odd and even numbers on alternative days has come a day after the Delhi High Court likened the national capital to a gas chamber and sought immediate action from the Union and State Governments. The Central Pollution Control Board too has confirmed that the air quality of Delhi is very poor.

A similar restriction was imposed in Beijing in 2013, and studies have confirmed that this formula has been a huge success over there. Though the Delhi Government’s decision is welcome, in present circumstances it will be difficult to implement the same.

Hence, this decision should be put on hold and the problem should be addressed. There is a need to expand the existing public transport system with better facilities.

This refers to the editorial, “Air pollution a real threat” (February 23). Given the harmful effects of air pollution on human health, animals and environment, it is time the Government takes preventive measures to stop this health hazard. Time-tested steps like improving the public transport system will reduce the number of personalised vehicles on the road. Other important measures include reduction in the use of diesel in generators and trucks; scientific management of garbage collection and a ban on fire crackers as they not only pollute the atmosphere but also impact our lives. Also, efforts must be made to control agricultural waste.

It is time the Government and the citizens make combined efforts for a cleaner atmosphere. The State Pollution Control Board must carry audits at regular intervals and issue guidelines for corrective measures. These preventive measures will definitely help improve the air quality and also reduce cases of asthma, kidney, heart and lung problems.

Sir - It is shocking to see the pollution and destruction caused by an oil spill along the coast of Ennore after the collision of two ships. This will have a long-term impact on marine life. Volunteers have been trying to remove the oil manually. The incident highlights the need to implement the existing disaster management system properly.

With the help of advanced technology, Western countries handle such disasters more effectively. India should reach out to the international community for assistance.

While India is fighting on multiple fronts faced with a pandemic, cyclones, earthquakes, labour crisis, now the country is also suffering from a locust invasion. The images of locusts invading some residential areas of NCR point towards an alarming situation.

Though we are busy fighting the pandemic, with all resources at command, timely preventive measures are required to control the further progress of the locusts.

Otherwise, it will lead to a bigger disaster as it will affect agricultural production, which the country can’t afford in the present grim economic scenario.

This refers to the editorial, “Oil spill is a wake-up call” (February 6). It is indeed tragic that the oil spill along the Chennai coast, caused due to the collision of two ships, has left a thick layer of oil, leading to significant pollution and destruction of marine life. Environmentalists have expressed fear that this massive oil spill will have major ecological impact on the marine life.

It is also feared that the oil can get into the lungs of marine spices, thus cutting the oxygen supply which can lead to their death. Already a large number of dead turtles, fish and prawns have washed ashore on this coast.

Also, I agree with the editorial that, today, it is the east coast of India, tomorrow, it can happen in any coastal region of the country. The Government must, on an urgent basis, formulate a mechanism to deal with such oil spills. It can be made a part of our national disaster management policy. A effective response mechanism should be put in place. Also, India should acquire the help of the International community to effectively handle such disasters.

Aprpos to 'oil spill" marked by in efficency,it is indeed tragic thta oil spill along ennore coast near Chennai caused due to the collision of the two ships,has left thick layer of slick leading to significant pollution and destruction of the marinr life on the coasline.

It is feared by the ecologists that this will have major environmental impact on the marine life on the coast for long time to come.

Our governmnet should formulate a mechnism to deal with such oil spills ,it can be made part of national disaster management policy so that if these types of accidents happen again, there can be an effective response.

Globally Bangalore has come to be recognized as the Silicon Valley of India Where about half a million IT/allied services professionals work. The boom in the information Technology sector started during the term of Chief Minister S.M. Krishna, when a large number of info Tech companies opened offices and also set up housing facilities for their employees.

Together with infrastructure projects like the widening of major roads, the metro project, construction of the Bengaluru International Airport (BIA)and other facilities, the demand for power supply to IT Parks spread over a million sq.ft. And independent townships surged several fold Though these development projects are the signs of a developing economy, long-term sustainability is directly linked to harmonious environment management Forest ecosystems have a direct impact on soil and water in very large areas.

They will also have a significant influence on the global CO2 emission, which plays a crucial role in climate change. Besides, deforestation is a major cause of increased carbon dioxide emssionn thanks to the mushroom growth of mega projects. These factors have led to the diminishing of the forest cover due to the cutting down of trees for road widening and other projects. These man-made disasters have started taking their toll leading to an increase in atmospheric temperature due to the build up of CO2 in the environment.

We are seeing a complete change in the rain pattern, reduced rainfall, disappearing of water bodies like lakes which gave way fjor large commercial and housing projects. The drawing of excessive amounts of water from wells and other water bodies have depressed water levels.

Another damaging factor is the release of sewage and toxic waste from hospitals and industries in to the environment. The smoke emitted from factories using coal have a harmful effect on health and cause allergies and lung cancer. Global warming is the cumulative effect of all these factors caused by the combination of human greed and willful negligence. Another point to remember is that greed and avarice never pays.

In fact development projects undertaken for profit very often backfires and man’s conquest of nature to increase production runs the risk of destroying the environment in the long term. All these development projects have caused a surge in power demand as Karnataka is already facing massive power shortages and is buying electricity from private power producers at exorbitant rates.

To meet thes short fall the government has embarked on large thermal projects which will again lead to massive destruction of forests and will create pollution. The state government must put more emphasis on the use of alternative sources of energy like solar power, wind energy and biomass, which is fortunately available in Karnataka. This will produce power without fuel like coal.

Chitradurga and Gadag district have excellent wind velocity for producing wind energy. It must not give clearance to projects unless it meets the environment norms set by the Central government and there should be no compromise regarding this.

Ramesh g jethwani, is an independent letter writer/Columnist in both the national and foreign print media.

Sir,First let me congratulate KSPCB for taking a bold and timely step of installing GPS system in vehicles carrying biomedical wastes (BMW) so that it is disposed off at appropraite place safely.

In India, healthcare system is expanding in a big way in all parts of country,large corporate multi speciality hospitals are being set up, though good health care is vital for our life and health, but bio-medical watse generated poses a real problem for mankind and nature if it is not properly seggricated and diposed off at proper place and with indiscriminate disposal of BMW posses serious threat to environment and human health.

These super specialltity hospitals produces large bio-medical waste,hence it becomes all the necessary, some type of regulations are formed so that biomedical waste is disposed off in a scientific mananer at proper place to avoid any infection to human beings,today it has become a practise that these wasts are dropped just in some near by strom water drains(SWD) that causes infection and chocking up of drains.

GPS system will not only monitor the route taken by these vehicles carrying biomedical waste but will make sure it is dropped at appropraiete place,as these biomedical waste are highly infectious as they generate infectious and hzardous waste.