Letters to The Editor — November 30, 2024

Tackling plastic is next

Next to air pollution, plastic pollution has pervaded the world at an alarming and unprecedented rate (Inside pages, “In Busan, India says it will not back ‘use’ of plastic alternatives”, November 29). There is no doubt that plastics have some advantages, but the disadvantages such as being non biodegradable and health risks arising from harmful chemicals outweigh the benefits. It may not be possible to control the use of plastics at one go, but it will take time. There needs to be a solution to resolve this problem.

A.S. Krubapuri,

Chennai

It will be a good augury if nations can hammer out the first treaty designed to tackle the plastics problem plaguing the world (Page 1, “Aid needed to meet the costs of controlling plastics: India”, November 28). Even a modest agreement to reduce plastic use every year will go a long way. There should be hope that nations reduce this by even greater amounts. Only concerted global actions can turn the tap off on the insidious impact of plastics on our environment, human health, animal and marine life and the food we consume. It is accepted that only 9% of plastics produced is recycled.

Time is not on our side. Governments need to come together to promote biodegradable substitutes.

H.N. Ramakrishna,

Bengaluru

Group and its lenders

With many reputed rating agencies downgrading the ratings of most of the Adani Group of companies following the indictment of the group’s founder by the U.S., one is worried about the fate of the loans granted to the group by public sector and private sector banks (‘Business’ page, November 29). Have banks strictly adhered to the lending norms prescribed by the Reserve Bank of India? Has there been due diligence in respect of the credit facilities extended?

Tharcius S. Fernando,

Chennai

The bridge over the sea

It is shocking that the chief custodian of rail safety, the Commissioner of Railway Safety, Southern Circle, has allowed the operation of trains on the new Pamban bridge despite his having highlighted certain “glaring lapses” (‘Tamil Nadu’ page, November 29). Does he realise that the sea lies beneath the bridge? When there are reports of train accidents every other day, does this not amount to a scant regard for safety? Quality and safety have no holidays.

A. Jainulabdeen,

Chennai