Cheetah Reproduction
The government deserves praise for reintroducing cheetahs to India (page 1, September 18), which highlights its commitment to biodiversity conservation and nature conservation. This move should lead to the conservation of all other species in India.
Vidya B Raghunath,
Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu
It is a long way to go before India has any hope of trying to conserve the species. I wonder if there has been any thought on how the animal would survive against other wild creatures. Overall, this appears to be an exercise that has cost a lot of money. Will it all be fruitful is the big question.
Suman Kaushik,
Patacharkuchi, Bajli, Assam
One of India’s leading conservationists is making a very strong point that instead of focusing on at least 10 other endangered species in India, the government is unnecessarily spending money to bring cheetahs from Africa. He has also shared his concern about the well being of the cheetah in a new environment. These are issues that need answers.
N Nagarajan,
Secunderabad
a word of advice
The prime minister’s calculated advice, or words of caution, to Russian President Vladimir Putin, that “today’s era is not of war”, receives widespread acclaim around the world. Mr. Putin also seems to have responded by saying that Russia is aware of the Indian stand on war and peace, which is encouraging.
The political opposition in India should express its concurrence with the government’s stand on the issue. Such issue-based opinion will help elevate the opposition’s position and help it garner popular support.
PRV Raja,
Pandalam, Kerala
climate change concerns
There is no doubt that the extreme weather events experienced in India are a result of climate change and global warming (‘Science and Technology’ page, “How Climate Change is Changing the Indian Monsoon”, 18 September). Emissions from burning of fossil fuels and trapping of heat in the atmosphere have increased the fluctuations in monsoon, leading to rain deficit in West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. This in turn is affecting cropping patterns, especially rice production. Unless steps are taken to reduce emissions, such extreme weather events will continue to have an impact on food security.
Dr. Thomas Palokeren,
Vellore, Tamil Nadu