Your cover package on the aviation industry was insightful. It feels good to know that the next two years could see a renaissance in Indian skies. India is certainly on the road to becoming the fastest growing aviation market in the world, and there is no stopping it (‘Winging its way’, July 17). The demand for air travel has strengthened over the last few years, as it has become affordable for the common man. By 2032 there could be a possible scenario of every second Indian flying. The number of airports, at 136, I believe, is less in a country as big as India. We need at least 200 airports in the next five years.
Tigin Thomas,
On email.
As India is set to surpass China as the world’s most populous country in 2023, as estimated by the United Nations, it is the right time for air travel in India to be even more affordable. If that happens the heavy burden on the railways will lessen. It will also help those who travel by road and get caught in chaotic traffic. Regional connectivity schemes like UDAN (Ude Desh Ka Aam Nagrik) which aim to develop smaller regional airports might help India achieve 40 crore air travellers by 2027.
Devendra Awasthi,
On email.
Though I agree that India needs more airports, we need to be careful. To go on a spree of building airports will not only turn most airports into white elephants, but also cause environmental problems. China, with more and more white elephants, is an example in front of us.
A better way is to rely on analysis, facts, demand and the impact analysis of such projects. India needs an infrastructure push, but that should not be at the cost of its own people and environment.
Aniket Singh Chauhan,
On email.
The big picture
When I saw the photograph of a child diving into the polluted Yamuna, with only his feet protruding out of the water (‘The big picture’, July 17), I wanted to browse further, while appreciating the excellence of the photograph. It may not be acceptable to talk against faith and sentiments, but why throw coins into a polluted river other than as part of a weird superstition. Here the child could be making a living out of his frequent dives to retrieve the coins, but should our government and society allow that delicate little life to ward off hunger through such hazardous ways?
Sanath Kumar T.S.,
On email.
Road to justice
Justice has no future and it is like a pearl buried deep in the ocean (‘Mani-festo’, July 17). Justice has become scarce and I grieve over it. After reading Mani Shankar Aiyar’s column I am enlightened about the injustice done to the vulnerable and the downtrodden.
T. Crumblish,
On email.
Wasting public money
I consume 200 units of electricity every month with two air conditioners and the usual gadgets at my home, but Arvind Kejriwal has decided to offer free electricity to residents consuming up to 300 units per month (‘Power point’, July 17). What is the need for squandering public money like this, giving freebies to upper middle-class families who can afford it? The only explanation is that Kejriwal wants electoral votes for all that he does; I treat it on a par with bribe. A suitable law should be framed to prevent such malpractices by politicians.
Manoj Das,
Bengaluru.
Immediate action
Lone wolf terrorism needs to be dealt with severely. If it goes out of control there is no way one can stop it (‘Solo assassins’, July 17). The internet plays an important role in the radicalisation of youth. The Central and state governments should take the help of community leaders to identify radicalised youth and take action before it is too late.
Vikas Asthana,
On email.
Time will tell
Devendra Fadnavis accepted the post of the deputy chief minister of Maharashtra at the insistence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Though Eknath Shinde and Fadnavis belong to different ideologies, it seems to me that they will ensure the smooth functioning of the government (‘The dual-core dilemma’, July 17). Accommodating all 40 MLAs of the original Shiv Sena is not going to be easy task, and it is going to happen only if Fadnavis and Shinde are on good terms. Only time will tell how the two are going to perform and keep the BJP-Shiv Sena flags flying high.
Shweta Chaudhary,
Delhi.
Politics, as someone once said, is all about seizing opportunities; there are never any permanent allies or adversaries. The BJP is going full-on ‘Chanakya’ to saffronise every state in the country. The cornerstone of political decorum is in danger due to the BJP’s methods. It is interesting to evaluate how Uddhav Thackeray handled the Covid situation in Maharashtra. But he was unable to control both his party and the populace. A tree’s roots strengthens as it goes deeper. Power that is captured by force won’t survive long. Everyone is eagerly awaiting the conclusion of this political play.
Will the injured ‘tiger’ charge ahead?
Thomas J. Philip,
On email.
Thank you
I am a netizen and I was worried during the pandemic. When I saw THE WEEK for the first time, there was a spark, and I continue to keep that spark alive. The magazine has such rare content, and a myriad of topics to go through. Thank you for keeping me company during the pandemic.
Hamid Shahan,
On email.