Killer potholes

Killer potholes
The story of Mumbai's potholes is getting murkier by the day with increasing number of people losing their lives in accidents caused by potholes ('Hit by bad roads? Don't ask BMC for relief', August 10). While media has done a commendable job by highlighting the issue but the government seems to be turning a blind eye. Political parties are trying to gain mileage out of this. Mumbaikars are made to pay high road tax, higher than anywhere in the country, while registering their vehicle. Hence is it logical that Mumbai should have the best of roads. But the reality is completely different. Is it not incumbent on the government to refund the road tax which has been pocketed unjustifiably? Why is it not taking action against the contractors who have been paid huge amounts for such shoddy work?
—Ashok Goswami, Mumbai

II
This is with reference to 'Govt seeks foreign solution to desi roads mess', (August 10). The chief minister is planning to seek help from foreign experts to solve the problem of potholed roads.  It is surprising that he cannot find an Indian expert to do the job. The CM has also admitted that the tenders are filled for 40% under the base price; if so, why are the contractors not penalised for building roads which do not meet the terms and quality in the tenders. The answer is simple, because the 40% of under-valued tender amount is paid to concerned officials. Old timers say that even during British rule, the officials took their cut, but they never compromised on the quality. It was done by raising the value of the tenders. That is why the bridges made before  a century or more ago are still standing, whereas, a bridge less than two decade old made by PWD, has recently caved in at Mahim. Also, there is no dearth of Indians engineers who have proved themselves comparable to the best in the world. Let us give them an opportunity at home ground.
—Jassie Chahal, via email

Handling dissent
The British authorities, especially the London police, deserve praise for effectively putting down the worst riots in the country's recent history without using brute force, which would have entailed lot of human casualties ('A United Kingdom again?', August 12). Contrast this with the inhuman way the UPA government handled the recent protests by the BJP activists outside the Parliament. The Maharashtra government's recent police action on the protesting farmers also has claimed innocent lives. All these show how our police force is ill-equipped to tackle law and order situations and civilian disturbances. Part of the police brutality also stems from the arrogance of those in power who cannot take dissent as a part of democratic ideal.
—V Rajalakhmi, Mumbai

II
For a nation already reeling under the 'ripple ramifications' of a weakening currency, budget deficits, unemployment and a cephalous governance; London’s recent descent into riots and lawlessness added to UK’s woes ('London loses her sanity, govt its sleep', August 10).  The authorities concerned had a real task on their hands to successfully quell the rapidly spreading rioting that ravaged the city since Saturday. It is one thing to have carefully conceived counter strategies in place; but it is completely different to actually implement them when confronted with an unpredictable, overtly-aggressive mob. Whatever be the outcome, the riots have definitely tarnished the image of the city — something that doesn't bode well for the venue of the 2012 Olympic Games. The British PM David Cameron now needs to take effective measures to counter this 'internal headache' that his already beleaguered government can do without.
—Pradyut Hande, Mumbai

III
The riots and arson in UK were an eruption of the pent-up fury of the oppressed youth. It is a combination of economic despair, racial tension and gang activities. The killing of a person in a shootout with the policemen was only a trigger. Though the police may say that the riots are an act of senseless violence and criminality with nothing to protest against, the riots reflect the alienation and resentment many young people in Britain feel. The UK government will have to take up prompt remedial measures to boost the confidence of its citizens, who look depressed and helpless against the rioters.
—Sudhakar Shenoy, Mumbai

IV
Terror and violence have no logic or reasoning. The riots in UK were highly deplorable. The British Raj followed a policy of 'divide and rule'. It seems the British just got a taste of their divisive tactics now. The fire, which started with a single incident, was fuelled by some politicians, to embarrass the government, and further their own causes. It seems that politicians around the world are the same.
—Abdul Monim, via email

India's performance
The pathetic performance of our cricket team shows a lack of determination and team spirit. Ironically, the worst performers are our star batsmen Virender Sehwag and Sachin Tendulkar. Sehwag should curb his flashy batting in the team's interest while Tendulkar should keep what is good for the team uppermost in his mind. As for our bowlers, it is not enough to walk to the batting crease and back but each one of them must contribute a minimum 25 runs.
—MR Hosangady, via email

Gold value
As equity markets throughout the world are into a tailspin, due to the turmoil in the US and Europe, gold prices have gone through the roof. Investors are now viewing gold as one of the safest investment options ('For ornament-makers, gold price rise bad for business', August 11). Gold prices may continue
to rise, which will result in
a bubble that will burst
eventually. Gold hardly has any commercial or practical use. In India too, gold is bought during marriage seasons and festivals.
—Ketan R Meher, Thane