Polution explosion

Sir,

The country at present is facing the burning problems of unemployment, regionalism, linguistic problem, terrorism, violence including murders, decoities, kidnapping for extortions and corruption. Despite continuous planning at very high expenditure we have not been able to provide better health care, drinking water, food, power, education, shelter etc. to all during the 55 years of Independence.

The main reason behind all these problems is the increasing population which has crossed all limits became unmanage-able and has negated almost all the achievements made in different fields, under planned development which should be a matter of great concern perhaps, the family welfare programmes carried out in the country for the last 40 years or so, at huge expenditure lacked proper implementation thereof. The reasons behind miserable failure of the programme are required to be ascertained and suitable solutions made well in time, before the problem becomes more difficult to manage. The population of the country which was about 35 crores or so at the time of independence, has crossed the alarming figure of 105 crores by the end of 20th century, whereas the land area is the same.

With the passage of time as the scientists opine, the agricultural land will lose its producing power due to constant use of chemical fertilizers and improved technology, to grow more and more and also the sources of drinking water will also shrink. And under such circumstances it will be not only difficult but impossible for human population to survive, irrespective of their resourcefulness or status.

Recently a parliamentary panel has made certain good recommendation to popularise small family norms among the masses which include increased incentives mass awareness programmes, involvement of local bodies and Panchayats as also consideration of family welfare programme by the planning commission etc. etc. which being good are not enough to obtain desired results within short time as required.

Since a large number of population living in remote rural areas, no road sides in urban slums etc. etc. is illiterate and orthodox, believe that birth of children is in the control of nature, and not man. It is not easy to convince such people. Second important factor which creates hurdle in the implementation of F.W. programme is the unlimited availability and use of liquor in the country all over.

We under such conditions cannot convince the people during five decades to adopt various methods of family welfare programmes, by simply initiating awareness programmes or providing increased incentives which have yielded no satisfactory results in the past 40 years. Same harsh legislation with some disincentives are needed to be enacted in larger interests of the nation, without any politics. In case timely steps are not taken, the time will come when illiterate and criminals will rule the country and there will be no one to listen to the woes of the people.

Yours etc...
M. R. Gupta
Reshamgarh Colony,
Jammu.

Denuding Doda Forests

Sir,

District Doda is full of deodar, pine, chir, sal, oak and other kinds of evergreen trees including Dalbergu sissoo. Dadni, Marmat, Desa, Padder, Gajote Bhaderwah and Patnitop are other places which possess these types of forests. Bhaderwah known as Chhota Kashmir is also covered with evergreen dense forest of deodar (Cedrus deodar) trees. But this dense evergreen blanket of trees is disappearing. This deplorable condition has arisen due to population explosion. In 1947, the total population of J&K State was not more than 35 lakhs and at present it is now more than one crore. To meet the requirement, the population is converting forest land into cultivatable land. Moreover, building of houses require timber and firewood for cooking purposes. Even Forest Department who is considered to save forest trees from falling down are indulging in henious crime of smuggling timber and accumulating huge wealth. Corruption in forest department is also a major factor in feeling trees from the forest land. For the last four years, the situation have deteriorated miserably. Disturbance in the state gave free hand to unscrupulous persons to plunder the wealth.

It is high time that the people should be made aware of the importance of forests. Hope that DFO Doda keeps a sharp eye on Forest check post.

Yours etc...
Mool Raj
Bhagota (Doda)