Adulterated cement

Sir,

Cement is one of the most important elements for the development of infrastructure in the country. Power, roads, buildings etc all these and other sectors need cement for development works. Imagine when the same cement is adulterated and substandard what will happen to the over all development of the State.

In this regard an adulterated cement racket was busted (DE, Apr 26) in the city in which thousands of cement bags were seized. Cement as reported in the news report was adulterated. With substandard brands. In past also there have been incidents when adulterated cement was seized in large quantities. This activity needs to be checked and controlled with iron hand because adulterated cement means weak infrastructure and weak base of the development of the State. This is the last thing that we can afford to have. Hence it is important the agencies responsible for checking the quality of cement should check these malelements who try to wreck the developmental process of the State with their nefarious designs.

Yours etc...
Mohinder Singh
Satwari
Jammu

Heaven for tourism

Sir,

An article was published in the Sunday Magazine of this paper (Apr 27) titled, '' A heaven for tourism''. The article perhaps for the first time focussed upon the potentialities of the district Udhampur. The article underlined the pilgrim tourist spots of the district.

Udhampur is one of the very important places in the State and as rightly written and articulated in the article that it is just like a buffer between Jammu plains and lofty Pir Panchal hills. The unique location of the district makes it a place fit for tourism in general. Nowadays pilgrim tourism is picking up fast in the State. Mata Vaishno Devi and Shiv Khori are attracting lakhs of pilgrims from far and wide. Shiv Khori in particular is a very recent addition to the pilgrim tourism of the State and as such is beginning to attract thousands of tourists every month.

Similarly Udhampur too has many sacred spots which have a vast potential of pilgrim tourism. The holy temple and river of Devika can be developed as a central spot for pilgrim and religious activities. Devika has an important and significant connotation vis-a-vis the Shradha ceremonies. It can become alternate to Hardiwar if developed properly. The river needs a thorough clean up and has to be developed on modern lines of conservation. Sudhmahadev is one of the most sacred Shiva Tirtha in the State. It too can be 'marketed' from tourism point of view so that people come here in large numbers. Nearby the area of Mantalai commands a grand view of the mountains. Its climate is excellent and has a picture perfect scenery. The efforts of the Government should be aimed at tapping the vast tourist potential of the district so that it provides employment to unemployed youth and brings prosperity to the region.

Yours etc...
Rajinder Singh
Nagrota Jammu

Inflation

Sir,

Inflation is going out of control day by day. As a result common man is suffering badly. Prices of essential commodities are sky rocketing. If Govt fails to rein inflation then there is fear of anarchy and food riots. Worst affected are people below poverty line. There is no improvement in the living standard of Govt employees in spite of enhancement of DA when due. On one hand Govt is giving on the other hand it is vanishing into thin air due to inflation. Without controlling inflation the very purpose of enhancement of pay perks of employees will not serve any purpose. Recommendations of Sixth Pay Commission is yet to be implemented. Imagine what will be the situation after its implementation. Many Ministers of Central Govt are issuing statement of the effect that prices will be brought under control soon. But so far there is no any difference on ground. Assembly as well as Parliament elections are drawing near. As usual incumbency factor may decide the outcome of election result. Presently Govt has to face the biggest challenge ahead. First of all there is priority to Control inflation. Secondly Sixth Pay Commission report has to be implemented satisfying aspiration of all employees. There are many factors for the cause of inflation. Some say that inflation is a global issue which should be addressed with concerted effort of all nation. However our production is also not at par with our growing requirement due to population explosion. Farmers community should be encouraged to increase agriculture production. Also there are anti-social elements who take undue advantage when there are scarcity of any items. They start black-marketing essential items. Govt should take punitive action against guilty individuals.

Since country's finance is being managed and monitored by expert economist, we hope that all things will go to right direction.

Yours etc...
Pira Ram Mahotra
Kunjwani Bye Pass
Jammu