Letters: November 27, 2009

Green initiative

Some people make a big difference in society with their simple deeds. Mohammad Hassan Abdul Aziz, an Egyptian expatriate, is an example. Amidst a bustling city, he has managed to create a beautiful vegetable garden in the space behind his building in Abu Shagara, Sharjah. I watch him and his family members working in his ‘farm' every day and it is really a pleasant experience. Sometimes, he offers fresh vegetables to us when we meet. With limited resources, he has made this place green and attractive and now saves money by producing enough fresh vegetables for his family. It's healthy as well. "Who says we can't grow plants in desert?" he often asks. When governments all over the world are trying to emphasise the issue of global warming, carbon footprints, climate change and food security, I feel such initiatives from individuals like Aziz should be rewarded.

From Mr Ajith Kumar K. N., Sharjah

Simple steps

These days, when people are so careful, and sensitive about health-related issues, another important factor is being overlooked by a majority of people — the use of soft drink cans. I have come across several people who consume the beverage directly from the can.

I think this is not only harmful, but can also become a means of transmitting various illnesses. There might be germs and other bacteria present on the surface of the cans. During the distribution process, hundreds of people come in contact with a single can. The solution to this issue — we should act in a responsible manner. We must make sure that proper care is taken when we drink from beverage cans. Use a straw or pour the contents into a glass, or wash the surface of the can. With such simple steps, major issues can be avoided. After all, prevention is better than cure.

From Ms Fatima Suhail, Dubai

Respecting norms

It is heartening to know that the authorities in Ras Al Khaimah have begun taking measures to curb the tendency to dress in an indecent manner in public places ("Youngsters arrested for violating decency laws", Gulf News, November 21). I suggest that such deterrent measures be implemented against adults, too. After all, teenagers take their cues from adults, among others. It is not uncommon to find grown-ups dressed in strange, indecent styles in public places in the city. While people have the freedom to dress as they like in the confines of their homes, they do have a moral duty to conform to the norms of decency and decorum in public. This is more so in conservative and culturally sensitive environs of Gulf countries.

From Mr Raghubir, Ras Al Khaimah

Offensive styles

I would like to appreciate the authorities in Ras Al Khaimah for taking such a wonderful decision. The indecency has grown to such a level that it has become difficult to visit any malls. The younger generation is misguided by style, making it difficult for parents to handle children entering their teenage years. We are forgetting that we are in a beautiful country with the freedom and liberty to do what we want. Why should we offend this rich and pure culture?

From Mr Shekhar, Abu Dhabi

Reckless bikers

This letter is to draw the attention of the authorities concerned towards the ruckus caused by motorcycles late at night, at the Buhaira Corniche in Sharjah. Every night, a few such bikers ride across the Corniche at breakneck speed. This is not only disturbing to the residents but also life-threatening to those who are on their way back home from their evening walk. Witnessing such an act also does not leave a good impression on young minds, as they, too, aspire to do the same when they grow up. I request the authorities concerned to take stringent action against these careless bikers before any fatal incident occurs.

From Ms Seema Gupta Relekar, Sharjah

Out of hand

Traffic congestion in Abu Dhabi is increasing at a remarkable rate. The situation during the morning and afternoon is uncontrollable. It worsened with new construction sites. I think we need to have different timings for schools, offices and banks, to be able to cope with this situation. I request the concerned authorities to look into the problem and help find a solution.

From Mr M. A. Mannan, Abu Dhabi

Lights, please

I am a resident of International City and the state of our neighbourhood has gone from bad to worse ("Community left shaken by feuding brothel operators", Gulf News, November 23). The street lights are switched off and there are overgrown bushes all around, which is dangerous for motorists and pedestrians alike. It doesn't seem safe to take an evening stroll, with no lights and the unchecked growth of plants. I have already sent a written complaint to the developer, but it has fallen to deaf ears. I urge the authorities concerned to take immediate action. For starters, switch on the street lights and trim the bushes, especially at roundabouts.

From Mr Naveen Shetty, Dubai

Do not litter

I agree that street lights are often turned off and the sewerage is always overflowing in International City. There are no parks or benches in the area, too. The foliage for ‘landscaping' is the easiest to grow, but shelters rodents and is never trimmed — it now flows onto the roads, creating blind spots. The landscaped areas are also filthy with litter and wrappers discarded by inconsiderate residents. A ‘Do not litter' sign would really help. Another issue is the thousands of residents who exit the area at the same time every morning, causing long tailbacks.

From Mr Khalid, Dubai