Letters to the Editor : May 7, 2010

Helpful citizens
Recently, on a weekend, I had a very bad bicycle accident — I crashed into a concrete slab. Luckily some people stopped and took care of me. Without thinking of their schedule, two men especially looked after me, gave me water and made sure that I was alright. Other people also joined in and I was pleasantly surprised that people do take an interest and look after a stranger. Today, I am alright thanks to these very helpful people!
From Mr Maarten Hennekam 
UAE

Designated areas to smoke
Laws are made against smokers and smoking to protect the general public. But as smoking is banned in public places including malls and shopping centres, smokers have found areas such as the entrance of a building or a restaurant, alleys and elevators for their activity. Passers-by have to bear the brunt of such activities. In my opinion, smoking must be either completely banned or certain areas must be designated for them so that others are not affected.
From Ms Agniyah Shaikh 
Sharjah

Fish traps
I am an ichthyologist by profession [the branch of zoology devoted to the study of fish] and I have been following the subject on over fishing in the Gulf. Authorities are asking residents to try and move to other fish species in order to try and save some species, such as hamour. The increase in the number of residents favouring fish diets is not the major factor of the declining population. The mentioned fish are very expensive and thus have very limited buyers. I am not against the idea of teaching residents to find other alternatives and switch to other type of species. My main concern is to deal with the main killer, which is the fish traps or cages, also known as gargur. Many countries have totally banned the usage. The authorities must take into consideration monitoring the number of these deadly traps since fishermen are not taking any notice of this. How many of these traps are lost and lying at the bottom of the sea awaiting the fish? Every now and then you will find new traps.
From Mr Hamiyar N. Riyami
UAE

Increase in prices
The impact of the rise in fuel cost has already affected the common man. The proposed further increase will definitely bring out a bigger dent in their wallets. The cost of bread and other items has already gone up in the market by a few fils. How the authorities plan to control wholesale and retail outlets from opportunistically utilising this hike to increase the sale price of consumer items is what I am eagerly looking forward to. If appropriate control measures are not taken now, this will be an added burden and will impact a significant majority of the population irrespective of their economic status. From Mr Ramesh Menon
Abu Dhabi

Virtual planet
People get addicted to the web for several reasons. The web helps people in staying connected at all hours by providing links through emails, text message or instant chat programmes. It is very important for people to have a regular social network, but at the same time not depend too much on a virtual network at all times. Children tend to depend on the web as it gives them a feeling of security, especially when they stay away from [their] parents or when parents are too busy to spend time with them. But being emotionally dependent on a gadget and showing signs of anxiety when having to part or avoid its use needs to be controlled. The human mind made the electronic world. Let us not allow this virtual world to dominate or control us. It is better to make use of it and not get used to it.
From Ms Naina Nair
Sharjah

Instant cricket
The real traditional game of cricket is Test cricket, not the perfunctory short form, that is T20. But, those who know about the game and the way it has to be played would always love the Test matches. Cricket should be globalised, that's what everyone thought. To globalise a sport like cricket is not an easy task particularly because the game takes up a long period of time with no guarantee of a result. Hence the short form was created. T20 is still in its nascent stage. But its popularity is huge and will increase even more if it is included in the Olympic games. Many more countries will take up the game and money will continue to flow into the game. But I have my concerns that one day the beauty of Test and One-day cricket may vanish in the euphoria of the T20. One day someone may hit 12 sixes in two overs. If the game manages to achieve such heights then who would bother to play or watch the traditional game?
From Mr Jayanath Tharanga
UAE

The menace of air pollution
Air pollution is a growing threat to the human health and a chronic global problem. All developing cities contain toxic levels of air pollution. Air pollution is accepted as a source of carcinogenic substances, particularly in densely polluted Industrial areas. Recent studies have established a link between air pollution and cancer. Deaths caused by lung cancer are correlated with the density of atmospheric smoke. Every day, tonnes of carbon monoxide are released from a vehicle, which cause slow poisoning and dulls the senses. It increases the rate of acute and chronic asthma and other respiratory systems, such as coughing. It also reduces energy level. The environment belongs to the people. If the people are apathetic, careless and callous no one can protect the environment. Our urgent need is to prevent and control air pollution for the healthy development of living beings.
From Dr Hema Swamy
Dubai