Protecting elephants
Elephant was accorded the ‘national heritage animal’ status in 2010. As many as 528 elephants died of unnatural causes in India between 2019 and 2024, primarily due to electrocution, followed by train collisions, poaching and poisoning in that order. Proper track signals, loco pilot sensitisation, periodic review and maintenance of elephant corridors and a unique elephant detection system are steps towards safeguarding elephants from trains. Overpasses and underpasses, solar-powered fences and elephant-proof trenches are vital to minimise deaths due to man-animal conflicts. More and more elephant corridors and enhanced budgetary provisions for ensuring that elephants are in the safe confines of their homes, and hence away from human interference, cannot be overstressed. Securing the elephants in a non-exploitative and sustainable environment cannot be stressed more, especially on ‘World Elephant Day’ on August 12.
Ganapathi Bhat, Akola
Bane of electric two-wheelers
With the government starting promotion of electric mobility some years back by granting a number of incentives to manufacturers, electric two-wheelers of various brands flooded the market in no time. Many of such manufacturers grabbed the opportunity and opened independent showrooms and repairs shops to provide confidence to the prospective buyers. The initial excitement of owning a pollution-free scooter with a smooth and noise-free ride evaporated within no time. Many riders started feeling handicapped, with the electric scooter battery taking hours to get fully charged unlike filling petrol in fuel tank of a two-wheeler and instantly continuing with one’s journey. Secondly, the price of an electric scooter battery is usually half the initial cost of the vehicle, making battery replacement a costly affair. Moreover, many dealers, who made grand initial sales, vanished in thin air along with their service centres with the government having no control over the development. Many buyers of such electric scooters are now left at the mercy of a handful of mechanics whose repair shops are full of electric scooters dumped for want of spare parts. One is considered fortunate if his scooter gets repaired. The sad part is that such two-wheelers have no resale value.
Bhalchandra V S Priolkar, Margao
Tackling waste
During my last visit to Germany I noticed that some modern neighbourhoods had replaced traditional garbage collection with underground waste vacuum systems that transport trash directly to central processing facilities. Instead of waiting for noisy trucks to make their rounds, residents deposit their waste into sealed collection points scattered throughout the area. From there, powerful underground air suction pipes whisk the trash away at high speed to a central hub, where it is sorted, processed and prepared for recycling or disposal. The system eliminates the need for frequent truck traffic, reducing noise, fuel consumption and carbon emissions while keeping streets cleaner and safer. These waste vacuum systems are also more hygienic, as sealed containers prevent odours, pests and litter from escaping. By streamlining waste collection and removing the visual clutter of roadside bins, Germany is showing how smart infrastructure can make urban living more efficient, sustainable and pleasant. Now this is the first thing that a smart city needs to have.
Vinay Dwivedi, Benaulim
On cruelty to animals
Recently a woman from Vasco was reportedly booked under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960, after she allegedly attacked a dog with a sharp weapon following repeated barking, leaving the animal seriously injured. Enraged by its continuous barking, the woman allegedly stabbed the neighbour’s pet dog multiple times with a knife. Violence against animals has no place in society and this act needs to be condemned. In India, violence against dogs is addressed by several laws, most notably the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960, and the Indian Penal Code (IPC), now replaced by the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023. This act aims to prevent unnecessary pain and suffering inflicted on animals and includes provisions for punishment to offenders. One should advocate non-violence and show compassion towards animals. There could be instances of the neighbour’s dog barking incessantly. However, there are several ways to tackle the issue. Many people could be unaware their dog is barking excessively, especially if they are not home during the day. This should be explained to the neighbours, as the barking can impact one’s peace and quiet. The neighbour should be provided with evidence of the barking by recording it on a mobile phone. A neutral mediator can help facilitate a resolution. One could even provide the neighbour suggestions on how to stop the dog from barking continuously. Blocking the dog’s view of the house from the neighbours’ house could be one suggestion. If every option fails, one may need to consult a lawyer and consider legal recourse. But taking law in one’s own hands and harming a neighbour’s dog is definitely never an option.
Adelmo Fernandes, Vasco
