• The fear surrounding the H1N1 virus is justified . The question is how organisations like the WHO failed to advise and coordinate restrictions on travelling from countries affected in the initial days of the pandemic. In India, the Union health ministry clearly failed to react in time, toughen its stand and issue travel advisories and impose strict airport checks. Under the circumstances can the public be blamed for its lack of confidence in the state’s ability to tackle the spread of the pandemic?

— Saurabh Sharda

Mumbai

• Relevant authorities such as the Union health ministry, the medical fraternity and academic experts deserve to be applauded for their sensible response to the swine flu. However, even as advances in technology and medicinal improvements emerge, the challenges we face are also getting more and more taxing on our resources and our intelligence. Increased international travel across the globe, between the developed and developing worlds, etc has certainly helped the spread of the virus. Nevertheless, it’s in times like this that there’s no alternative to a coordinated global effort. In India, in particular, with its vast population and general lack of public awareness, the government cannot allow itself any complacency.

— L.R. Arun

Pune

Generating water

• It’s a matter of grave concern that districts not limited solely to UP, but including Bihar and Maharashtra, will be affected by this year’s drought. The Planning Commission has worked on a series of reforms which would join major rivers and canals with the aim of avoiding droughts. Such necessary measures must be followed through.

... contd.