A dam, the concerns

China’s proposed colossal dam on the Yarlung Tsangpo has precipitated profound geopolitical and ecological apprehensions. The region’s pronounced seismicity renders such an enormous hydraulic structure particularly disquieting. The absence of an enforceable transboundary water-sharing mechanism further exacerbates India’s predicament. China must institutionalise hydrological transparency.

Nagarajamani M.V.,

Hyderabad

Assembly proceedings

Of late, the Tamil Nadu Assembly appears to have become more of a shooting spot than a place for serious debate.

Members shout at the top of their voices, while ‘cheerleaders’ from the respective political parties enthusiastically thump the tables — often without even understanding what is actually being discussed. There was much hype surrounding the Chief Minister’s response to the points raised by the Leader of the Opposition. But in the end, it turned out to be nothing more than a damp squib. Allegations were made without producing evidence, while the much-talked-about ‘files’ are still waiting to be opened. Only a handful of members appear to be focusing on people’s welfare and the real issues affecting them. Meanwhile, the larger concern remains the deterioration of law and order in Tamil Nadu.

R. Shankar,

Chennai