Toxic air everywhere

#Toxic air everywhere

The fire at the Brahmapuram waste treatment plant in Kochi has become a major environmental disaster. The fire that broke out on March 2, 2023 continues until today, that is to say March 12.

This has caused immense damage not only to the environment but also to public health. The poisonous air from the burning plastic has spread to Kochi and the surrounding area. 75 km to the south, the town of Alappuzha reported an AQI of 300 instead of an average of 120.

Despite the efforts of local authorities and firefighters, the smoke still remains uncontrollable.

Although the question of who exactly is responsible for this disaster remains unanswered, the local government and state administration failed miserably to control the fire. If they are unable to do so, hand over the task to the Indian Army. The state government's neglect to deal with the situation is intolerable.

K.A. Solaman

Open eyes

#Open #eyes

The report that three children from an Ernakulam school excursion team drowned in a waterbody  at Valiyapara Kutty in Idukki, is shocking.

Although there are strict guidelines for the conduct of school excursions, they are often flouted during the actual visit. The students do not obey the teachers who accompany them and do not listen to the local population when bathing in dangerous river spots. This results in immense harm. It is often difficult for the authorities to sort out those responsible for the accident.

The incident above is a revelation for day trippers who enjoy the beauty of rivers and lakes without taking enough precautions.

-K.A. Solaman

Students'behaviour

#Students' #behaviour.

The behaviour of some students in our schools and colleges is incredibly disrespectful. For example, I would like to cite an incident that was reported to me by one of my students who is now a college teacher.

He told me: "On my way to home for lunches I often noticed a boy and a girl sitting under a cashew tree. They may be lovers but there the gestures are abnormal in public,  the girl sitting around the neck on his shoulders. I was scared and asked the boy why. His answer was surprising.

He said to me, "She's his fiancée. She has no problem sitting on my shoulders and I have no problem with her act. So what's your headache? The teachers should advise the students in the classroom, not outside".

I lost my words, sir. I said nothing more, because it's the modern age. If I talk to him further, he can record my speech and broadcast it live because his mobile is live on Facebook."

This story tells that students can resort to any type of ugly behavior in schools and colleges. Nobody is to question unless the government takes a decision giving the right to teachers to face such situations.

The state of Kerala was in the news a few years ago with what is called the “Kiss of love campaign”. The streets spun out of control and people feared the next adventures after the kiss. But the campaign came to an abrupt end when the state's chief minister flatly said there was no such expression in public.

This type of approach is needed in schools and colleges to prevent our younger generation from going to the dogs and learning good behavior. There should be an atmosphere in schools and colleges where teachers are treated as guides and motivators.

K.A. Solaman