This refers to the thought-provoking editorial “Polio Challenge” (THT, May 20, page 8). Though, India now is almost free of Polio the situation is really dangerous and shocking.

Polio is a preventable disease but in recent years children are in danger of suffering from the consequences of the Polio virus.

It clearly shows that ignorance and rumours that the vaccine can cause infertility are some factors why some parents refuse to administer Polio vaccines which is an alarming issue. Polio is an ancient plague that has been paralysing, distorting and killing its victims for millennia.

In 1988 polio was eradicated from much of the developed world and an international effort was launched to wipe it out everywhere by 2000.

Polio is one of the most politicized and commercialized diseases that has been cashed on both local and global scales. Health authorities should be determined to wipe out polio. We need concrete and effective initiatives to eradicate this epidemic quickly.

Other South Asian countries, particularly Pakistan and Afghanistan, can learn lessons from Nepal Polio eradication campaign and other vaccinations which were not disturbed even during the decade-long conflict.

Pakistan and Afghanistan are the two SAARC nations which still find it very challenging to fight the Polio virus because of internal conflict and misunderstanding among the rural population.

Vinod C. Dixit, Ahmedabad

Agriculture

Modern agriculture has seen new heights in multidimensional growth and development.

Agriculture has the potential to transform the global rural economy and hence needs introspection of current technological interventions and innovations. New innovations in the field of agriculture is hotly debated and discussed and needs serious review of researchers for further future innovations.

However, indiscriminate use of various agro-chemicals has long and short term consequences on the local ecology as well as animal and human health. Recently Organic Framing has taken agricultural practices to new heights towards sustainability and environment friendly practices.

Similarly, water is a precious natural resource and needs to be utilized with caution considering the global rise in demands for fresh water. Modern water resource management is inclined towards long term sustainability.

The complex issues of water management, water economics and water budgeting need serious thoughts and engagement for securing our common future across the globe.

Involvement of all the stakeholders in environmental conservation is a new paradigm in the realm of modern sustainable environmental protection approach.

The anthropogenic angle of environment conservation needs deep introspection and engagement with researchers and scholars as well as public to establish new policies and guidelines for eco-friendly agricultural practices and techniques as well as sustainable use and management of surface and ground water resources.

Saikat Kumar Basu, Canada