Striking a balance between environmental concerns and development is no doubt difficult, but the photograph of a nine-year-old girl in Manipur crying over felled trees as a result of a road widening project in that State is anguish and distress that anyone who is environmentally conscious can understand (‘Life’ page, “Girl who cried over felled trees is Manipur’s green ambassador”, August 9). However, the gesture of the Manipur government in making her a green ambassador, offering 20 saplings to her and extending her other concessions, will go a long way in not only assuaging her distraught feelings but also making it clear that there exists a government that cares for its citizens. That the Chief Minister himself intervened in the matter is gratifying. The incident needs to be highlighted in all educational institutions so that the younger generation is encouraged to do its bit in the protection of the environment.
V. Subramanian,
Chennai