Sir — It was heartbreaking to learn that over three lakh people have lost their lives to Covid-19 in India. However, the rush at crematoria, having cremations outside owing to a lack of space, burials outside cemeteries, widening obituary columns in newspapers and so on make us think that the real figure could be far higher. There is perhaps no one who has not lost a family member, a friend, an acquaintance or a neighbour. Most people feel that it is a miracle that they are still alive even as they mourn those who died from the coronavirus.

Thus, it is a relief that the number of daily new cases has now begun to decline and the recovery rate continues to be high. At the same time, it is sad to note that the daily casualty figure has remained significant. In all probability, a large number of Covid deaths are not included in the official mortality data. The deaths of Covid-19 patients with underlying comorbidities are often attributed to pre-existing conditions. Many, especially in rural areas, are dying at home and are cremated without any examination by doctors.

Undercounting or underreporting Covid-19 deaths is completely unacceptable. The availability of accurate data puts experts in a better position to understand the disease and manage its onslaught more efficiently. By suppressing data, the administration will only further jeopardize its fight against the pandemic.

G. David Milton,
Maruthancode, Tamil Nadu

Sir — India became the third country in the world, after the United States of America and Brazil, to cross 3,00,000 Covid-related deaths. Professionals in the healthcare sector have been working round the clock to save as many people as possible, but the number of infections and deaths — although there has been a dip recently — are still alarming. The only way we can protect ourselves is by strictly following Covid-19 safety protocols and ensuring that we remain indoors as much as possible.

Yashi Bairagi,
Ujjain

Need for respect

Sir — It was certainly inappropriate for the prime minister, Narendra Modi, to invite the chief ministers to be present during his one-to-one virtual dialogue with the district magistrates and not allow them to speak (“Just one side”, May 24). There is no doubt that this has also put the bureaucrats in an uncomfortable position. Such flagrant disregard for the chain of command is not good for the functioning of a federal, democratic government. But it seems that the Centre no longer cares to uphold the tenets of our Constitution.

K. Nehru Patnaik,
Visakhapatnam

Sir — The relationship between the Centre and the West Bengal government is frosty to say the least. The recent snubbing of chief ministers at the virtual meet between the prime minister and the district magistrates has further irked Mamata Banerjee who considers this incident to be an insult to the office she holds. While tussles are common between politicians of different parties, it must be noted that the number of coronavirus cases in West Bengal, as with most states in the country, is alarmingly high. In this situation it is imperative that Narendra Modi and Mamata Banerjee put aside their differences and work towards the greater good of the people.

Bal Govind,
Noida

Too soon

Sir — Reports have emerged that the Indian Premier League, which was postponed earlier this month, is tentatively set to resume in September in the United Arab Emirates. The tournament was stopped after several players and staff members tested positive for Covid-19 in spite of the bio-secure bubble that was in place. With the coronavirus constantly mutating, people in all corners of the world are vulnerable to the disease. Moreover, at a time when Covid deaths have crossed the 3,00,000-mark in India, is it not insensitive to continue with such an ostentatious affair?

Amit Ray Chaudhury,
Calcutta

PARTING SHOT

Sir — In a shocking incident, a couple from Madurai brazenly flouted Covid-19 protocols and tied the knot mid-air on a chartered flight. The guests were photographed without masks and did not adhere to social distancing norms. Since then, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation has ordered strict action against the company and the crew members on board have been de-rostered.

It is really upsetting to see that at a time when the whole nation is reeling under death and illness, people are insensitive enough to celebrate weddings in such a manner. The couple could have donated the money they spent on booking a chartered plane towards Covid-19 relief efforts. They showed an abject disregard for people’s suffering.

M. Pradyu,
Kannur