Whale in the sky

Sir — Few can dream of hitching a ride on a whale. Is this why the oversized cargo plane, Airbus Beluga, is a favourite among planespotters? Airbus Beluga has now got its own airline after having gained popularity for its enormous carrying capacity and its resemblance to the white Arctic whale. Ironically though, drilling for aviation fuel is one of the factors that threaten the habitat of marine animals, including the whale. The fuel needed to power a plane the size of Airbus Beluga is no joke. If this goes on, there might soon come a time when the sky, and not the ocean, will be the only place to spot a whale.

Srilata Barua, Guwahati

Disruptive storm

Sir — Cyclone Remal left a trail of havoc in its wake in both India and Bangladesh (“It came, rampaged, and went”, May 28). Strong gusts of wind accompanied by torrential rainfall led to the destruction of thousands of houses across West Bengal and places in the Northeast. The cyclone uprooted over 400 trees in Calcutta and its adjacent areas. Many areas experienced prolonged power cuts and Metro services in Calcutta had to be suspended. Parts of the city were submerged under water. While the government has promised compensation for all the people affected by Remal, a more efficient disaster management system should be put in place in Bengal.

Samaresh Khan, West Midnapore

Sir — At least six people have died in West Bengal owing to Cyclone Remal, which also damaged nearly 2,500 houses (“6 die, Remal disrupts life in four districts”, May 28). More than one lakh people had to be evacuated by the government. Cyclones regularly hit the coastal areas of West Bengal; the lack of concerted efforts by the government to address the problem is thus worrying. Long-term plans must be implemented to prevent the loss of lives.

Jayanta Datta, Hooghly

Sir — It is disheartening that Cyclone Remal felled over 100 trees — some of which were of endemic and endangered species — in the Indian Botanic Garden (“Remal toll 100 at Botanic Garden”, May 30). Forty such fallen trees have already been replanted. The huge banyan tree, the garden’s primary attraction, has fortunately survived the storm.

Sourish Misra, Calcutta

Spiritual appeal

Sir — In 2019, prior to the last phase of the general elections, the prime minister, Narendra Modi, had donned saffron robes and meditated at Kedarnath. The media covered the visit, highlighting the prime minister’s ‘spiritualism’ and ‘faith’. This time, the Election Commission of India has allowed him to pull off a similar publicity stunt by meditating at the spot where Swami Vivekananda had meditated (“Tagore verse holds up mirror to Modi in meditation”, May 31). Vivekananda is one of the most revered figures in West Bengal, parts of which voted yesterday. The EC looked the other way while his meditation was aired during the elections. Voters are easily swayed by religious fervour, which is part of Modi’s brand of communal politics. Moreover, such visits incur expenses for taxpayers and should be borne by Modi instead.

S.K. Choudhury, Bengaluru

Sir — Days before the poll results, Narendra Modi began meditating at Vivekananda Rock Memorial. This has drawn criticism from the Opposition. Only time will tell if this publicity stunt reaps results.

D.V.G. Sankara Rao, Andhra Pradesh

Sir — Narendra Modi should not have taken along 2,000 police personnel to the Vivekananda Rock Memorial and broken the sanctity of the place. Why does he require security despite being born with divine powers?

Arun Gupta, Calcutta