Restore old glory of Batavia

While moving in and around the beautiful city of Jakarta, one can easily spot various bonfires, emitting "dense smoke". Tons of garbage is burned every day. Sure, it is a convenient way to get rid of waste material, but at what cost?

All of us know that there is no "free lunch". We will certainly have to pay through the nose for our deeds in the near future.

Needless to say that the burning of garbage -- which consists of various hazardous materials such as plastics, packaging materials, etc. -- produces obnoxious and toxic fumes. These gases pollute the environment and have a detrimental effect on the health of all "living beings". Furthermore, vehicle emissions, particularly from buses and minibuses, create havoc in polluting the environment.

All of us notice this happening every day, but prefer to remain silent sufferers, expecting someone else to take the action. It is observed that the authorities are normally sensitive tot he people's concern and objections, provided they are repeatedly reported, collectively or individually.

The media can certainly play an important role in protecting the environment by creating an awareness among the people and urging the authorities to take the necessary steps.

Let us pledge to return the old glory to "Batavia" in the coming millennium by returning the original color to its sky.

R.K. CHOPRA

Jakarta