Bhandup building collapse

Sir,
Dilapidated buildings cause worry for inmates and the Bhandup building collapse is one such tragedy. BMC officials had issued Public Notices asking the inmates of the ill fated building to evacuate and look for alternative
accommodation. The building was unsafe for habitation and hence the authorities had asked the residents to evacuate it as early as possible. However, the residents failed to take notice and did not find alternative arrangements.
There are many such buildings all over the city. It is time to reconstruct these unsafe buildings or they may cause disaster during severe rains. The major places where such unsafe buildings are found are in Mumbai. To avoid human loss and loss to the property, BMC had served notice well in advance. However, the residents failed to take that notice seriously.
In the past we have seen many buildings coming down heavily during rainy season in Mumbai. Let the residents do not make it a prestige issue and stay at the dilapidated buildings and risk their lives against the instructions of BMC.

Jayanthy. S. Manaiam,
Pattanwalla Mansion,
Sion (Mumbai)

The show given by Indian women players at RIO commendable

Sir,
Although we have not won any medal, until now in Rio 2016, Olympics still the way our Indian team has played each game is commendable. Especially the women players have shown that there is great potential in our ‘Girls’.
Be it archery, hockey, badminton, or gymnasium our girls have made us proud by giving tough competition to other country contenders and we truly hope that next time we will win medals.
The issue is not that of losing but how well we are prepared. It is high time that our girls get lot of chance to play at the international level as this will help them gain confidence. Much better game technique is something we need to look at. We need to encourage our girls at every level. We truly hope that next Olympics is for India. Proud of you Girls.
Reetika Nair
Chennai

Older women much lonelier

Sir,
I recently happened to read news which showed that an older woman refused to leave the hospital despite being declared fit by doctors. This state has once again highlighted the sad state of loneliness among senior citizens in cities like Mumbai.
However, what is surprising is that women are much lonelier than men. According to much research, women across all ages and stages of life report higher levels of loneliness than men do. They not only become victim of illness like depression, but also that of anti-social elements. Every day there are news of elder ladies being assaulted.
It is high time that the Indian government does something for the benefit of senior citizens.
Priya Jha
Bihar