Letters to The Editor — September 1, 2026 - The HinduPublished - September 01, 2026 12:24 am ISTTurning to scienceThe tragedy in Nepal is heartbreaking with the loss of many lives and displacement of many. The Himalayas are home to massive glaciers and experts now warn that regions closer to India could face similar avalanches. Instead of waiting for the next calamity, should not governments invest in research for preventive action? For instance, exploring scientific methods to safely scatter unstable ice masses before they collapse naturally? If science can contemplate diverting asteroids in space, surely we can find a solution for a threat whose location and magnitude are well known to us. This could be taken up as a global project under the United Nations, with all nations contributing funds and expertise to save humanity from such disasters.B.C. Ramani,HyderabadTrees felled in one swoopThere is increasing felling of trees in the name of development. Roads, highways, buildings and other construction projects are expanding rapidly, but unfortunately, thousands of trees are being cut down. Development is necessary for progress, but it should not come at the cost of our environment. Trees provide oxygen, reduce air pollution, regulate temperatures and help maintain ecological balance. Their large-scale removal contributes to rising temperatures, air pollution, soil erosion and the loss of wildlife habitats. Authorities should adopt development plans that minimise tree loss. Wherever trees must be removed, they should be replaced through proper plantation drives.Vandit Jain,ChandigarhPublished - September 01, 2026 12:24 am ISTSign in to unlock member-only benefits!Access 10 free stories every monthSave stories to read laterAccess to comment on every storySign-up/manage your newsletter subscriptions with a single clickGet notified by email for early access to discounts & offers on our products${ ind + 1 } ${ device }Last active - ${ la }