Dear Sir,

Qatar has a desert climate. The hot weather season lasts from  May to September with the mercury at its peak in June and July. Historically mid-July to mid-September are considered heat-stress periods for  labourers working in some sectors, based on the heat index which is a combination of temperature and humidity. Accordingly, their work hours are altered. During summer months, typically from April to September, Qatar receives an average of 13 hours of day light.
Of late, Qatar has been experiencing high mercury levels in May. Considering the abundance of sunlight, Qatar should definitely consider daylight saving time for the country, especially in summer, by setting the clocks an hour ahead of the standard time.
This can benefit in utilising the early sunrise and mitigate the effect of heat stress that people are exposed to. This will especially benefit schoolgoing children. Recently, the Supreme Education Council (SEC) has instructed Independent schools in Qatar to reduce their working hours and end the classes by 12 noon to safeguard against the soaring high temperatures.

K Bharadwaj, PO BOX 22533, Doha

Snub out  that cigarette

Dear Sir,

Further to the letters, “Enforce outdoor smoking ban” (Gulf Times, May 20 ) and “Smokers defying rules in Doha” (Gulf Times, May 19), I would like to add that the problem seems to be worsening every day. When regulations were first introduced against smoking outdoors in some places and in restaurants  a few years ago, almost everyone used to observe the rules. There was a marked decrease in smoking in public places for months initially. People like me who understand the dangers of inhaling secondhand smoke were quite happy with the response. But as time went on, I have found the no-smoking rules are increasingly being broken in many parts of Doha.
As a regular visitor to the Airport Park, where joggers and other fitness enthusiasts congregate very evening, I have seen people sitting on benches, puffing away without any concern for others. On the Corniche also, I have seen some people doing the same. I hope they will show some understanding and change their habits.

SN, (Full name and address supplied)

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