Formal Letters

Here is a sample of a letter written to the editor of a newspaper

P-64, Saket
Delhi – 17

March 14, 2009

The Editor
Times of India
C R Park
Delhi

Sir / Madam,

Subject: Tigers under threat

Project Tiger, a wildlife conservation project initiated in India in 1972 to protect the Bengal Tigers had become one of the most successful wildlife conservation ventures. The project aimed at tiger conservation in specially constituted tiger reserves throughout India. It strived to maintain a viable tiger population in their natural environment.

In 2007, there were more than 40 Project Tiger wildlife reserves. Project Tiger helped increase the population of tigers from 1200 in the 1970s to 3500 in 1990s. But shockingly as per 2008 official census, the count has dropped to 1411.

The Indian authorities are really concerned at the sharp fall in the population of tigers. It is heart-breaking to know that even a place like Sariska, which was considered a sanctuary for tigers does not have a single tiger left. Other areas too, like the Sunderbans, have shown a sharp decline in their numbers.

The reason for this dwindling number is that tigers are being killed at rampant by poachers for their skin which is exported to foreign countries. The area earmarked for forests is also getting diminished because of the expansion of cities and small towns. Constructions eat away the borders of these tiger reserves. Although many organizations claim that they are taking care of these sanctuaries, this problem still persists.

It is a huge shame that we are unable to protect the big cats and I hope that publishing this letter in your newspaper will draw more people to this cause.

Yours truly,
Pavan Kumar

Now write letters on the following topics:

1. The road leading to your house has been badly damaged. There are too many potholes and driving on the road is major problem. Your repeated requests to the municipal authorities have failed to yield any positive results. You decide to write a letter to the editor of a newspaper highlighting the problems that the residents are facing.