Editor
I don’t think easing the lockdown ever means loosening the strings of our masks. But, it is noticed that a number of people are going around public places without fully wearing the masks. While some just sling them below the chin as show-pieces, some are not at all bothered to wear it. Is it not dangerous? Are people still not aware that this almost weightless virus has the power to bring the dynamic civilization to a crashing halt? Haven’t we been hearing sermons on our mobile phones and television about the danger of infection from the virus? Why are some people so irresponsible? Is one person not enough to infect thousands of others people at an uncontrollable pace? We can compare one COVID-19 infected person to a match stick that can burn any number of structures to ashes.
Moreover, the Government has never taken any delight in relaxing the lockdown restrictions. The lockdown has been eased in view of economic considerations. So, even a minor negligence on the part of an individual can cause havoc. Look at the situation now in Maharashtra and Gujarat! All this all happened due to negligence.
Hence the state government should immediately come up with “strict punitive measures” to deal with such unmindful people that are not wearing masks. Imposing “monetary fine” could be the only deterrent here. So, I appeal to the Deputy Commissioners to take this matter seriously and do something about it. We can’t afford another phase of stay-at-home lockdown any more.
Yours etc.,
Salil Gewali,
Shillong-2
Change of timing of load shedding
Editor,
Difficult days; difficult times! With temperatures soaring above 32 degrees celsius, the heat is becoming unbearable for the people of Garo Hills. With no rain in the region for the last few days and probably in the next couple of days, it is going to be a hell of a problem. The problem gets compounded with the change in timing of load shedding hours by MeECL from 03:30 to 05:30 am to 12:30 – 02:20 am. The earlier timing from 03:30 to 05:30 am is much better because by that time, the temperature has cooled down a bit.
Many people are drafted for COVID 19 duty at various entry/check points set up at Berubari in Bajengdoba, Tikrikilla and ISBT at Chasingre near Tura. Similarly, various COVID 19 Management Teams are formed in the districts that also perform their duties till late hours. The facilities for stay for the people drafted for duty at the check points are limited with only one or two departmental guest houses with limited rooms. Some may mange to stay with friends or relatives nearby, but all do not have that luxury. That being the case, many are compelled to return to their respective homes after performing their duties till late hours. On reaching home, they have to bathe, have their meal and go for a few hours of sleep as they have to head back to their respective places of duty early in the morning. One can imagine how difficult it is for them when they find that the lights are off on reaching home. All cannot afford to install inverters at their homes/residences.
In this hour of crisis, we need to be more considerate for the people who are in the forefront of fighting the COVID 19 virus. Therefore, in the interest of the people of Garo Hills region in general and more particularly for the people who are drafted for COVID 19 duty, it will be good if MeECL lends a helping hand this time round as they have done on many occasions in the past by restoring to earlier load shedding hours from 03:30 to 05:30 am everyday till the power position improves in the State.
Yours etc.,
Ferhgertson R Marak
Tura
Secure senior citizens
Editor,
It is estimated that senior citizens comprise roughly 8% of the total population of India. Mostly senior citizens are going through many challenges for their daily survival needs. Many senior citizens are being neglected by their own family and are living in critical conditions. Also many of them are homeless and are forced to take shelter in old age homes or on the streets. The elderly population is at great risk from the Coronavirus. In this tough situation, senior citizens must be secured and fulfilling their basic needs and protecting their rights is our first responsibility.
Yours etc.,
Amit Singh Kushwaha, Satna,
Via email