Editor,
On hearing about the JNNURM buses the first time I was very glad because these buses are supposed to serve the common man. It made the people smile with joy. Even the State Government was proud. Now after months of functioning, joy has turned to disappointment especially after hearing the plight of people mostly from Nongthymmai, Demthring, Madanriting, Mawblei etc. I saw the true picture of the scenario of what these people are facing on March 9, last. I stood from 6:15pm up to 7.30 pm at Motphran waiting for the bus. During this time a good number of
JNNURM buses and red cabs passed me by. Most of the buses were going towards Mawlai, Rynjah, Pynthor and other areas but none to the Mawblei side. At 7:15 pm I thought it had finally arrived but it turned out that the Red bus was going to the depot. Frustrated and disappointed I took a cab up to Nongthymmai and from there to my residence. This shows that the bus service is very haphazardly distributed. As a citizen I earnestly request the concerned authorities to look into the matter and ensure that the buses ply to the different routes in Greater Shillong areas irrespective of the earnings or the presence of traffic jam or for whatever reason.
Yours etc.,
W. Lyngdoh,
Via email
Plight of Wahingdoh residents
Editor,
Through your esteemed daily we would like to express the plight faced by the residents of Wahingdoh Block 5-C and others who commute through the lane (footpath) coming from Ramakrishna Mission LP School, Umsohsun towards Wahingdoh Block 5-C (for more than 15 years now). The unhygienic conditions arise mainly from open discharge of human and other wastes due to the non availability of Septic Tank, sewage and drainage pipes, and the rampant dumping of garbage from the compound of the Sadar Police Reserve Quarters. This was brought to the notice of the Durbar Shnong Wahingdoh, the Local MLA of Mawkhar, and the Police Authority. But it is very sad to note that the efforts made by the Durbar Shnong Wahingdoh and the Local MLA of Mawkhar have borne no fruit and we still have to commute through the filth and stench.
On August 30, 2011 the local MLA of Mawkhar had arranged for the visit of the Hon’ble Home Minister and Urban Affairs Minister along with the members of the Durbar Shnong Wahingdoh, the Chief Engineer and other officers of PWD, Officers of the Police Department, Officers of Urban Affairs and Shillong Municipal Board and the residents of Wahingdoh. Six months have elapsed but we see no effective action taken and we continue to suffer, even after the firsthand visit of the dignitaries. A big question arises in our mind as to whether civic rules and bye laws are applicable only to civilians, but not for the guardians of the law? If not so, then why do we not see positive taken either by the Police Department or by the Government so far? This despite the fact that proper sanitation programme is being pursued by many localities and the Shillong Municipal Board itself. The matter is even more tragic as the area is located in the heart of the city itself and under the jurisdiction of the Shillong Municipal Board.
We expect the authorities concerned to solve this issue at the earliest for the betterment of all. At the same time we request the media (print and electronic) to highlight such conditions from time to time and also to follow up on our behalf as we do not know where to turn to now, so that we can breathe and commute freely when on this lane.
Yours etc.,
Residents of Wahingdoh
Shillong – 1
Popular rating
Editor,
In the run-up to the Presidential election in America which is hotting up people are eager to know who is the Republican man who will face President Obama in this November election. Coming closer home people here also are anxious to know who will face whom in the 2013 assembly election. But what we lack here is what they call in America – the approval rating. We wish to throw the same idea that has been very popular in the western political arena and request your newspaper to conduct a survey on our legislators with a view to find out their popularity on a number of general criteria like social issues, development, environment etc. This will serve as a powerful tool to enlighten the masses as well as the legislators alike. The voters will also get to know how he or she fares among all legislators in the political field in the form of the most popular legislators and least popular legislator and will also reflect on our legislators and how they are viewed by the general public.
Yours etc.,
R. Lyngdoh,
R. Thabah,
Shillong