Editor,
Some time back The Shillong Times in its poll column invited the readers’ response to a question as to whether the plight of the polling officers indicates to the lack of development prevalent in many parts of the State (ST 22nd February 2013). This certainly refers to lack of roads and other infrastructure as the previous day’s issue of the newspaper reported that many polling officials had to trek long distances to reach their polling stations. With a “Yes” response of 90% , the verdict given by this overwhelming majority no doubt is a poor reflection on the development scenario in the State particularly in the roads sector which in all respects is vital and a pre requisite to all other developmental processes. Wikipedia points out that when Meghalaya was carved out of Assam as an autonomous state, it inherited a road density of 12.42 km per 100 square kilometres. This increased to 41.69 km per 100 square kilometres up to March 2011, which is quite significant. However, this is still far below the national average of 75 km per 100 square kilometres which means that we still have a long way to go. No doubt, while there is the need to have more new roads to connect settlements the regrettable part, however, is the simultaneous and rapid deterioration of many of our old existing roads particularly those connecting the interiors mainly because of the persistent, unregulated mad rush for the transport of coal which left many of these roads in an appalling state, thereby causing great hardship to commuters. Unfortunately there seems to be no scope to alleviate this condition presently or probably in the near future because there is no let up from these coal laden trucks and because of the endless excuse of fund constraints expressed by successive governments. Apparently, even after nearly three decades of massive unregulated coal mining activities in many parts of the State blessed with government leniency, the much anticipated revenue from coal which would have provided good roads and guaranteed improvement in the quality of life of our people in other aspects as well, is still elusive. Surprisingly , in spite of this , our honourable Member of Parliament still seeks for two percent waiver on excise duty on coal (ST 16th March 2013). Indeed, a strange sense of priority over other more notable ones! Wonder who will benefit from the proposed waiver. On the other hand, we are still wondering as to whether the revenue expected from coal can ever positively alter the many adverse impacts arising out of coal mining which presently not only has negative effect on our roads but on many other fronts as well. In other words, we can never expect to see the light at the end of rat holes, do we
Yours etc.,
K L Tariang,
Shillong
Stop highway crime!
Editor,
Times are fast changing and so is the environment and administration of Meghalaya. Industrialisation has gone up thanks to the administration and effort of people but organised crime has also gone up exponentially. Miscreants aided and abetted by a passive police force and an equally indifferent administration are having a field day. Crimes are occurring wherever trucks are parked at night mostly along Nongthymmai, Laitkor, Jowai and many more places on the National Highway (NH 44). Tyres and fuel are stolen almost every day. Theft turns to armed robbery if there is no resistance and no intervention from law enforcers. With the formation of a new government and the poll promises coupled with flood of polling promises, people are hopeful of many positive developments taking place. Truck drivers plying vehicles in this State are also hopeful of the support and care from the Government. Let’s hope that Government and non-government agencies will provide necessary support to eliminate the menace of highway crimes and robbery.
Yours etc
Indrajit Rai,
Via email