Editor,
I was surprised to read the statement of the Minister, Urban Affairs recently. She has categorically accused the public of haphazardly constructing unplanned buildings in the city, especially along the Wah Umkhrah and the Umshyrpi, thereby constricting the width of the streams to such an extent that they have been reduced to “nullahs”. I fail to understand how the public able to construct these high-rise buildings or any building for that matter along the banks of the above streams without permission from MUDA which comes under the Urban Affairs Department. .
All persons constructing buildings within the Municipal Areas have to first send their building plans to MUDA. Then the Inspectors are sent by the Town Planning Officer to ensure that the building plan conforms to the Building Bye Laws. The catch here is that some of these officials are so corrupt that any Tom, Dick or Harry can pay them off to turn a blind eye to the blatant violation of the Rules and Laws laid down by their own Department. The Chief Minister of Uttarakhand had recently stated that no more buildings would be allowed to be constructed along the river banks in that State after it suffered one of the worst disasters in recent years, where hundreds of buildings collapsed and were swept away by raging flood waters, killing hundreds of people and rendering an equal number homeless.
I request the Minister, Ms Ampareen Lyngdoh to stop blaming the public but to take a walk along the Wah Umkhrah and the Umshyrpi, where even as I write this letter today, two or three storied buildings are under construction, blatantly flouting all rules and regulations. Who gave them the permission? Did any official from MUDA even visit the sites? I doubt it. Most probably money has already changed hands in the MUDA office itself. Ms Ampareen, we hope you aware of these facts, and that you will clean up the MUDA or you might be accused of being hand in glove with the perpetrators.
Yours etc.,
Khrawpyrkhat Sohtun
Shillong – 2
Pathetic attitude
Editor,
First and Foremost, I congratulate the UPA Government for introducing the Food Security Bill through the Ordinance passed by the cabinet and signed by the Hon’ble President of India. The Bill was for the benefit of the down trodden, underprivileged, and also the malnourished citizens of this country. But what a dismay when we saw through the Media (Electronic & Print) that crores of rupees of food grains are rotting in states like Punjab, Haryana etc., especially during the monsoon season. Why is the Government of India through its agencies not construct more godowns to store these essential commodities meant to feed the BPL and the empty stomachs of this nation? Are they concerned or dubious in their approach? Are we just mute spectators or is all well in our set up?
Yours etc.,
V Wanniang
Shillong -8
Putting things in perspective
Editor,
Apropos the letter of Rahul Bajai and T. Edward Lyngdoh (ST July 1, 2013) critiquing the letter by W C Manners on the selection of site for Meghalaya Assembly building, it is astonishing how a humble suggestion for selection of the Assembly site could kick up so much dust. His suggestion for the Government to acquire the Earle Sanatorium for the Meghalaya Assembly seems to have stirred the hornet’s nest. Perhaps the writers are members of the so-called Trust. I wonder what purpose this Trust serves. Will somebody please enlighten us? In a democratic country everyone has the right to express his/her opinions. Rahul Bajaj should know (if he is not born and brought up in Shillong) that the Khasis/ Jaintias/Garos are very tolerant and accommodating peoples (unlike other tribes in the NE). But in recent years they have been exploited fully by businessmen, politicians and NGOs.
Take for example how the cement companies are selling their product in Meghalaya @ Rs 330- Rs 350 per bag while outside Meghalaya cement is sold @ Rs 250/- per bag when production cost of one bag of cement is Rs 145-150. How many local people have been employed by them? I am sure that in the officer’s grade it will be almost nil. Even for grade IV, the number will not be encouraging. If this is not exploitation then what is? My father said that during the Hill State movement not a single non-tribal participated or joined the movement. Yet these are the people who enjoy the maximum benefit when Meghalaya attained statehood. Take for example the Meghalaya Police force where one can see a mini India; you can see policemen from far-flung states like Punjab, Bihar, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, Assam etc. and even Nepal. Can other States in India boast of such tolerance? If this is not exploitation then what is it? Other exploitations by other non-tribals (mind you, I am not communal) is the CMJ University owned and run by CM Jha where the future of thousands of students (90% tribal) is jeopardized.
There are hundreds of instances where non-tribals exploit the tribals which won’t find space in the newspapers. From the writings of Rahul Bajaj it is clear that there is a hidden agenda for a shopping complex and parking lot at the old Assembly site. Aren’t there enough shopping complexes and parking lots in Police Bazar? Let other places also be developed. As for non-payment of income tax by tribals, that question should be addressed to the Government of India.
Yours etc.,
L. Wanshong
Shillong – 6