Editor,
I must respond hastily to two news items one of which is “Relentless mining activities pose threat to portable water-supply in Shillong”. The threat is real, to be taken seriously as pointed out by me on several occasions. The PHE which handles the Greater Shillong Water Supply Scheme must file an application u/s 133CrPC before the East Khasi Hills District Magistrate who is empowered for good reason, to prohibit unregulated mining of sand and stone in the vicinity of the Mawphlang Dam. A scheme of compensation to offset the loss of livelihoods is for Government to consider.
The second item under the caption “Opp. MPF accuses MUA Govt. of shirking responsibilities,” carries a threat of starting an agitation, if the ILP is not implemented. In this connection readers are reminded of my article ‘Inner Line Permit- Counter Point’ appearing in the Shillong Times sometime ago, containing the following extract ‘A Working Group Committee headed by T.H. Rangad the then Home minister, with Paul Lyngdoh(President KSU), Purno K Sangma (President GSU), Ardent Basaiawmoit (President FKJGP), Collin Laloo(President JSU), JeminoMawthoh(President SSSS), M Suchiang (President KWADA) and M.R. Alya(President KJWA) were quoted as not being in favour of the ILP’. It was explained that enforcement of the ILP will involve a lot of problems and disturbances. Tourism both domestic and foreign will be affected.
In the circumstances, if there is a change of mind let it be spelt out, along with a point by point rebuttal to the counter point presentation.
Yours etc.,
A.H. Scott Lyngdoh,
Via email
Impolite conduct of DC’s office staff .
Editor,
On the 30th July 2013 I visited the Department dealing with arms licenses at about 3:45PM to enquire about the availability of forms to obtain small arms license for my employer and on being given a copy of the required form , I further enquired as to how to fill up some columns in the form as I was not too well versed with official formalities. To my surprise and shock the lady sitting at the designated table of the said branch rudely shouted at me saying, ” You want to apply for a Gun License but don’t know how to fill-up the form ? Go away; don’t waste my time.” She embarrassed me in front of several people and office staff so I left saying that if she could not help me then I would find ways to fill-up the form. I told her that she had no right to shout at me or anyone else. This person is a Khasi lady by name Frida Rynjah. The salaried staff in the DC’s office may be loaded with official work or they may perhaps have personal issues but they have no right whatsoever to behave rudely with members of the public who visit the office for their personal or official work.
The DC should discipline his staff and by the looks of it the office is pretty much over-staffed with half of them chatting over tea. I request the DC to initiate necessary action to this complaint and if such rudeness continues or is repeated I will be compelled to lodge my complaint with the higher authorities. Lets hope better sense prevails after this letter.
Yours etc.,
Baiahun Kharshandi
Shillong – 6 .
Environmental offenders
Editor,
There is not an iota of doubt that large scale erosion of fertile agricultural land is due to the haphazard method used for sand mining which ultimately results in the depletion of water sources. The blatant use of political patronage and a laissez faire attitude without a thought about environmental dangers with catastrophic consequences in the coming days is appalling. Travelling along the Shillong-Pynursla NH 40, one sees many areas where stone chip crushers are coming up coupled with the blasting, digging and excavation of boulders along the National Highway. This is against the rules of public safety enshrined by the Ministry of Roads and Transport. Ironically, the entire work is being done under the very constituency of the Forest & Environment Minister Prestone Tynsong who happens to represent that area of Pynursla. How can the Minister in charge of safeguarding our forest and environment be blind to such large scale destruction of the environment which puts public safety at risks? This is something we should ask him upfront.
Yours etc.,
Dominic S.Wankhar
Shillong-3