Editor,
In the much hyped advertisement about the Republic Day celebrations to counter the general strike called by the HNLC, the Govt in collaboration with the HDFC Bank had organised a series of programmes for the day. One such programme was the Bicycle Rally held at Madan Iewrynghep. My children were very excited to be a part of this rally, where the timing fixed was 11.00 am. Since we have not had the occasion to enjoy national festivals for over two decades on account of the bandh call by insurgent outfits, the children were very excited. They made sure to be well ahead of time to reach the venue lest they miss the “bus. ” But they had a harrowing experience on account of gross mismanagement by the organisers. The organisers/officials arrived at the venue only at 11.45 am. The children waited desperately in the scorching sun and the dusty sandy venue. No drinking water nor refreshments were provided by the organisers to the kids as they waited for the programme to start. Eventually when the rally was finally flagged off at around 12.45pm we parents were surprised to see that there was no police escort en-route the rally nor was there any facility for first-aid, leave alone an ambulance should any untoward incident happen.
My advice to the Govt. and the HDFC would be, “Don’t have an event if you don’t have the expertise to manage it.” The parents of these children thought that these programmes would make the kids happy and that they would also not have to answer the embarrassing question – ‘Why are we not allowed to celebrate the Republic Day.’ Alas! This programme was a great dampener!
Yours etc.,
Ajoy Nongrum
Shillong-3
Death traps for motorists
Editor,
As a concerned citizen, I am appalled by the deplorable condition of roads on the NH-44 from Mookyndur to Malidor. The concerned authority is unconcerned about carrying out repair and maintenance work although the roads have suffered heavy damage and require immediate repairs.
The roads are riddled with potholes and pose a real danger to motorists. These unattended to potholes have turned out to be death traps for motorists. Some NGO’s have been fighting to get the death-traps repaired but they have been royally ignored by the State Public Works Department.
Travelling on a bike or on smaller vehicles is a challenge and very stressful. Motorists have to zigzag around the potholes every time. I therefore request the concerned authority to take necessary action as early as possible to avoid disasters which are likely to happen if the roads remain unattended.
Yours etc.,
Iahmi Khyriem,
Chutwakhu, Jowai
Inhaling stone dust
Editor,
Being a frequent commuter between Shillong and Guwahati, the sight of road construction workers drilling and breaking rocks is a common sight for several years now. I often see clouds of stone dust covering the men as they work. I recently read about a serious respiratory disease called Silicosis that affects quarry workers who are exposed to stone dust for a prolonged period of time. Aren’t these road construction workers also at the same risk? I have not observed any precautionary measures being taken to prevent inhalation of this dust and the workers do not even cover their noses and mouths as they work. I think the contractors who employ them should provide them with proper masks to protect their health, as prevention is better than cure. They should not take advantage of the workers’ ignorance of safe practices and should make it compulsory to wear masks while working. Even simple inexpensive surgical masks will help in reducing the amount of stone dust entering the workers’ lungs every day.
I doubt that these workers will receive any significant medical benefits from their employers in case of illness, and therefore it is doubly important that they should maintain good health. I hope my feelings will be shared by those who are in a position to improve the workers’ working conditions.
Yours etc.,
Paramita Sarma
Powergrid colony
Shillong.