Editor,
The letter to the editor titled “Ardent shocked at ‘slum’ word,” (ST March 26, 2014) should serve as an eye opener for the citizens of Shillong. I really appreciate Mr Wanswett who wrote the letter because he has courage to call a spade a spade. We saw that the tussle between the Urban Affairs Minister and the people of Mawlai resulted in the blockade of garbage trucks dumping garbage at Mawiong Marten for a few days. Even during this short period huge pile up of garbage was seen all over the city. Hence we could all see how much waste is generated daily and it should be a matter of concern for one and all as to how it is disposed.
I feel that it is high time that the Government takes a serious look at urban waste management and makes proper plans to recycle the waste generated. It can start with solid waste management. We have heard that in some cities the garbage is segregated into bio-degradable and non bio-degradable lots at the source itself i.e. at the homes, shops etc. Then the waste is brought to the dumping site for further recycling process. The end result is that some waste is converted into compost/fertilizers to be used by home owners/farmers while other wastes like metallic wastes, plastic wastes are recycled for re-use and for purposes like road construction etc. Even electricity can be produced from waste. We can think of many other examples — the list is endless. It may be recalled that your esteemed daily in the recent past reported that the Urban Affairs Department was planning to introduce such measures at the collection points by distribution of garbage bins to households of some localities. This is a welcome step. However, the Government should also examine how to dispose such wastes properly so that the damage created to the environment is minimised. This whole process will create employment for hundreds of people while also generating revenue from the recycling activity.
The first step on how to reduce, re-use and recycle waste is always the hardest but I hope that under the able leadership of the Urban Affairs Minister some change in the right direction will take place in the near future. It is also high time that a strategy is evolved on how to protect our rivers and streams as well as roadside land from the onslaught of illegal dumping of garbage/liquid waste. The most important step is to impose the existing laws against illegal dumping of garbage etc. and offenders should be penalised. Will the people of Shillong join hands to make our city a cleaner, healthier and a better place to live in?
Yours etc.,
E.W. Shadap
Via e mail
Reverends and politics
Editor,
Reverend PBM Basaiawmoit is contesting the parliamentary election from the Shillong seat. Though an independent candidate, the pastor has the support of the HSPDP and KHNAM. A section of the religious leaders of the denomination to which the Reverend belongs have opposed his candidatire pleading that religion and politics don’t mix. They are right to a certain extent. It is true that there is politics in the church but it does not mean you bring more politics into it. Of course Reverends are free to contest elections but they are likely to create division among the faithful. The laity may belong to or support different political parties and candidate. Politically they may not support their spiritual leaders. Therefore, to make things simple Reverends should resign if they enter active politics. It is strange that such people don’t condemn violence, killings and hooliganism begging that religion and politics must be kept apart. It is strange also that they don’t speak up for the poor who suffer due to frequent bandhs, agitations and strikes on the pretext that politics and religion must not mixed. Perhaps now that they are in active politics they will do so.
Yours etc.,
Albert Thyrniang,
Via email