Editor,
Apropos the news item “CM seeks Centre’s help in 2 mega water project( ST Dec 3, 2014) the building of mega water projects to impound large pools of water would certainly promote multipurpose uses of our water resources. It is a matter of concern however that while we increase the number of water projects in the state , the protection of the catchment of our water resources which is so vital to ensure sustained availability of water for perpetuity is yet to be a priority in the state. It seems that there is still a lackadaisical approach by the government to this. We overlook the fact that while water is a renewable resource, it is at the same time a finite resource and is vulnerable to loss and depletion. It is not always available perennially or available everywhere. We are already experiencing dwindling water supply during the dry seasons in quite a number of our drinking water sources, in some irrigation projects and in power generation projects. There is increased water contamination as well. Either we have not learnt from experience or we are blind to what is evident around us. It may also be that those who want to project their present accomplishments cannot visualize the grievous fate that our future generations would have to face if our water catchments are degraded.While we propose to create more artificial pools, there is, however, poor concern for the many natural pools in the courses of our rivers and streams. The cumulative area of these pools in acre feet will probably far exceed that of the existing artificial ponds we already have and those we propose to create in the state .They usually harbour plenty of indigenous species of fishes and have great potential for recreational purposes .The long stretch of pool of the river Kynshi at Ranikor is one such example. Communities living close to rivers used to survive and make a living from the aquatic life of these pools. Many of these pools are now either dead or gasping for breath and are devoid of aquatic life because of detrimental activities in the catchments of rivers. The famous smoked fishes of Pyrsadwar village on the banks of the Myntdu river in Jaintia Hills have disappeared because of the complete depletion of fishes in the contaminated river caused by indiscriminate coal mining in the catchments. The angler’s paradise at Borkhat which is close by is a thing of the past. Simsang River in Garo Hills remains only in memory. Many pools in other rivers suffer the same fate and livelihoods of many rural folks are destroyed; folks who do not stand to benefit from mega projects. While surreptitious vandalism on our rivers take place at times, nothing is so destructive as the senseless actions on the catchments which is mostly for the greed of the few. These hit at the very core of the nature of our rivers and their much potential are thus sacrificed. Those who matter seem to be oblivious to this or resign in abandon for not being able to do anything about it or perhaps because of something else.Incidentally in the same news item, it was reported that the CM is seeking for more funds for irrigation projects usually taken up by the Water Resources Department. As far as my knowledge goes, double cropping or triple cropping in a year are yet to be taken up in many areas brought under irrigation down the years which would otherwise increase crop production. If this is so, then it defeats the very purpose that irrigation is meant for .Going by its namesake, it would be appropriate perhaps for the Department to focus more on the treatment and protection of our water resources instead. This is, of course, a layman’s thoughts.One can have great plans and aim to spend big for them but to reach for the sky without assessing the ground realities can make one to pursue a path which would ultimately lead to the wrong destination instead. And by then it may be too late!
Yours etc.,
K.L.Tariang,
Via email
State of scams
Editor,
The verdict of the Meghaya High Court with respect to the alleged illegal appointments in the Agriculture Department is a welcome step. This also means that an institution like the MPSC should be overhauled completely. It is astonishing that the Chief Minister who holds the Agriculture portfolio has misled not only the House but the people of the state and in particular the families of deserving candidates. If incompetent and unproductive people tend to hold important posts, that have to do with the agriculture sector of our State then they are appointed only for status and position thus playing with the livelihoods of the poor farmers.Hope the action of the Hon’ble High Court resonates in the other institutions such as the District Selection Committees as well.
Yours etc.,
Dominic S. Wankhar,
Shillong-3