Editor,
The odd-even system in Delhi may not reduce the pollution levels to a great extent, but surely, it will help in reducing the traffic congestion. Taking a cue from how successful the formula will work in Delhi, I believe a similar arrangement can definitely be tried in Shillong. The number of cars that ply on the city roads far exceed its capacity to cater them. There are (were) talks of constructing some flyovers but that seems like it would take an eternity to materialize. There are no ways and means to widen the roads, most of which are already declared one-way traffic zones. Moreover, the number of cars that are being added to the roads day to day, further add to the misery.
Considering all this, I believe, we have to take some measures, which will facilitate easy movement of vehicles. We too may implement on a trial basis the odd-even formula. Since now the schools are closed, this should not cause much of an inconvenience to try it out. Let us see how this works, maybe we can get on back to the habit of walking at least short distances, which has become history to most of us. It would help to maintain health and definitely reduce carbon emissions in the air. However, prior to that the Government must also ensure that there are adequate and appropriate public transportation systems so as to cause minimum trouble to the residents of the city.
Talking of carbon emissions, steps must also be taken to ensure that old diesel vehicles are not allowed to ply on the roads unless they conform to the emission standards. The smoke that they release is very harmful and it’s a common sight to witness the same in the city. If checks and measures are in place, we may take pride in breathing healthy air. Talking of congestion, I, like others too feel that’s it’s high time that the schools in Shillong have a system of school buses. This will not only help reduce the number of cars that ply on the roads but also relieve a lot of parents who have a very tough time managing the balance between work and school duties. I think a serious thought has to be given to this.
Yours etc,
Amit Sharma,
Via email
Nehru not infallible!
Editor?
The recent debacle in India regarding a Congress mouthpiece questioning Nehru’s wrong foreign policies that has cost India heavily in border negotiations with China should be reviewed with a positive outlook. The Indian National Congress may have their personal discomfort with the content of the article for political reasons; however, one must not downplay the importance of the questions raised in the article from historical and diplomatic perspectives. Nehru has always been heaped with unjustified praises by Indian historians and intellectuals for his role as a national leader with often no due credits being given to other outstanding national leaders like Patel, Kalam and others who also had giant contributions in transforming India into a modern nation. It is a matter of gross historic injustice for not giving enough credit to the pioneer architects of modern India other than Nehru. One must accept the fact that numerous foreign policy blunders made by an immature Nehru during his rule have resulted in perpetual problems with neighboring nations with respect to international border negotiations; and even in severely compromising Indian claims as exemplified by the Kashmir and Tibet border conflicts. While Nehru is credited so much for his achievements he should also be made equally responsible for the blunders he made by not listening to other members of his cabinet including Patel on several matters that has cost India dearly and made several Indians suffer for generations. The unfortunate death of Patel within few years of independence allowed Nehru to push forward with his erroneous domestic and international policies as there was none in his cabinet to confront him politically. This gave rise to generations of sycophants within Congress that has now started harming the party. There is no problem in respecting an individual but that respect should not transform into a cult worship for political gains when his policies have severely compromised and jeopardized the long term national interests.
Yours etc.,
Saikat Kumar Basu
Lethbridge AB Canada T1J 4B3