Editor,
The sudden transfer of the Service Manager of State Bank of India, Laban due to unknown reasons is a great loss for elderly customers who she attended to with utmost courtesy and efficiency. We are account holders of the above Branch for many years and were satisfied with the services provided to us by the staff of SBI Laban Branch, especially the Service Manager, particularly when it came to serving elderly persons. The Service Manager was particularly helpful during the time when Rs 500 and Rs 1000 denominations were first banned. In spite of the heavy rush throughout the day, this lady handled the situation with patience. During the rush hour, we could see that though harangued she would still make sure to cater first to the elderly customers, irrespective of caste or creed. To the younger customers, she would request that they be patient and await their turn and most of them would oblige. We do not understand why this lady was transferred and who is behind the move. A meeting of senior citizens numbering around 20 was held where the feelings of loss, anger and disappointment were expressed against the sudden move of the SBI authorities to transfer the official. Our demand is that she be reinstated immediately. Signatures of those in support of her will be provided to the Bank authorities if they so require.
Yours etc,
Irene Hujon
& others, Laban,
Shillong-4.
Rampant sand mining and stone quarrying
Editor,
The Government on the one hand is hell bent on promoting tourism in the state but on the other hand is allowing the stone quarrying and sand mining mafia to destroy the environment at will. While travelling to Dawki and Mawlynnong, the tourists have to witness this rampant stone quarrying in the Rngain area near Lyngkyrdem which is an eyesore. The damage that has been done to the environment in this area is so huge that it can be seen from far and wide and even on Google Earth. It’s sad and more disheartening to know that it is the constituency of the former Forest Minister and he travels on this road very often. Doesn’t he have a sense of guilt and shame to see this huge destruction right at the surface of the road . According to National Highways Authority of India no quarries should be allowed within 500 meters from the road, so which authority allowed this? The Government should fix responsibility and harsh punishment should be given to the erring officers who are hands in glove with the mafia.
About sand mining, people are happy to see the ban in sand mining in and around the Umtyngar River which is the source of water supply to the whole of Shillong area which constitutes almost 50%of the population of the state. Whoever gave the order for the ban deserves a medal from the public at large .The river is clean and usable after many any years. But off late the sand mafia has started again and most of them operate during the night. One can easily notice the changes in the colour of the Umtyngar river in the last few weeks. It is learnt that the sand mafia have some protection from the local MLAs so when the authorities come to stop them they halt quarrying for a while and immediately started once they have left. It’s high time for a strong and efficient mining policy in the state to safeguard the environment and also to promote tourism.
Yours etc.,
Anderson D Syiem
Via email