Editor,
The day after the assault on the two activists in Jaintia Hills, the number of trucks transporting coal to Assam has increased exponentially. There are hundreds of trucks heading towards Guwahati as black widows which looked like the ban on mining and transportation of coal has been suddenly lifted and we are back to the good old days when coal ruled the roost with regard to our lives, traffic, economy et al. It seems that a signal is being sent out by the coal mafia that ‘come what may, we are determined to carry on mining and transportation of coal even if it requires greasing some palms and bumping off a few whistle blowers.’ Such damn care attitude can only come about when the Government, District Administration and Police are complicit in the matter and are perhaps also beneficiaries in the process.
It appears that the working plan and measurement of the stock of extracted coal was a big bogey and purposely left as a loophole for this activity to continue. One has to understand that coal mining is not the solution to our economy. Unless coal is scientifically and rationally mined, it is more detrimental and damaging to the economy and environment in the long run as compared to the benefits accruing to a handful of coal merchant. People who say that coal is the base of the State’s economy and that it is generating employment have to realise that this is bogus and except for a few truck drivers and a small subsidiary service industry and the mine owners we are only generating employment for migrant labourers. One has to go to the mining areas to see the reality. Not only has coal mining attracted undesirable elements leading to shady activities; it has also completely desecrated the beautiful environment that we had inherited. There is not a single industry worth its name which processes the coal and generates employment. Everything is just exported for the benefit of a few. There was sufficient time for the government in the interim to have explored and promoted alternate employment avenues but Government seems to have waited with bated breath for the ban to be lifted.
The reasons are known to all. It is now high time both for the NGT and Hon’ble Supreme Court, looking at the stand taken by the coal mafia in adopting violence and illegality, to completely ban the mining and transportation of coal in the State for good. No loopholes should be left for these merchants of death to illegally carry on with these nefarious activities in future. This bogey of Sixth Schedule and tribal rights over land should not in any way supersede the benefit and safety of the larger community and future generations to come. I am marking a copy of this letter to the Hon’ble NGT and Hon’ble Supreme Court so that the voices of the silent majority are also taken into consideration while passing judgment on the vexed issue of coal mining in Meghalaya.
Yours etc.,
- Mawlong
Shillong-3
Hawkers obstruct pedestrian space
Editor,
The news item, “City needs to be sensitive to PwDs” (ST Nov 24, 2018) is thought provoking and is a reminder to all especially the Government and private sectors that we need to be more sensitive towards the daily problems that people with disabilities come across. Alongside the need for Government offices to install wheelchair ramps in their buildings, hospital and public transports too one is reminded of the article, “Hawkers create hurdles for PwDs” in (ST Oct 30, 2018). I, for one , had time and again voiced my concern through this forum over the growing menace of hawkers in almost every part of the city as they capture and set up shops on footpaths and just about any place and space they deem fit. It is difficult for us common people with no disability to squeeze our way through footpaths and sidewalks that are occupied by the hawkers. I can well imagine the plight and predicament of my fellow brethrens with disabilities. It is common experience that many of us who chance to step on to the goods of the hawkers are shouted at by them, the least that is expected from them is to be sensitive and sympathetic towards their fellow citizens with disabilities. The footpaths are for all. No one has the right to hijack and bar anyone from using them.
The footpath at the entry/exit gate of Civil Hospital, Shillong is occupied by the hawkers selling eatables so much so, that it is impossible for passersby to use it. Is this fair? Pedestrians are forced to rub shoulders with vehicles. Imagine what a person with disability would do in such circumstances and on such footpaths. Granted that these hawkers are earning their livelihoods but should they be allowed to do so at the expense of creating discomfort and inconvenience to others. Once more, I wish to reiterate that the Government should take immediate steps to allot a designated space for the hawkers so that they can do business without creating nuisance for others and that we the people can also use the footpaths peacefully without any disturbance and discomfort. Once a designated space is allotted to them, laws can be formulated whereby stern action would be taken against any hawker who spreads his/her wares just about anywhere other than the designated space.
Our representatives don’t have to face the inconveniences caused by hawkers as they do not have to use footpaths and sidewalks, yet it is imperative that they step down from their comfort zones and place themselves in the shoes of the ordinary person, especially the PwDs to understand the plight of the general public. It is high time that the Government put its foot down and legally sorts out this matter. It is also time for pressure groups to realise the ground realities in Shillong and irrespective of the fact that it touches the livelihoods of the hawkers, they cannot be allowed to occupy the footpaths. The Government exists for the greater common good.
Yours etc.,
Jennifer Dkhar,
Via email
Of Civic Polls
Editor,
Recently the Urban Affairs Minister has categorically stated that he would call the stakeholders to have wide consultations and discussions on the issue of holding Civic Polls for Shillong City in order to resolve the issue that has been pending for a long time, once and for all. But nearly two months have lapsed since the Minister made that statement but there is no sign of holding the meeting with them. We do not know the reasons behind this but I surmise that either he has not sought opinion from his higher ups on holding such meeting or has not instructed his officers in the Department to prepare the grounds for holding such a meeting. Or perhaps, some higher- up might have developed cold feet. Personally, I feel that the Minister should have gone ahead with the proposal as it would be of immense interest to know what would be the stand of the stakeholders on this. Whether their stand will remain the same as was held in earlier years or they have developed progressive ideas on this important issue will be revealed at the discussion. It is my considered opinion that there is nothing wrong in holding the civic polls under democratically viable conditions.
Yours etc..
Philip Marwein,
Via email