Editor,
Dawki Bridge is one of the most exemplary suspension bridge in the state of Meghalaya that was built over the Umngot River during British-era. The bridge is a heritage structure constructed in 1932. The bridge acts as a life-line connection for the indigenous people of Riwar area, which is also strategically and commercially important to the state. It connects East Khasi Hills and West Jaintia Hills district at Dawki Bakur and also connects the National Highway to Bangladesh(NH40)
Over the years with extensive exports and transportation of lime/boulder stones by of over 300 trucks daily which ply over this bridge which are owned and operated by ravenous exporters the old and decrepit suspension bridge is imperiled.
In the last 7 years as a concerned local resident I have observed that the bridge is in a debilitated state with the rampant plying of heavy trucks. And by the looks of it, it seems like the bridge is exclusively under the possession and control of the quarry owners and exporters from Nongjri Elaka (Pynursla/Rngain) and even from Nongstoin. And it’s no longer safe for the commuters and pedestrians. It seems that apparent monopoly and control of the bridge and the narrow road stretch of about 15 km has caused havoc, distress ,frustration and anger for the locals on daily basis, especially on Bakur Market Day ( Sngi Iew Bakur-Dawki) that occurs once after every fourth day of the week. As a result this causes heavy traffic jam for long hours and there are incidents where farmers, small local businessmen fail to reach the market on time and had to walk few kilometers to do their transactions which consequently has a huge negative impact. This also poses several challenges and danger to public transport and commuters in the area at large. Government has failed and neglected to maintain, renovate or repair the bridge. It has even ignored to address this issue because just painting the bridge once in 2-3 years is not enough.
For the record, the foundation stone was laid on 13 November 2009 to replace the existing single-lane hanging bridge by the then Union Minister of State for Roads, Transport and Highways, Mahadev S. Khandela. However as per initial estimate, the new 165-metre Reinforced Concrete bridge was to be completed in 2011 at a cost of 21.12 crores. In fact, the bridge has completed its living span. Eleven longs years have passed but the bridge at Dawki Bakur has not seen the light of the day as the construction failed to take off.
With the outbreak of the Covid 19 pandemic in the state it is tough to watch the world coming to a standstill. The pandemic has caused a global reduction in economic activity and although this is a major cause for concern, the ramping down of human activity appears to have had a positive impact on the environment and particularly on the shaky old bridge. After unfruitful appeal to the Government and effete NGOs, time has come to knock the doors of the High Court through Public Interest Litigation in order to impel the Government authorities to regulate vehicular movement, widening of the long narrow road and to come up with the alternate solutions to save the bridge for the common good of all in the post covid19 period.
Yours etc.,
Lop Stevenson Khonglah
Vice President NEHUSU 2019-20
India enters unlocking stage
Editor,
As India exits the fourth phase of the lockdown, there has been significant rise in covid-19 cases in the country. The lockdown and its restrictions will continue only in containment zones. Termed Unlock-1, the guidelines would come into effect from June 1, 2020 and would be effective till June 30, 2020. There will be a graded easing of restrictions in three phases outside the containment zones. The resumption of all activities will be announced only after June.
Unfortunately, the disease continues spread exponentially with confirmed cases reaching nearly two lakhs. The only relieving aspect of the virus spread is that fatality rate is very low in contrast with that of some other countries. The rise in the number of infections has caused panic among the public that the cases will only rise when the lockdown is lifted. But lockdowns in succession have made people restless and they are now seen in large numbers in public places. They feign ignorance about the gravity of the situation. Lockdown norms are not strictly adhered to.
According to National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences (NIMHANS), if the infection cases continue to be the same, there are chances that at least 50% of India’s population could be infected by December this year. Many factors have contributed to the rise in the number of positive cases. Riverse migration of migrant workers, students and professionals, repatriation, lack of strict enforcement of quarantine and social distancing, spread of the disease among healthcare workers, ineffective contact tracing, low testing rates and so on have led to rise in positive cases. The numbers will go up from June onwards and there may be community spread. By December end, half of the population is likely to be infected with the virus. The good news is that only 5-10% of the cases will have to be treated with high-flow oxygen and only 5% would require ventilator support.
We need to consider the likely scenarios and be prepared to face them. States must gear up with medical infrastructure to handle the rising cases, especially those cases that will require intensive medical care and treatment. People must take all necessary precautions and preventive measures. Given the high population of the country and lack of awareness among the public and the tendency to violate pandemic protocols, infection cases are likely to increase. Enforcing the use of masks and social distancing norms and isolation of everyone with symptoms is the only protection against infection.
All states have to scale up testing and widen community surveillance. We can use symptom-based surveillance of households for community testing using community volunteers. Future transmission must be monitored so that it will help in decisions involving health system readiness and other mitigation measures. There are many impediments on the way and we will need to face the challenges.
Yours etc.,
Venu GS,
Via email