The 2-3 conundrum
Is it 2 or 3? Or maybe even 4. Shillongites seem to have varied opinion on the numbers. In case you’re won
dering what the numbers are all about, we are trying to figure out how many passengers a local cab is allowed to carry. The official number seems to be two, besides the driver. But on the fringes of the city, cabs seem to carry three passengers. Cabs coming from other towns and villages to the capital city also ferry three passengers. However, two passengers seem to be the norm in the heart of the city. Now 4 occupants in a cab, including the driver, is all fine. But the catch is that officially cabbies have to ferry two instead of 4 or 5 earlier and passengers have to shell out double the fare. So a taxi ride, which earlier cost Rs 20, now costs double but with 3 passengers, the cabbie is now making good money on a single trip. Traffic personnel sometimes catch hold of cabbies ferrying 3 passengers but on most occasions, they ignore the rule breakers. Can we have some clarity on this?
Is social distancing even a thing?
In the past week, the Jottings team paid a visit to a city bank branch, a medical clinic, a departmental store and a market in a posh locality of the city. The idea was to observe whether citizens were adhering to social distancing norms since the state government has put the onus on people to protect themselves from COVID-19. The results were not surprising. Except for the clinic, people elsewhere were seen crowding in a spot, gathering together and sharing things without caring two hoots about the deadly pandemic. Of course, masks were being used and occasionally a bottle of sanitiser was seen coming out of the pocket or the bag. The SJ team was left wondering if social distancing was even a thing.
Footpaths are for walking
Footpaths are for walking, but this particular stretch from Oxford to Garrison Ground has become dan
gerous for pedestrians. We all like some greenery around us, however when stinging nettle leaves are allowed to grow out of proportion without being checked, it becomes a hazard. Pedestrians on these walkways are always in a hurry be it for a stroll, work or catching a cab. Nevertheless, they’ve grown to become cautious while crossing this particular section of the footpath because of fear of being stung by the tiny yet vexing thorns of the nettle leaves. The authorities concerned have turned a blind eye and have left this neglected for years now. Since these shrubs protrude into the footpath, it makes walking difficult for pedestrians due to the lack of space. It also becomes especially burdensome after sundown since most street lights have been defunct for years now.
Chicken on the wire
Yes, there was a chicken on the wire, at Upper Mawprem one pleasant evening. This is no cock-
and-bull story. While some stood and watched the chicken stagger back and forth, trying hard to balance itself on the high-tension cable, others simply waited to see if the voltage would toast it. As apparent to the Jottings team, the chicken took a flight from one building but didn’t make it to its target, as “chickens don’t fly!” Nonetheless, it can be said that only this time did a chicken attract so much attention. Yes, KFC is quite famous; or for that matter, chicken biryanis too. But this chicken, on that day, stole the spotlight from them.
Parking paucity
Before this even kicks off, hear this out: You need to arrange a parking place, get your beloved (bikes/
vehicles) a safe haven. Evidently, there is paucity of parking space in the city as vehicles are, in most places, seen lined up on narrow streets; two-wheelers cramped up alongside roads; and in worst-case scenarios, double-parking of four/two-wheelers. We will not judge you, you might not have accomodation for your automobile. It is accepted. But the risks are big when your property is out in the open. The message is clear; scout for a parking place before you go book your ride. Where there is a will, there is a way.