Editor,
Shillong roads are indeed chaotic and cramped but that doesn’t justify the extent at which Shillongites honk every day. Or has our excessive honking become part of our driving experience, simply a habit? In Shillong everyone seems to be in a rush and the honking never seems to stop. One of the worst things about being stuck in traffic is the blaring horn that never seems to stop as if honking is a magic tool to clear traffic. There is probably not a single day when I don’t get irritated with the terrible and unnecessary honking on the road. And the sound of the horn is disproportionately higher than the size of the vehicle. Horns today are an indication of our inflated egos and an expression of anger and impatience. Apart from the inconvenience and unpleasant emotion that incessant honking evokes, it can also have hazardous health consequences.
Scientific communities across the globe see pollution as the commonest enemy of human health but a World Health Organization document terms noise pollution as the deadliest because of its health and social implications. Noise pollution leads to behavioral changes, stress, hypertension, anxiety, heart attacks, hearing loss and lots more. 70% of the noise pollution in Indian roads emanates from honking. Honking in the UK and other European countries is illegal and they treat it as another form of verbal abuse. Horns are installed in a car for specific purposes such as alerting a fellow driver who is about to hit you or a pedestrian who is in danger. It is meant for emergencies only and not a toy to play with. In Shillong we use the horn to say hi to friends and announce our presence or vent our anger and impatience and blast away when stuck in a jam. It puzzles me why we have to do this – it’s madness.
Shillongites honk like nobody’s business. The horn to us is as important as the fuel pedal. It may be more important than the brakes. Spare a thought for the traffic personnel who not only have to bear the brunt of heat, rain, wind, air pollution but also this honking menace. Recently one video was shared on social media by noted Bollywood actor, director and choreographer Prabhu Deva called “Tranquility Aizawl”. I am surprised to learn that Aizawl, the capital city of Mizoram, has become the first Indian city to adopt a no-honking policy, that too without any official help or legislation. I think it’s high time for Shillong to take a leaf out of the Aizawl book and give our horns a break. Moreover NGO’s and government departments like Transport, Pollution, Health and Police needs to create awareness about this bad habit and to sensitise people about the harmful effects of traffic noise. Remember the louder you honk the faster your health conks.
Yours etc
Manuel Carey Lymba
Shillong- 08
Impact of petrol price hike
Editor,
The unprecedented hike in the prices of petroleum products is now a burning concern. Of course, there are many reasons leading to the hike in fuel prices. The country is beset with various problems which must have aggravated the market situation. No one can rule out the protracted mass agitations leading to considerable loss to the government exchequer, besides frequent standoffs with China affecting the government fiscal policy. More importantly, COVID-19 has dealt a heavy blow to the economy. Again, the main exporter of petroleum products Saudi Arabia has already decided to cut crude oil output by one million barrels per day starting from February. This has definitely caused panic in the crude oil market and price determination in the country. So, what one feels is that mere armchair criticism is not pragmatic.
However, what cannot be ignored is that the frequent petrol price hike gives enough excuses for the traders and industrial companies to raise the prices of their products disproportionately. Finally, their adverse impact falls on essential commodities thereby leaving the weaker section of society to bear the brunt. Moreover, due to the year-long pandemic health crises, poor people have already experienced extreme level of hardships. The loss of employment and sources of income have further worsened their conditions. So, obviously, any price hike in essential food items and vehicle fares this time will only add to their misery.
A fruit/vegetable vendor commuting from Sohiong village to Shillong and paying a minimum of Rs 200 as to and fro vehicle fare prior to Covid protocol feels it is too heavy on the wallet. Just imagine how a poor person with poor knowledge of the business and a “small amount” of produce he/she brings to the market can manage to earn and feed his/her family members in this situation. In view of the poverty that haunts the majority, the villagers/vendors who commute daily have to pay hefty vehicle fare are actually parting with their entire daily income. It’s sad that we are not moved by their plight. If we objectively study their day-to-day activities, life is very difficult for them. They ceaselessly slog and live a life that’s pulverized by the weight of various “uncertainties and misfortunes.” The present transport strike is another spell of bad luck!
In all honesty, I feel that the government should draw up plans and programs keeping in mind the citizens living in abject poverty. This includes the vehicle drivers too. They make up the “major” portion of the population in the country/state. This rapid petrol price escalation only burns away what little they earn. The two rupees cut in petrol and diesel prices by the state government is a welcome step, but will it bring any relief?
Price control of essential commodities and rolling back the petroleum price should be the main priority of the central government now. We must show mercy to those who cannot bargain for anything.
Yours etc.,
Salil Gewali,
Shillong