Editor,
It has often been observed that we as people do not give much thought to the little things around us. For many, such things do not exist. But in the final analysis, it is always the little things that contribute to the making or breaking of empires. As the adage goes, for want of a nail a kingdom was lost. I would like to bring to the notice of the authorities concerned and people, in general, a similar matter which if left unaddressed would lead to health complications in the future for residents of certain areas in Malki.
In some sections of certain localities, the pipelines that supply water to the households there are laid in such a way that part of the pipes rest directly on the bed of drains that carry liquid waste and other materials. In other parts of the city and Malki, this is not the case where the personnel of the authority concerned has done a commendable job of ensuring that the pipelines are fixed several inches above the bed of the drains. This keeps the pipelines away from the liquid wastes flowing through the localities.
Now, what is the problem with pipelines lying directly on the bed of drains? Well, firstly, the pipes begin to rust rather quickly, and in sections where there are joints, the damages take place much faster. Imagine now what would happen if rust was to make several holes in the pipelines over the years. Residents of the localities would be drinking contaminated water – a blend of urine, excreta, spit, car engine oils, liquid waste from households, and what have you. This contaminated water could seep into the pipelines and flow directly to people’s kitchens. Now, I am no scientist but I would surely not want to drink such quality of water just thinking of the things that have been mixed with it. It is no longer water but a concoction of things that are both repulsive and risky to our health. This is how water-borne diseases are caused and spread.
I urge the concerned authorities to kindly address this issue and have the pipelines examined and then installed in such a way that they stay above the bed of the drains always in the interests of our health and safety.
Yours etc,
P. Majaw,
Shillong-1
Russia -Ukraine war will hit India
Editor,
The Russia-Ukraine war has far-reaching consequences. It has both national and international and long-term and immediate implications. Given that the war directly or indirectly involves many countries, the implications develop from the international situation. The implications of the war for India need to be understood against this backdrop.
India will have to deal with the volatile situation in the wake of the war. Inflation levels in India are already very high with rise in fuel and food prices. The war will worsen the situation. Given that sanctions will adversely affect supply, prices of other commodities will also rise. The uncertain situation will badly affect investment. Both imports and exports will be hit. Weakening of the rupee compared to the dollar will aggravate inflation. All these factors will reduce growth of the already flagging economy. Expenditure will increase whereas revenues will be badly affected. In the defence sector India may face difficulties. Since Russia is on the war front, it needs defence equipment. This will delay the delivery of defence equipment for India. As a consequence, India’s preparations to face China and Pakistan will weaken. India’s relations with both Russia and the US will be badly affected due to India’s neutral stand on the war. India will have to change its international relations in the post Cold War scenario.
In short, India will be burdened with the responsibility of boosting its economy already hit by the pandemic. Both the public sector and private sector need to be strengthened. The productivity of workers must increase and their living conditions must improve.
Yours etc.,
Venu GS,
Kollam
Blatant violation of road engineering rules
Editor,
When respect for and adherence to road engineering is thrown to the winds then the only way to save motorists and pedestrians is to move the High Court. In road engineering, we are told to be extra careful with (1) super elevation and (2) transition curve. Without super elevation in curves, the vehicle at a safe driving speed is bound to overturn in the direction away from the centre of curvature as the centrifugal force is not counter-reacted by the centre of gravity of the vehicle from the opposite direction. A drive from Umshyrpi till 5th mile Upper Shillong would help us understand the absence of being forced out of the car. Transition curves also help maneuver the steering wheel, which automatically rotates the wheel with no stress or strain on the hands.
Unfortunately, this super elevation, a must in road engineering, has turned enemy number one to the over-loaded coal trucks. For the benefit of the lay person, let me remind the readers of an accident that happened in 3rd mile, Upper Shillong eight years ago. A bus had overturned, killing a pedestrian as the bus fell on him. On enquiry, I learnt that the bus coming from a far off place carried heavy iron rods on its roof. The law stipulates that passenger buses cannot be trucks and hence they are strictly disallowed from carrying heavy stuff on the roof. Alas! In Meghalaya it is free for all. Heavy stuff on the top raises the centre of gravity up. So at turnings and low speed, the centre of gravity and the plumb line vertically down get outside the outermost tyre and the load overturns.
This is the very same spot where so many coal laden trucks in recent times have overturned. As told by many, after 30 minutes of the truck overturning, some police Gypsy vehicles would show up to be followed by an empty truck and a recovery truck with many labourers. In less than 5 hours that spot appears as if nothing had happened. It is cleaned of coal dust. The labourers are of a special cover up team and paid very handsomely.
These are common occurrences at 3rd mile as the super elevation was well executed by the British who built the Dawki bridge in 1931 and which is still alive and kicking.
Now the MDA Government is tampering with that spot to prevent further overturning of coal trucks carrying illegally mined coal. This is highly illegal. I request the State PWD to survey this spot immediately and rectify it.
The MDA Government has trampled on all the laws of road engineering that put our daily commuters and pedestrians in jeopardy. These crimes occur mostly during the night. The lives of ordinary people in Meghalaya weigh less than a feather and some smile sarcastically at such news. What is worse is that the rear number plates of most trucks are folded so as not to be detected by judicious traffic police, when they are informed by passers by over phone in case of hit and run accidents.
In a State like Meghalaya citizens have no other safety net except to move the High Court of Meghalaya to save our wretched souls.
Yours etc.,
CF Lyngdoh.Mawnai
Via e mail