Editor,
The article ‘Accidents galore on state’s two busiest highways’ (ST April 23,2023) was indeed a wake- up call for the Highway Authorities who maintain the national highways passing through the state. That the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) defended itself by ruling out any engineering fault on the said highways should be taken with a pinch of salt. The recent accident near Sumer on the Umiam- Jorabat highway in which a priest and three nuns were killed by a heavy loaded truck is not the only one which happened at the particular site. In fact there were earlier instances in which heavy vehicles jumped over the road divider crashing on the other side and such incidents pose a great danger to other vehicles plying on the opposite lanes. In fact, as a motorist who travels this particular stretch on a daily basis I find that the road incline in this particular curve is not up to the prescribed standards. Drivers of heavily-loaded trucks have to make a great effort to steer their vehicles in order to avoid jumping the divider. The absence of crash barriers along the road divider could further aggravate the situation in case of a road accident.
Yours etc.,
Stanley LK Diengdoh
Umsning, Ri Bhoi District.
Two wheelers breaking traffic laws
Editor,
Not even 4 months into the year and 3 people I know have been knocked down by scooters / bikes in our very own town! While I appreciate the services provided by 2-wheelers as easy to maneuver vehicles needing smaller parking spaces, and as cabs and delivery vehicles, I also cannot overlook how dangerously 2-wheelers are being ridden these days. There is little regard for zebra-crossings, lane-driving and one-way roads. A majority of 2-wheeler riders ‘assume’ these are meant only for 4-wheelers. Traffic cops come down heavily on them for riding without helmets but the bigger problem areas need attention and strict supervision. We cannot allow different rules to apply to 2-wheelers as opposed to 4-wheelers.
Yours etc.,
A concerned citizen
Via email
Dealing firmly with rivers and drains polluters
Editor,
It is indeed glad news that the Government has recently taken a firm resolution to rejuvenate and restore the three main rivers flowing through our town. Of course, it was long overdue. The relentless efforts of Operation Clean-Up (OCU) have obviously sent out a clarion call so far as increasing environmental hazards in the state are concerned. Through action in the field with hoes, spears, and rakes, the dedicated members of OCU often prodded the government machinery, not letting it remain complacent. Therefore, now, with due enthusiasm, the administration has acknowledged how the ecology in the state is in bad shape. In the special meeting chaired by Chief Minister Conrad Sangma and other ministers, the Chief Secretary, DP Wahlang, highlighted the pathetic condition of the rivers passing through the town. He admitted that Umkhrah, Umshyrpi, and Umkhen are the most polluted rivers in the city. In fact, eyesores to the public and tourists, they have only injured the pride of the state while we boast of having the breathtakingly cleanest river Umngot and the cleanest village Mawlynnong. A waft of fragrance cannot blow away the disgusting smell of the gutters. The government’s emphasis on setting up “sewage treatment plants” at various outfalls is worthwhile.
More than anything, the government has now decided to incorporate a provision for “penalizing” polluters. I believe, this is one of the most important measures. The respective Rangbah Shnongs have been empowered for that. We need to deal with people with sickening habits. No one has the right to release their septic tanks into the rivers or streams and contaminate the town’s environment. Dumping garbage into drains and rivers should not go unpunished any longer.
Just near Garikhana, under Lumdiengjri PS, the residents unscrupulously dump piles of garbage, including hard furniture items, and wood, sacks full of waste products, into the big passing drain. Those uncivilized people have been doing this for the past several decades, and nobody bothered to raise their voices against them. Even Municipal authorities kept quiet when we informed them. I believe similar is the case with hundreds of other drains in the town. Is it not a grave crime to pollute the drains/rivers when climate change is affecting the planet? Such thoughtless scumbags should be dealt with a firm hand. For this, police cooperation is indispensable. So, I personally request all Superintendents of Police to instruct their officers to crack the whip against the garbage dumpers.
Yes, it is another good news; as also proposed by this writer through several previous letters, that the Government has now come up with the idea of introducing an app where vigilant individuals can upload photos of garbage dumpers. I sincerely thank the authorities for this great initiative. That will doubtlessly act as an effective deterrent. Their photos should also be pasted along with “other criminals” in the police station and SP offices.
Installing CCTV is another effective way to keep offenders at bay, as suggested by RS Marbaniang, Rangbah Shnong of Wahiingdoh. Come what may, there should be zero tolerance against violators of all these regulations. In the meeting, the Chief Secretary aptly sought the full support and cooperation of each citizen under the supervision of Rangbah Shnongs. Of course, a mother alone cannot keep the house and surroundings neat and clean unless the children are cooperative. The Government may also consider honouring and awarding those individuals and organizations working to raise awareness about the environment and cleanliness.
Yours etc.,
Salil Gewali,
Shillong