Our lives imperilled
Editor,
I am writing to express my frustration and disappointment with the recent events on the Umiam-Mawiong road, which clearly illustrate the complete lack of accountability and responsibility on the part of the concerned authorities. I had written on this issue in the past too but it appears that those in charge of removing the impediments that create so much distress for commuters have turned a blind eye and a deaf ear to our daily concerns.
On October 4, the commute from Umiam to Mawiong turned into a nightmare as traffic ground to a halt due to a fallen tree blocking the road as a consequence of heavy rainfall. The incompetence of the Forest and PWD departments in addressing such issues is nothing short of astonishing. A 14-kilometer journey that should have taken minutes stretched to an excruciating four hours, and all we have to thank is the inaction of these government departments for causing misery to the state’s citizens.
It seems that the concerned departments are content with allowing the roads to deteriorate and the trees to dangle perilously over them. There appears to be no backup plan or proactive measures in place to handle emergencies like the one we faced yesterday. It’s as if they’re actively conspiring to make life miserable for the people who rely on these routes for their daily commute.
The disregard for the safety and convenience of the citizens is alarming and unacceptable. It’s high time that the concerned authorities take immediate action to address the deplorable state of our roads and the looming threat from hazardously perched trees. Neglecting these issues not only inconveniences commuters but also endangers lives.
We the citizens must hold the authorities accountable for their negligence; demand action, and work together to ensure that our roads are safe, efficient, and reliable.
Yours etc.,
R Sarki
Shillong
Change or Perish
Editor,
The news item “HC lambasts govt., calls explanation specious.” (ST, October 4, 2023) conjures up images of an overly considerate parent who instead of giving his obstinately disobedient children a well-deserved whipping, is yet again trying to guide them on the good path although they have on numerous occasions cocked a snook at his attempts. In the context above, the Hon’ble High Court’s observation which states: ” The attempt at deceit on the part of the state continues obviously for extraneous considerations of those who run the administration and to have no regard for either the rule of law or the welfare of the citizens or the need to protect the environment ” is very serious indeed and must have been based on solid foundations.
This statement relates to the case of the Government defying a court order not to allow a Cafe to be set up at Mawiong Rim near the Umiam Lake. One recalls that this is not the only instance of the Government trying to circumvent or defy court orders. In this regard, I wonder how these acts of omissions and commissions have not as yet attracted punishment from the Hon’ble High Court. However, the Court knows best, I think. But like most common folks, I think that corruption has gone on unchecked and unpunished in our state for far too long. I also think that punishment of at least a few wrongdoers in high places would start to set things right. This is happening in our neighbouring states of Assam and Arunachal Pradesh. But if things stay as they are, our race to the bottom will continue.
Yours etc.,
Samuel Swett,
Shillong-2
Unsafe water
Editor,
If true, it’s shocking to read about the inferior quality water being supplied by the PHE Department to certain zones of Shillong. Why is it that nothing in our state is done correctly or in an appropriate way.Reasons will not be hard to find we are told.
It is apparent that nothing was done to reduce the acidity and to remove minerals or bacteria from the water. How or why this was not done should be thoroughly investigated. Bacteria in the water can cause all sorts of problems and this matter must be taken very seriously by the Government as the health of hundreds of thousands of people is at stake.
Here in Wales and in other parts of the U.K. we drink our water straight off the tap fully assured that the water is safe. When will we ever reach that stage? Only God knows!
Yours etc.,
D.M.Pariat,
Aberystwyth,Wales
Wanted transparency in ADCs
Editor,
In this age of technological advancements many institutions, agencies, organizations have hopped onto the internet making their functioning more transparent across various services. A case in point here is for the KHADC and JHADC that wield constitutional authority under the Sixth Schedule of our nation’s Constitution empowering them with the power to make laws that are accessible to all citizens whether it’s a tribal or non-tribal. This letter aims to point out at the alarming levels of non-accountability, non-transparency, and unproductive activities of these autonomous councils. For instance, the unaudited financial accounts gained from labour licenses, trading licenses, professional taxes collected over decades would amount to crores of rupees. The licensing officer and the respective Executive Members would surely know the annual collection that accrue to the Councils every year. Unfortunately, the transparency factor is lacking and which is the reason why the Ministry of Panchayati Raj had often pointed out the importance of making the Council’s financial records be put up in the public domain.
There should be a detailed break-up of the taxes to be paid in front of the ADC’s gate so that people would know how much they are paying off their hard earned money and not giving bribes as it usually happens. Hope that a social audit of the council begins to correct the wrongs of the past wherein better governance can be implemented and expected.
Yours etc.,
Dominic Stadlin Wankhar
Via email
BJP is anti-Christian
Editor,
This is an open appeal to the Chief Minister, his cabinet colleagues and each and every person who respects the Christian faith and especially the Christian community to please stand up now. The BJP-led NDA Government is totally against the Christian community when it directs every state to participate in the cleaning drive on Sunday i.e. on October 1, 2023 as a mark of respect for Mahatma Gandhi’s birthday which falls on October 02, 2023 which falls on Monday. In Meghalaya in particular, we respect Sunday and every year the cleaning drive is done on the 2nd October and if it falls on Sunday it is shifted to another day.
Every Christian and those who respect the Christian faith should have risen up and boycotted this call given by the BJP Government. In fact the true colours of the BJP and its anti-Christian attitude is exposed through such disrespect for Sundays.
I request Chief Minister, Conrad Sangma and his cabinet colleagues to rise up against this imposition and discrimination if they are true Christians because it is obvious that the BJP Government does not respect the faith and sentiments of Christians.
Your etc.,
PSR Kharkongor,
Via email