New traffic arrangement not working
Editor,
The new traffic arrangement from 4th furlong junction to Polo Bazar made effective from 6th November, 2023 on a trial basis appears to have failed to achieve the desired result of decongesting the roads. Rather, it has greatly inconvenienced the residents of McCabe Road, Bishop Cotton Road and nearby areas who now have to cover a distance of 3-4 KMs to reach their nearest market for purchasing their daily needs that too after enduring traffic jams right from BJP office at Bivar Road till Polo Towers Hotel. Moreover, the road from Polo Bazar Point to 4th furlong junction, which has been made one way gets jammed with two-lines of vehicles especially during peak hours hardly leaving any space for pedestrians. That apart, the new traffic arrangement has increased manifold the volume of traffic in the road from 4th furlong junction to Chief Secretary’s Bungalow. As a result the users of this stretch always find the road very congested (both ways) from CRPF, IGP office onwards. I therefore, urge the authorities to re-look into the issues and revert to earlier traffic arrangement.
Considering the volume of ever increasing traffic in all the roads and alleys in Shillong such re-orientation would hardly help in decongesting the roads. Instead, the authorities should develop efficient public transport network of medium sized buses and simultaneously consider drastically increasing the parking fees (Minimum Rs. 500) for private vehicles in all commercial areas so as to dissuade users from using private vehicles.
Yours etc.,
D. Bhattacharjee,
Shillong- 1
Depression; A global public health concern
Editor,
I would like to highlight the leading rate of depression in today’s society. As estimated by the World Health Organisation (WHO), depression has become the second largest illness in terms of morbidity. Depression is a common mental disorder. It is characterized by persistent sadness and a lack of interest or pleasure in previously rewarding or enjoyable activities. It can also disturb sleep and appetite. An estimated 3.8% of the population experience depression, including 5% of adults (4% among men and 6% among women) and 5.7% of adults older than 60 years.
Depression is one of the most common health conditions. It can occur at any age. Some mood changes and depressed feelings occur with normal hormonal changes. But hormonal changes alone don’t cause depression. Research suggests that genetic, biological, environmental and psychological factors play a role in depression. It can also be caused depending on a person’s behaviour. A pessimistic person is more likely to be depressed than an optimistic person. Around the world, depression affects around 300 million people. Women are more likely to have depression than men. Depression is the most commonly experienced mental health challenge for young people aged between 12-25 year.
Anyone can be depressed and it may look different for different people. Many things such as genes, brain chemistry, stress, health and hormones, daylight and seasons, life events, family and social environment and reaction to life situations can cause depression. For some people, a negative, stressful, or unhappy family life can lead to depression. Other high-stress living situations — like poverty, homelessness, or violence — can lead to it, too. Dealing with bullying, harassment, or peer pressure also leaves some people feeling alone or anxious. Depression can sometimes mean feeling empty or nothing at all. A person can also be in denial of their depression, afraid to be misunderstood, or not able to find the words to explain.
Anyone who has been feeling sad, hopeless, or irritable for a long period of time should talk to a therapist. It is not very common here for someone to have a therapist. However, as much as one takes care of their physical health, our mental health is just as important. Online therapy is also available if needed. Depression should be addressed more openly. Research shows that one in six people will experience depression at some time in their life. Anyone can be a victim of depression. The statistics for the lifetime risk of suicide among patients with untreated depressive disorder is nearly 20%.
Depression is a topic we do not talk about openly although it is curable. Unfortunately 35% of adults receive no treatment. A treatment plan that includes medical interventions, support, and lifestyle changes can enable a person to live a normal and full life with the condition. Not all people share about their battle with depression. As much as we try to help our loved one battling depression, it is something we need to treat with therapy and sometimes medication.
Yours etc.,
Lisa Kikon,
Via email