Editor,
On December 28, 2023 I had shared my opinion in these columns under the caption ‘Unhygienic Public Toilets’ which states as follows : This is about the dirty, unhygienic and unclean public toilets at petrol pump stations. They are in a pathetic condition where one has to hold their breath and close their eyes while using one. It’s important to note that unhygienic public toilets can pose a serious health risk, especially for women. Inadequate sanitation facilities can lead to Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs) and other health issues. Therefore, I request the concerned authorities to look into the matter to ensure that public toilets are maintained with proper sanitation standards. It may be mentioned that there are people travelling within the city or in the outskirts of the city where one they have to stop to relieve themselves. The one place they will look for is the petrol pump station. There are two options; one is for the responsible authorities to give strict instructions to the petrol pump owners to maintain the public toilets and second is for the petrol pump owners to lease them out to an individual or group to run the public toilets provided they follow the guidelines of the Swacch Bharat Mission. These issues not only affect the convenience and comfort of the public, but also reflect poorly on the responsible authorities’ reputation and service standards that are supposed to serve the needs of the public. Therefore, maintaining clean and hygienic toilets is essential for ensuring the well- being, comfort and satisfaction of individuals in various settings. I would again request the responsible authorities to take immediate action to rectify the situation.
Yours etc.,
Augusten Blah,
Shillong
Cleanliness the Khasi-Pnar Way
Editor,
On October 2, the nation celebrates Gandhi Jayanti. In many places in the country, people gather in their community halls and other places to mark this auspicious day, by speeches and songs. Nothing wrong with that. However, i wish here to highlight the special Khasi Pnar way of celebrating this day.
This morning, I happened to pass through many localities called ‘shnong’s, meaning that they are predominantly inhabited by Khasi-Pnar communities, here in Shillong city. It’s such a joy to see that in all the localities and in the by-lanes and lanes, locals, young and old, male and female, are out with their dao, their brooms, their sacks, cleaning their localities and getting rid of wayside weed that had sprouted during the rainy season, plastic waste and everything else that has been left to spoil the locality.
What is inspiring is to witness the camaraderie amongst neighbours without caste or creed consideration, which traditionally is the defining characteristic of our Khasi- Pnar community, as also the spirit of equality as everyone bends down to the task. By midday, they would have completed their drive, stacked their piles neatly, and the vehicles arranged by the shnong leaders will come round with hordes of young men to collect the garbage and discard it.
We all know that dignity of labour is what the Father of the Nation not only taught us, but practiced in his lifetime. The Khasi Pnar way of celebrating this day by manually cleaning their localities is an example that all residents of our state should practice.
Yours etc.,
R O Wahlang
Shillong-6
Who’s in charge of maintaining the “Artificial Turf Football Ground at Tura?
Editor,
I would like to bring forward some pertinent questions on the management and administration of the artificial turf at Chandmari football field, Tura, which was inaugurated by Chief Minister, Conrad K Sangma in February 2022 and was constructed at a cost of Rs 8.10 Cr including galleries. The contribution made by the artificial turf to the youth of the area is phenomenal and has resulted in the rise of football stars from the Garo Hills region while promoting the sports as a whole and nurturing talents. It has been one of the most accessible football turfs with one tournament or the other being played there through the year both in the morning and evening as well where young and old play daily. There are also people who go for early morning and evening jogging from various walks of life. And who can take away the joy of watching the Mahari Football tournament with all the supporters backing their teams.
It is learnt that for booking of the football ground with artificial turf an amount of Rs 500 is charged for one-hour. This money paid goes to the management i.e. The Government Boys School, Chandmari. Out of the 365 days if I have to make a rough estimate the artificial turf must be booked for 250 days or more in a year. I am not going into the details of funds being raised and how they are utilized. For that let the competent authority do the auditing as and when they please. My point is, that being the Administrator and Management, the Government Boys School authority hardly comes forward to maintain the ground and taking care of the artificial turf. Some portions of the turf are coming out in bits and pieces. There is wear and tears on all sides. There are big holes in the wire nets enclosing 3 sides of the ground because of which players are finding dog faecal matter on the turf most of the time. And since there is no proper gate on the side of the main highway, the old gallery is always filled with bottles of beers and alcohol daily with people boozing till late night. The old gallery next to the main road has become a haven for those late night revellers which has taken away the shine off the ground and its beauty. On all the four sides there are plastic water bottles, plastic snacks packs etc, which could have been addressed if garbage disposal containers can be placed on all 4 corners inside the ground. The garbage containers outside the ground are overflowing with garbage most of the time.
I therefore request the Management of this football ground to please take some proactive action to enquire into all the issues mentioned here so that the artificial turf remains intact and in good condition for the coming years si it can contribute towards the upliftment of football in our Garo Hills. This football ground cannot be treated as the goose that lays the golden eggs.
A special mention has to be made to the Morning FC team whose members are doing yeoman’s service by conducting cleaning drives every week which I happen to encounter on 2-3 occasions in and around the ground to keep it clean. I also witnessed while going for a walk, that the Morning FC players brought wires and repaired the holes in the enclosure on all sides so that stray dogs don’t enter the ground. As a local I feel proud that a group of people are contributing whatever they can on their part to keep the football ground and its surroundings neat and clean. If they can do it without any help or support from the Management of the Ground, what is stopping the Government Boys School authorities from coming forward and maintaining the ground and also visiting and inspecting it every now and then.
Sanctioning Infrastructure and building construction is tough and costs money and maintaining it is the tougher part. As Garos everyone should take pride and come forward and help keep the artificial turf in the best shape within a neat and clean environment. Let’s start taking some responsibilities.
Yours etc.,
CH Marak
Dobasipara Tora