Editor,
Blame it on unemployment, bad company, or poor upbringing but drug peddlers are mushrooming across Shillong. As the saying goes, “necessity knows no law,” and these peddlers seem to live by it. Many don’t even consider it illegal or unethical at all to sell drugs to younger children. Some even go so far as to justify their actions, claiming that addicts “come to life” only after a dose of the substances they provide, as if dealing drugs is some kind of community service.
Let me share a chilling fact. A young boy—a student at a well-known school in town—was lured into the “incredible high” of intoxication by his peers. At first, he resisted, but after five “free doses,” he was completely hooked. By the time his family discovered he was using drugs, he’d already been addicted for six months. This is how countless young, vulnerable children are drawn into the pit of substance abuse, often without their parents even realizing it. Heartbreaking, isn’t it?
With over 300,000 people affected, the Meghalaya government knows it practically can’t afford to sit on the sidelines. Social Welfare Minister Paul Lyngdoh, perhaps more concerned than any of his colleagues, has taken a strong stand. Shortly after assuming office, Bah Lyngdoh sounded the alarm, rallying stakeholders and government agencies into action. Thanks to tip-offs from concerned NGOs and local Dorbar members, the government recently arrested a notorious dealer from Lower Paltan Bazar whose operations had devastated countless families.
Unfortunately, some unscrupulous lawyers often rush in without remorse to secure bail for these dangerous criminals, proving to be a serious liability to society. Their actions only add to the grief and suffering in the entire state, “Queen bee of drug peddling held again, 4th time in 9 years! (ST, September 27).
Paul Lyngdoh has rightly called for a “major overhaul” of the state police and the Anti-Narcotic Task Force (ANTF). Meghalaya desperately needs a robust law enforcement team with “sharper teeth” and greater powers to completely dismantle the drug supply chain from its very roots. The government must immediately address this matter on a war footing. Boosting police manpower is a must. This will enable round-the-clock patrols, backed by sharper intelligence gathering and stronger community outreach.
Let me speak my mind with urgency. What if the number of 300,000 people already affected soon balloons to 600,000—or even a million? Yes, I earnestly press the alarm bell. If we don’t wake up now and make bold decisions, the future will be nothing short of disastrous.
Yours etc.,
Salil Gewali,
Shillong
Importance of making children wear helmets
Editor,
Road safety is not only important to adults but it is equally important to children, as we know they are our future and it is our responsibility to protect them in every way we can. One of the ways we can protect them is by ensuring that children wear helmets while riding on two-wheelers. With the increasing number of families opting for motorcycles and scooters, it is essential to prioritize the safety of our youngest passengers and prevent head injuries, which can have lifelong consequences.
Statistics show that wearing a helmet can reduce the risk of head injury up to 85%. Despite this, many children still ride without proper headgear. This can be attributed to the perception that helmets are uncomfortable, or simply not seeing them as necessary. However this oversight can lead to tragic consequences that could easily be avoided. Helmets are proven to reduce the risk of head injuries significantly during accidents. When children see adults prioritizing helmet use, they are more likely to adopt these habits themselves which can lead to a very good practice for their own safety.
As adults we must make sure that children are equipped with properly fitting helmets every time they ride. Wearing a helmet is a simple yet effective measure to safeguard our children while they enjoy the freedom of two-wheelers.
Yours etc.,
Waiabiangki Shallam,
Via email
Smart City in ICU
Editor,
A number of newspapers and social media channels have been very critical of the display of Shillong Smart City signboards without any visible signs of such smartness. This has made the Government a laughing stock not only within the state but outside as well. There have been cost overruns, sluggish implementation, bureaucratic bottlenecks and an unplanned approach to implementation. No one knows what exactly is a Smart City and what components fit into that description of smartness. There is continuous load shedding, absence of street lighting, haphazard parking in localities, unsafe drinking water and many other issues. Does the Smart City concept address these or is it just a cosmetic solution to utilize public money when the state financial situation is in dire straits? People should question their MLAs about this Smart City thing rather than just moaning and groaning and twiddling their thumbs.
Yours etc..
Dominic Stadlin Wankhar
Via email
Why target only firecrackers for environmental pollution?
Editor,
It has become a norm for the so-called environmentalists and some organizations to wake up from their year-long slumber just before Deepawali and launch selective campaigns solely targeting firecrackers during Diwali as a source of pollution. However, it is essential to recognize that firecrackers, while contributing to pollution for 2-3 days, are not the sole or primary cause of poor air quality. Studies suggest that factors like vehicle emissions, construction dust, and industrial waste contribute far more significantly to long-term air pollution in urban areas.
The Explosives Act, 1884 and the Explosive Substances Act, 1908 and rules made thereunder regulates production/manufacture and sale of fire crackers in India and the manufacturers are required to follow specific guidelines to ensure safety and environmental compliance. Thus, targeting the end users of fire crackers which are completely legal and have been manufactured adhering to existing laws, during a particular festival, is wholly unjustified and appears to be agenda driven rather than having real concern for the environment.
Efforts should however, be made by all stakeholders to improve air quality holistically, by addressing all major pollution sources rather than isolating one that is used for a limited time during a cultural festival. Surprisingly, voices of such environmentalists always remain muted on the perennial sources of environmental pollution for reasons best known to them.
Yours etc.,
D. Bhattacharjee
Shillong-1