Cherry Blossom 2024: A celebration to remember
Editor,
The recently concluded Cherry Blossom Festival at Madan Kurkalang, Bhoirymbong, was a grand success, drawing an overwhelming number of visitors from various regions. The large turnout, however, led to overcrowding, emphasizing the need for a larger venue for future events. The food and beverages were reasonably priced, adding to the event’s appeal. Kudos to the Tourism Department for organizing such a vibrant event that highlights the state’s cultural richness.
However, significant traffic congestion marred the experience for many. A typically one-hour, 35-kilometer journey from the city stretched to four hours due to the influx of vehicles from all 12 districts and neighboring states. Improved planning, including advance information about travel times and preferred departure windows, could have helped manage the traffic better.
A lesser-known alternative route from NEIGRIHMS via Mawkasiang, Tynring, and Mawpdang to Bhoirymbong offers a faster travel time of approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes, despite being slightly longer. This wider new road could be promoted as an option for future events to ease congestion.
Long-term solutions are also essential. Proposals such as expanding the Damsite-Mawiong road into a four-lane highway are impractical due to existing congestion. Instead, upgrading the New Mawlai Bypass to a four-lane road seems more feasible, as the area has fewer constructions. Constructing a flyover near ISBT could also be a game-changer, facilitating diagonal traffic flow without disrupting traffic toward Mawiong. Additionally, the stretch from Damsite to ISBT could be widened to four lanes, as it has fewer residential structures.
Addressing these infrastructural challenges will ensure smoother travel and better experiences for attendees at future events.
Yours etc.,
B Laitphlang,
Via email
Rising inequality in India
Editor,
The Indian rupee has fallen below 84 per-dollar. It is a matter of grave concern that the rupee has rapidly been going down against the dollar for the last ten years. While Rs 59.44 could get one dollar on May 15, 2014, now one has to spend more than Rs 84 to get one dollar. The ruling party at the Centre needs to pay heed to inclusive growth. Only growth in GDP cannot improve a common man’s lot in a country where inequality is widening by the day.
India has become the third highest country in the number of billionaires. But large sections of people in our country cannot afford to get education, health care and nutrition. The common people of our country are like the rupee, which is becoming cheaper every day in terms of their wealthy counterparts, who are like the dollar.
There is a strong connection between the rising inequality in India and the rising gap between the value of the Indian rupee and the US dollar. This year’s Nobel laureates in economics have demonstrated that institutions that exploit the population do not generate growth or change for the better. No country can prosper by neglecting human development and inclusive growth.
Yours etc.,
Sujit De,
Via email
Need to control prices of essential items
Editor,
There is a need to control the prices of the essential items otherwise it can create unrest in the country when there is already political disturbance due to the Waqf Board amendment bill and also due to assembly elections in Maharashtra and Jharkhand and bye elections in some states. The purchasing power of the common man is adversely impacted and will also affect the consumer sentiment which is not in favour of the economy of the country.
Retail inflation, according to the National Statistical Office (NSO), hit a 14-month high of 6.21 per cent in October, while food inflation breached double digits for the first time since July 2023, soaring to a staggering 10.87 per cent. The spike is primarily driven by the escalating prices of essential food items including vegetables, oils, fruits, and proteins—all of which saw significant increases due to both domestic factors and global market dynamics.
Industrial output, though rebounding with a modest 3.1 per cent growth in September, falls short of what’s needed to buffer the pressure caused by high inflation. A narrow rise in the Index of Industrial Production reveals a sluggish recovery that, without the easing of inflation, may struggle to sustain momentum. As a result, RBI rate cuts are not likely for another couple of months, dampening immediate consumer demand and impacting investment.
At the core of this inflationary surge has been the exponential rise in vegetable prices, particularly tomatoes and onions. The hike is likely fuelled by unseasonal rains and an extended monsoon season. October witnessed vegetable inflation jump to a striking 42.18 per cent from 35.99 per cent in September, marking the highest rise in nearly 5 years! The prices of edible oils also saw a dramatic increase to 9.51 per cent . Unseasonal rains further aggravated the supply of vegetables, highlighting the impact of climate unpredictability on agricultural output. In response, more robust supply-side measures, including better storage facilities and a refined import strategy, are crucial to stabilising food inflation.
The way forward requires not only addressing immediate inflationary pressures but also improving resilience in agricultural production and industrial performance. The government must enhance domestic production capabilities, optimise supply chains and ensure food security amid rising global uncertainties. Long-term stability demands that India prioritise its agricultural reforms to prevent frequent inflationary spikes, giving consumers, particularly lower-income households, relief from the relentless pressure of rising prices.
To make matters worse, global price rises and the recent hike in customs duties have had a cascading effect as well. The rural population, which faces higher inflation rates than urban areas, has been particularly hard hit. In October, rural food inflation rose to 10.69 per cent, compared to an already high 9.08 per cent in September, with rural retail inflation at 6.68 per cent. Urban consumers, meanwhile, faced an even sharper spike in food prices at 11.09 per cent. This divergence indicates a widening inflationary gap between rural and urban India, reflecting the limited capacity of a person.
The country is also aware how the Janata Party government failed to control the onion prices and how the Indira Gandhi government came to power again. When Sushma Swaraj was Chief Minister of Delhi the prices of onions crossed Rs 120. She had said then that due to the onions her government could not win the election. PM Vajpayee had to scold her for this statement. He told her that it is the responsibility of the government to control prices. Pakistan ànd Sri Lanka had to face public agitations due to inflation.
It is expected that the Modi government would take necessary steps to control the prices of essential items.
Yours etc.,
Yash Pal Ralhan,
Via email