Editor,
I am writing to draw attention to two important issues affecting the daily lives of students and residents in Shillong, which require immediate attention.
Firstly, there has been a growing concern regarding congestion caused by the increasing number of vehicles, especially around school hours. As the number of students relying on personal transport and private vehicles increases, the roads become heavily congested, which impacts not only the environment but also the overall traffic flow in the city. To mitigate this issue, I propose the idea of displaying clear and visible stick notices across schools and public spaces, urging students to follow the rules of using bus services. By encouraging the use of organized public transport systems, such as buses, and ensuring that students adhere to guidelines, we can reduce traffic congestion, lower pollution, and create a smoother flow of transportation.
Secondly, I would like to highlight the shortage of manpower in providing IT services for safety and assurance as promised by reading the Impact Assessment Report on IT services in Meghalaya which is becoming increasingly evident. The lack of qualified personnel in this sector has led to delays in various services, especially for students and working professionals who rely on IT facilities for their education and work-related needs. It is important that we invest in training and hiring more skilled individuals in this area to ensure efficient and timely IT services are available for all.
I believe that with proper awareness and action, both of these issues can be addressed effectively. A collaborative effort between students, educational institutions, and local authorities is key to a better and more sustainable Shillong.
Thank you for considering these concerns. I hope we can work towards solutions for the benefit of all.
Yours etc.,
Joshwa Mukhim,
Via email
Penalty for dumping garbage
Editor,
Apropos of the letter, “Commendable effort by SMB to keep Shillong clean” (ST March 17, 2025) by Salil Gewali, I fully support the points raised by the writer. I have personally witnessed how garbage, carelessly thrown by irresponsible individuals, is carried away by water down the drain near my residence every day. Doesn’t this waste ultimately pollute our rivers and harm the environment?
It is a big shame that the Shillong Municipal Board (SMB) has done nothing to act against those who dump garbage into drains. I think this problem happens almost in every locality. SMB must take the blame for this. There is no greater offense than harming the environment.
If the Shillong Municipal Board is serious about making the city a cleaner place, it must impose heavy fines on all irresponsible people who throw waste into drains or on river banks. More importantly, wherever possible, iron mesh retainers should be fitted to filter waste. Installation of CCTV to zero in on polluters and concrete slabs should be laid over drains to prevent direct dumping. I think such steps will go a long way toward preserving our environment and making Shillong a cleaner city.
Yours etc.,
Rupesh Nath,
Via email
STEMS expansion
Editor
The one of a kind achievement of this current government is the introduction of a school bus service named STEMS which has been in operation for quite some time and the efficiency as well as discipline of the buses along with time-keeping has been quite well received. Unfortunately, in spite of the traffic jams and unseen circumstances that happen these buses still try to put their best foot forward. What is important for the management is to now cater to townships where students still have to walk it to their respective schools by perhaps launching mini-buses at subsidised rates. As in Shillong many families still find it difficult to manage sending their young children when they have more than one or two. What can be done is for the management to come up with a subsidized rate which will require a bit more of data crunching so that those left out because they cannot pay, are also accommodated. I urge those who can afford to send their kids to school by cars should utilize this school bus service introduced by the state government if we really care about decongest traffic.
Yours etc
Dominic S.Wankhar
Via email
Appreciation for Meghalaya Tourism’s Digital Initiative
Editor,
I am writing to express my heartfelt appreciation to the Meghalaya Tourism Department for introducing the Meghalaya Tourism mobile application that leverages Artificial Intelligence (AI) services. This innovative initiative has significantly simplified the process of reporting guest arrivals, which was earlier plagued by cumbersome paperwork. As a stakeholder in the tourism industry, I can attest to the fact that this digital solution has saved us a considerable amount of time and effort. The application’s user-friendly interface and automated features have made it effortless to submit daily reports, ensuring accuracy and efficiency. This forward-thinking initiative demonstrates the Department’s commitment to embracing technology and enhancing the overall experience for stakeholders like us. By streamlining procedures and reducing paperwork, the Department has not only eased our burden but also contributed to a more sustainable and environmentally-friendly practice.
I commend the Meghalaya Tourism Department for their vision and efforts in harnessing technology to improve the tourism ecosystem and I look forward to seeing more innovative solutions in the future.
Yours etc.,
Chanmiki Lamin
Dawki, West Jaintia Hills
Stop the ethnic cleansing
Editor,
Ethnic cleansing is an unpardonable offence and that is exactly what is going on in Gaza. Israel launched airstrikes across Gaza Strip on Tuesday killing 400 Palestinians mostly women and children disregarding the existing cease fire. One of the directors of the documentary film, based on the Israel-Palestine conflict, which recently clinched the Oscar, Basel Adra, appealed, “We call on the world to take serious actions to stop the injustice and to stop the ethnic cleansing of Palestinian people.” This must be regarded as a cry not just to save Palestinian people and children but to save humanity; to save ourselves from further disgrace. The people of Palestine should get their legitimate right to national independence and sovereignty without further delay.
Yours etc.,
Sujit De,
Kolkata
On being culturally rooted
Editor,
The special article “A Khasi Legacy: Independence, Resilience, and the Power of Matriliny” by Bhogtoram Mawroh (ST March 18, 2025) made reading interesting. I am in sync with the author as he concludes his well-researched article with, “never forget the roots of our culture and what gives us our identity. We lose this, we lose who we are.” Our cultural roots and identity are the essence of who we are, shaping our values, traditions, and sense of belonging. Forgetting these roots is like losing the foundation of a tree – it leaves us disconnected, vulnerable, and adrift. Why they matter is because cultural heritage connects us to our ancestors, preserving their wisdom, beliefs and practices for future generations. It ensures that the lessons of the past enrich the present and guide the future. It gives individuals and communities a sense of pride, purpose, and unity. It is the story we tell, the festivals we celebrate, and the values we uphold that make us unique. Cultural roots foster respect for diversity, enabling people to appreciate other cultures while staying anchored in their own. This exchange of ideas promotes global harmony. Amid globalization and modernization, a strong cultural identity helps navigate change without losing who we are. Language, art, music and rituals, born of cultural roots, add vibrancy to life, offering not just a sense of history, but also inspiration for innovation and creativity. In Meghalaya, for instance, the Khasi, Jaintia and Garo communities celebrate their traditions through festival, oral storytelling and distinct governance systems at the grassroots which are immemorial. These elements of identity ensure that, even as the region develops, its unique spirit thrives.
Yours etc;
VK Lyngdoh,
Via email