Editor,
Every morning, as I go for a walk along Ward’s Lake, I am appalled to see the state to which the lake and its grounds have been reduced. Gone are the days of calm serenity and tranquility that once greeted visitors upon entering; today, it is turning into an exhibition site. There seems to have been a steady decline in the upkeep of the lake over the past few years.
Today, the lake has become a permanent venue for fairs and exhibitions. Its grounds have been dug up, with lawns and flower beds reduced or replaced by multi-coloured gym equipment and temporary structures for events. As soon as one event concludes, preparations for the next begin, with such activities occurring throughout the year.
Surprisingly, the boundary grills have also been covered with hessian sheets, preventing people from even catching a glimpse inside. Large iron sheets have been erected at the entrance, desecrating the lake’s old heritage look. The buildings of Shillong Club seem to be encroaching closer each day. Meanwhile, plans to repair and restore the old bridge are gathering dust.
If an exhibition site is truly needed, why is the land opposite the entrance—once part of the Deputy Commissioner’s compound—being developed into another commercial complex instead of being used for exhibitions or as a parking space?
Somewhere, our policies and planning appear to be destroying the legacy we have inherited. We seem to be in a selling spree. First, it was the pristine Umiam Lake, and soon Ward’s Lake and Lady Hydari Park may also be at risk. The old botanical garden exists only in name and has become a safe haven for stray animals.
This is a tragedy unfolding before our very eyes, and sadly, there is little public outcry. Mature trees—some perhaps centuries old—are being cut down in the heart of the city. Heritage sites are being converted into commercial projects, and laws and regulations are being diluted to allow multi-storeyed buildings to come up in every corner. Commercial structures are being permitted within residential areas, and public spaces are increasingly being converted for commercial use.
At this rate, it will not be long before the few remaining old characteristics of Shillong—which we all cherish so deeply—are lost forever. Although the government may seem indifferent, concerned citizens must continue to raise their voices so that such policies can be reconsidered and halted. We cannot allow the heritage of Shillong to disappear forever.
Yours etc
B. Dutta.
Shillong-1
Public panic over LPG KYC in wartime
Editor,
War in Western Asia has put people across the country on edge. Well, an advisory from the District Commissioner’s office in Shillong about e KYC and Digital Authentication Compliance (DAC) has only added fuel to the fire, pushing an already tense public into near-panic. So much so that, for several days, many have been rushing to stand in line since early morning outside the offices of gas agencies in the town. Intermittent rain did not dampen their determination to complete the mandatory compliance procedures. In several instances, people have had to stand in queues for over 5 to 6 hours, often with little clarity about the process or timelines. Some also complained about the snappy behaviour of office staff, who lose their cool when consumers make humble queries about authentication. For elderly citizens, daily wage earners, and those with health concerns, the ordeal is extremely stressful. Needless to say, one single day spent in a queue often means a day’s livelihood lost.
Keeping in view the severe trouble faced by consumers, I urge the agencies to arrange e-KYC authentication at the “cylinder delivery points,” using laptops, with internet connectivity obtained from nearby houses on a nominal payment. Yes, mobile verification units or temporary help desks in localities would make life much easier, eliminating overcrowding at agency offices. This would save poor consumers from needless suffering and harassment.
Also, if possible, the honourable DC’s office may consider issuing a notification to “defer KYC hassles” for another couple of months until the situation arising from the war is resolved. Come what may, the public should not suffer.
Yours etc.,
Salil Gewali,
Shillong
Cyber Security Advisory Requires Public Attention
Editor,
As we are already witnessing rising cases of cyber fraud through messages on our mobile phones, another advisory issued by the Government of India’s agency, CERT-In, on 26 March 2026, deserves serious public attention. It highlights significant vulnerabilities found in Apple devices such as iPhones, iPads, Macs, and Apple Watches.
This may appear to be a routine technical warning, but it concerns the safety of personal and financial information that most of us store on our devices. Today, our mobile phones and computers are not just communication tools—they often contain banking and other sensitive details, official documents, personal photos, passwords, and identity-related data. If such information is exposed, it may lead to financial loss, identity theft, and long-term misuse.
The advisory indicates that cyber attackers may exploit these weaknesses to bypass security systems, gain unauthorized access, and even interfere with device functions. More worrying is that such attacks can happen silently, without the user’s knowledge, until harm has already been caused.
In this situation, it would be wise for all of us to remain cautious. Many people tend to ignore software updates, thinking they are unnecessary or time-consuming. However, these updates are released specifically to fix such security issues. Ignoring them is similar to leaving one’s door unlocked.
I feel it is important for us to update our devices without delay, Avoid Clicking on Unknown Links, install apps only from trusted sources, and use strong passwords along with available security features. Such advisories should be taken seriously, and timely action can help prevent avoidable risks.
Yours etc.,
Jairaj,
Via email
