Editor,
Through this letter I wish to draw the urgent attention of the concerned authorities to the persistent and worsening electricity crisis in Patharkhmah village, Ri-Bhoi District.
For several months now, residents of our village have been enduring frequent and unpredictable power outages, along with inadequate low voltage levels. While other parts of the district appear to enjoy relatively stable electricity, Patharkhmah continues to suffer from 5 to 10 hours of unscheduled load shedding on a daily basis. Even during periods when electricity is available, the voltage is so low that basic appliances such as lights and fans barely function.
This ongoing crisis is not merely an inconvenience but has serious repercussions on multiple aspects of daily life:
Education: Students are unable to study effectively after sunset. With the growing dependence on digital learning tools, the lack of reliable electricity places them at a severe academic disadvantage.
Agriculture: Farmers are unable to operate irrigation pumps efficiently due to low voltage, which directly threatens crop production and livelihoods in this agrarian community.
Safety and Health: Prolonged darkness has increased the risk of petty thefts and compromised public safety. Additionally, the inability to store perishable food items and medicines due to non-functional refrigeration poses serious health concerns.
Despite repeated complaints to the local Electricity Department, no concrete steps have been taken. Residents are often met with vague assurances, while the underlying issue—possibly outdated and overburdened infrastructure—remains unaddressed.
In light of the above, I earnestly urge the higher authorities of the Power Department to take immediate and decisive action. A thorough inspection of local transformers and distribution systems must be carried out, along with necessary upgrades to ensure a stable and equitable power supply to our village.
I hope this matter receives the urgent attention it deserves.
Yours etc.,
Wealman Wahlang
Shillong
Inadequate Street Lighting & Public Safety
Editor,
Through this letter I wish to highlight the serious issue of inadequate street lighting in Shillong, which has become a growing concern for public safety.
In many parts of the city—particularly in secluded and less-frequented areas—people are forced to walk in near-complete darkness due to the absence of functional street lights. This not only creates an atmosphere of fear and vulnerability but also turns routine activities, such as walking home, into a distressing experience.
The problem is further compounded by the large number of broken or non-functional street lights. Poor visibility at night poses significant risks for both pedestrians and drivers, increasing the likelihood of accidents. Navigating roads and surroundings becomes difficult, and the sense of insecurity among residents rises considerably after dark.
Adequate street lighting is a basic civic necessity and a key component of urban safety. Its importance has long been recognised by both citizens and authorities. It is therefore imperative that this issue be treated with urgency. The installation of new street lights, along with regular maintenance and prompt repair of existing ones, must be prioritised.
I call upon the concerned authorities to take immediate steps to address this problem and ensure safer, well-lit streets for all.
Yours etc.,
Amanika Bhusal
Shillong
Misleading Remarks from Responsible Leaders
Editor,
I write with a deep sense of disappointment after reading recent remarks suggesting that the proposed Taj resort and spa at Umiam could lead Meghalaya down the path of “sex tourism.” Such a statement is not only shocking and alarming, but profoundly disheartening.
One is compelled to ask: what does this imply about the youth of Meghalaya? Does it suggest that they are only capable of being drawn into immoral activities? Or does it overlook their potential to contribute meaningfully as professionals in marketing, human resources, sales, front office, administration, finance, event management, handyman services, interior decoration, landscaping, electrical work, general upkeep, gardening, chefs, sous-chefs, kitchen staff, cooks, suppliers of raw materials like meat, vegetables, masala, etc., to these kitchens, housekeeping, and culinary services? The young people of this state deserve far more respect than such biased assumptions, keeping in mind that there is an IHM Shillong and IIM too, so placements and internship training will be easier within the state for the local youth.
A hotel is not a building, but a complete employment ecosystem. It creates meaningful opportunities for the youth of Meghalaya to step into professional roles across marketing, human resources, sales, hospitality management, housekeeping, and culinary services fields that build skills, dignity, and long-term careers. Directly, it generates employment in front office operations, food and beverage, kitchen staff, finance, engineering, security, and wellness services such as spa and fitness. Indirectly, it supports a much wider network including local farmers, transport providers, tour guides, artisans, suppliers, and small businesses that feed into its daily operations. In essence, a single hospitality project generates opportunities far beyond its walls, contributing to livelihoods, skill development, and the broader local economy.
The Taj Group, operated by Indian Hotels Company Limited, is one of India’s most respected hospitality brands, founded in 1902 by Jamsetji Tata. What began with the iconic Taj Mahal Palace in Mumbai in 1903 has today grown into a global hospitality network spanning over 200 hotels worldwide, with a significant presence across India and multiple international destinations, including Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and Asia. Under its luxury Taj brand alone, the group operates dozens of premium hotels across 70+ locations, setting benchmarks in service, professionalism, and ethical hospitality. To reduce such a legacy institution, built over more than a century, to insinuations of impropriety is to overlook not just its global credibility, but also the thousands of dignified careers and professional pathways it continues to create.
The recent rise of certain political voices has undoubtedly brought a disruptive edge to Meghalaya’s discourse, challenging established narratives and amplifying grassroots concerns. However, such disruption must remain grounded in responsibility. Raising valid questions around development is necessary, but framing modern hospitality projects through fear-driven assumptions risks undermining both public trust and the potential of the very people such politics seeks to represent.
It is particularly saddening that such statements, especially when coming from a reputed and trusted leader with influence across grassroots levels and rural communities, risk creating unnecessary fear among those who may not have access to complete information. Instead of offering clarity, they can reinforce bias and mislead the very people leadership is meant to guide. Why mislead when leadership calls for clarity and honesty?
Meghalaya, with its rich culture and natural beauty, stands at a point where thoughtful development and preservation must go hand in hand. Concerns around environment and inclusivity are valid and necessary, but narratives rooted in fear risk misguiding public opinion and undermining opportunities for growth.
It is about how we choose to see our own people and whether we believe in their potential or diminish it. Do the people in power have faith in the potential of our youth?
I humbly request, with folded hands, that those in positions of influence choose clarity over speculation and responsibility over rhetoric. We have elected you to lead us, not mislead us. Please do not assume that we, the common citizens, are like Gandhi ji’s three monkeys, closing our eyes, ears, and mouths. We are watching, we are listening, and we will continue to ask for clarity and truth. We will follow you, but refuse to follow blindly.
Your’s etc.,
Shivani Pde,
Via email
