Editor,
I wish to draw urgent attention to a growing crisis that is often sidelined in public discourse: the disparity in waste management between our urban centres, like Shillong, and our increasingly vulnerable rural areas.
In our cities, while municipal systems exist, besides the respective Local Dorbar, they are buckling under the sheer volume of waste. Overflowing bins and irregular collection schedules have become an unfortunate norm. However, the silence surrounding our villages is even more concerning. In the absence of formal disposal infrastructure, rural communities are often forced into a “hidden” environmental crisis—burning trash in open pits or discarding it in the very fields, forests, and water bodies that sustain them.
The environmental cost is devastating. The open burning of refuse releases a concoction of toxic pollutants, such as carbon monoxide and particulate matter, into the air we breathe. Meanwhile, non-biodegradable plastics are quietly contaminating our soil and choking the natural drainage systems essential for monsoon safety. Perhaps most critically, our water sources—the literal lifeblood of the region—is being poisoned, threatening both human health and our unique biodiversity.
This crisis reveals a significant failure in policy implementation. Waste management must cease to be an “urban-only” service. We need decentralized, community-driven solutions that reach the last mile. This includes establishing village-level composting units for organic waste, localized recycling hubs, and strictly enforced bans on open burning.
Furthermore, we must bridge the awareness gap. Public education campaigns are vital to help rural communities transition toward waste segregation and sustainable disposal practices.
Waste management is not merely a civic chore; it is a public health emergency. If we continue to treat it as an urban-centric issue, we ignore the reality that our ecosystems are interconnected. I urge the authorities to adopt an inclusive, sustainable, and strictly enforced waste management framework before the ecological damage becomes irreversible.
Yours etc.,
Phibanrisuk Kharkongor
Shillong
Restoring the Spirit of Inclusiveness in Shillong’s Public Parks
Editor,
This letter flags a growing concern regarding the dwindling accessibility of public parks in Shillong. While our “Scotland of the East” is famed for its natural beauty, the spaces where our citizens can freely enjoy this greenery are becoming increasingly restricted.
Public parks are the lungs of a city—not just environmentally, but socially. For the youth in particular, these areas are essential sanctuaries for mental well-on-being, physical exercise, and community building. In an era dominated by screens and academic pressure, the lack of cost-free, open spaces creates a barrier to healthy development. When entry fees become the norm, we inadvertently gate-keep the benefits of nature, making them a privilege rather than a public right.
However, the conversation around accessibility is a two-way street. We must candidly acknowledge that the imposition of fees and strict regulations is often a direct response to public misconduct. Issues such as littering, vandalism, and behaviours that disregard the sanctity of shared spaces have forced authorities into a defensive posture.
A sustainable solution requires a dual commitment:
♦ For the Public: We must foster a culture of “Civic Stewardship.” The youth and the wider community must treat these parks with the same respect they would their own homes. Maintaining cleanliness and adhering to decorum is the only way to prove that free access will not lead to the degradation of our city’s beauty.
♦ For the Authorities: I urge the government to consider more inclusive management models. This could include “Free-Access Hours” (such as early mornings or weekends), although as of now just on two occasion January 26th and August 15th is entry free. Also please designate specific zones within larger parks that remain open to all.
By balancing administrative foresight with citizen responsibility, we can ensure that Shillong remains a city that breathes together. Let us work toward a future where our parks are not just “tourist spots” behind a pay-wall, but vibrant, inclusive hubs for every resident.
Yours etc.,
Ohidon Wa-e Laloo,
Via email
