Earthquake preparedness in the North East
Through the columns of your esteemed newspaper, I would like to draw attention to the increasing frequency of earthquakes in the North East region. It has been observed that at least 13 earthquakes have struck the region in the last 40 days, highlighting the urgent need for preparedness and awareness. Given the region's vulnerability to seismic activity, it is crucial that both authorities and the public remain vigilant. I urge the concerned authorities to intensify awareness campaigns, particularly among students, so they are well-informed about safety measures during an earthquake. Schools, colleges, and public institutions should conduct regular drills to prepare people for emergency situations. Additionally, disaster management agencies must ensure that response teams, equipment, and relief measures are in a state of readiness to minimize damage and casualties. The government and relevant organizations must take proactive steps to strengthen infrastructure and implement strict building regulations to withstand seismic shocks. Public participation and preparedness are key to mitigating the impact of future earthquakes.
Mowsam Hazarika
Kumarpara, Guwahati
Riverine dolphin conservation
It is heartening to learn that Assam has the fourth-highest number of riverine dolphins in the country, with 635 dolphins against 6,327 dolphins across 28 rivers in eight states. Today, the key indicator of the health of the ecosystem of a river has sustained the endangered species. The sharp decline in the population of the Ganges River dolphins, popularly known as Xihu in Assam, which is the state aquatic animal, speaks volumes about the growing disconnect between such a declaration and ground realities in the state. The editorial, 'Multi-sectoral approach for Xihu conservation,' published in your esteemed daily, has rightly said that the declining population of Xihu in the Kulsi River is a grim reminder of prioritizing conservation efforts along the Brahmaputra River and its tributaries while undertaking river-related infrastructure projects. Needless to say, dolphins play the role akin to the tiger in the forest as the top predator for maintaining the balance of the food chain. The river dolphin conservation is a joint protection mechanism of the fishery and forest departments, which has envisaged promoting eco-friendly fishing to reduce accidental entanglement of Xihu in fishing nets as a right step. At one time, poachers hunted the river dolphins for their oil, which has now been checked. There is a need to build mass awareness among the Brahmaputra River project developers to strictly adhere to eco-safety guidelines and adopt ecosystem-based approaches to protect the Xihu.The indiscriminate, illegal mechanised sand mining and the discharge of untreated industrial effluents directly into the river are not only destroying the river ecology and affecting the water flow regime but also posing a major threat to river dolphin conservation. Unless there is a result-orientated practical intervention and a coordinated approach by the central and state governments, it is impossible for the Assam government alone to protect and conserve the endangered species. The much-desired awareness programme among the riverine communities will yield positive results when river-developing policies aim at preventing further decline in the Xihu population in the Brahmaputra and its tributaries.
Iqbal Saikia,
Guwahati.