sentinelgroup@gmail.com
NE tourism needs to play a pivotal role
The November 28 headline of your esteemed daily, 'Shekhawat: NE playing a pivotal role, India's tourism is set to grow,' has drawn our attention. During his speech at the 12th edition of the International Tourism Mart at Kaziranga, the minister said that the grand celebration is not only the reflection of UNESCO's World Heritage Site Kaziranga's decade-old wildlife legacy, but it also provides a unique platform for the entire Northeast region to explore its vast tourism potential. Tourism in Assam and other parts of Northeast needs to be taken up in the desired way, as the region holds immense tourism potential, and this mart must provide a remarkable opportunity for the Northeast to showcase its rich cultural and extraordinary heritage to the tourists coming from across the world while offering international students and global influencers to explore in depth the natural and cultural richness of the region. If the NE has to become a global engine of economic development and transform itself into a vibrant economic hotspot, tourism is of particular importance to developing economies, where it contributes significantly to GDP while serving as a vital source of employment, especially in areas where industrialisation prospects are limited. All stakeholders and entrepreneurs across the region need to underscore the importance of collective efforts and collaborate in the development of the sector. The state governments of the Northeast created infrastructure that leaves much to be desired. Private facilities and travel costs must not cost more than in other states. Golf tourism, conventions, cruise tourism, medical tourism, high-end nature tourism, etc., need to be prioritised. To take tourism to its optimum in Assam and other parts of Northeast, more promotion and better well-thought-out local efforts in improving service delivery have to happen. NE tourism has to undergo a complete makeover through a targeted approach with clarity of thought and long-term planning to make the region an attractive tourist hub of India.
Iqbal Saikia,
Guwahati.
Assam’s biodiversity crisis
The biodiversity crisis in Assam's natural environment has become a significant issue, especially in various states of India, including Assam. In the context of Assam, the problem of biodiversity has deepened, with the destruction of forests, harm to wildlife, and environmental instability all manifesting simultaneously. However, despite facing this crisis, the state government has failed to take appropriate measures, raising concerns. Assam, a state rich in natural resources, has multiple causes for its biodiversity crisis. Forest destruction and fire, along with deforestation due to agricultural practices, are reducing the forest cover every year, leading to a shortage of wildlife species. This has created a crisis in the animal kingdom, birds, and plant life. The rivers and wetlands in Assam are polluted, causing environmental degradation due to waste discharge and contaminated river water. This situation has led to significant threats to aquatic life as well. Illegal timber trade is also a crucial factor contributing to the crisis. Many animal species in Assam’s forests are at risk due to illegal deforestation. This gradually threatens the existence of many wildlife species and plants. While the government has taken several steps to protect biodiversity, most of these efforts have failed in implementation. In terms of forest protection, laws and policies exist for conservation, but there is a lack of a cohesive approach to protect forests, restore degraded lands, and combat illegal logging. This failure is likely due to the lack of effective forest administration and the absence of efficient forest security measures. The government has not allocated sufficient budget or prepared proper plans for environmental conservation. Particularly in wildlife conservation, there is a lack of budget and proper monitoring in Assam’s sanctuaries and natural parks. On the contrary, illegal resource extraction has been rampant in these sanctuaries, exacerbating the crisis by disturbing wildlife habitats. In terms of water pollution, the state government has not taken necessary actions. There is a complete absence of an effective plan for the cleaning of rivers and the conservation of wetlands. Even as the rivers get contaminated and wetlands dry up, no significant action has been taken. Without the government's effective intervention, the protection of biodiversity will remain unsuccessful. On the other hand, there is a pressing need to raise public awareness regarding the environmental changes taking place. It is crucial to increase awareness about Assam's natural resources. The government should collaborate with educational institutions, NGOs, and research bodies to implement various initiatives in this regard. Assam's biodiversity crisis requires stringent measures to be taken for forest protection. Protecting Assam's biodiversity is not only important from an Indian perspective but also has global significance. Only when the government focuses on this issue will the path to its resolution become clearer. By taking practical steps promptly, Assam can look forward to a secure and prosperous future.
Bhaswati Borah,
Gauhati University
Commendable work
Indian Railways is one of the largest networks in the world. That said, it is also one of the safest modes of transport for human traffickers. No Railway division in India is spared by the traffickers, but the North East Frontier Railway and the Northern Railway are their favourites. Minor boys and girls are lured from important Northeast states and from stations across the Ferozepur division of Northern Railways. The Railway Protection Force (RPF) has regularly rescued hundreds of minors, especially girls, from the clutches of traffickers. The RPF needs to be commended because it has established more than 700 Anti-Human Trafficking Units (AHTUs) across the Indian Railways network.
Furthermore, the RPF has rescued more than 50,000 children from the clutches of the traffickers over the last five years under "Operation Nanhe Farishte" in the Ferozepur division, besides coming to the aid of distressed single woman travellers under "Meri Saheli." There are several sensitive stations in India that are the entry and exit points for trafficking, and identifying the traffickers is easier said than done. Children accompanying suspicious-looking characters, those alone and less confident, dressed shabbily or extremely well—all should evoke the suspicion of the well-meaning passengers who should alert the RPF. The rescued minors are reunited with their parents, although the parents themselves are often instrumental in pushing their children to trafficking.
Dr Ganapathi Bhat
(gbhat13@gmail.com)
Guwahati needs systematic environmentally friendly development
I am writing to express my concern over the rising environmental and health issues caused by Guwahati city's excessive and unnecessary construction activities. While development is crucial, how it is being pursued in our city is tending to be damaging to public health and the city’s ecological balance.
One of the most alarming impacts of such activities is the excessive dust pollution resulting from continuous construction work which not only affects the air quality and poses serious health risks, including respiratory problems for residents, especially children and the elderly. The municipality authorities seem unable to implement dust control measures like water sprinkling or covering construction sites, which could have mitigated this problem to a certain level.
Another pressing issue is the unwarranted construction of flyovers in areas like Dighalipukhuri, which often leads to the widespread cutting of trees. This deforestation is partially threatening to the green cover and depletes the oxygen levels in an already polluted city. Ironically, these flyovers have not proven to be effective solutions for traffic management, calling into question the priorities of the city administration. There are other sustainable and eco-friendly ways to address traffic problems. For instance, the government can consider implementing the odd-even vehicle usage system, which has successfully reduced traffic and pollution during the COVID time. Additionally, promoting the use of public transportation and improving its efficiency can encourage citizens to rely less on private vehicles.
Guwahati is rapidly losing its charm and liveability due to these unchecked developments. It is high time the authorities prioritized sustainable urban planning and adopted measures that align with the city's environmental and public health needs.
I urge the authorities concerned to take immediate action and address these issues for the well-being of the city and its residents.
Partha Jit
(jitpartha56@gmail.com)