River Bharalu is Crying!
Bharalu River, once a vital lifeline and beautiful, now stands as a symbol of neglect, pollution, and urban apathy and is now in its worst stage. Flowing through the heart of the city of Guwahati, this watercourse is now heavily affected, polluted, and has become a dumping ground for waste, severely impacting the environment and public health. Historically, the Bharalu River served as a natural drain, channelling excess water from the surrounding hills and providing water to local areas. The Bharalu River originates in the Khasi Hills of Meghalaya and flows through the heart of Guwahati before its connection with the Brahmaputra River. As the city starts developing, so do its waste problems. Plastic waste, industrial effluents, untreated sewage, and also waste produced from the neighbouring areas started pouring into the river, which resulted in the worsening of its condition. The Bharalu River, once a flowing, vibrant river, is now a stagnant, polluted drain. Environmental experts have expressed grave concern over the river’s state. According to the Assam State Pollution Control Board (ASPCB), as of 2024, the Bharalu continues to be one of the most polluted rivers in the region, with its water quality far below acceptable standards. In 2024, the water in the Bharalu was found to have a high concentration of dissolved solids and heavy metals, while the levels of dissolved oxygen remained dangerously low, further confirming the river’s inability to sustain aquatic life. The consequences of this environmental degradation are not just ecological but also public health-related. The pollution from the Bharalu poses serious health risks to the residents of Guwahati, particularly those living in informal settlements along the riverbanks. These areas, home to thousands of people, often lack proper sanitation, leading to untreated waste being dumped directly into the river, further exacerbating the contamination. In 2024, a report from the Assam State Pollution Control Board noted that over 70% of Guwahati’s untreated sewage is still being discharged directly into the Bharalu River. The consequences of this environmental degradation are not just ecological but also public health-related. The pollution from the Bharalu poses serious health risks to the residents of Guwahati, particularly those living in informal settlements along the riverbanks. These areas, home to thousands of people, often lack proper sanitation, leading to untreated waste being dumped directly into the river, further exacerbating the contamination. The fate of the Bharalu River remains uncertain. Its recovery depends on a collective effort to manage the city’s growth, improve waste treatment, and protect the environment. As local activists and experts warn, if decisive action is not taken soon, Guwahati could lose not only its river but also a vital piece of its heritage and future.
Priyanuj Nath
(nathpriyanuj@gmail.com)
Indo-Bangladesh ties
The news item, 'Hasina's extradition is not possible on politically motivated charges, without evidence,' published in your esteemed daily on December 25, has drawn our attention. The present volatile situation in Bangladesh after the departure of the former Prime Minister, Sheikh Hasina, to India has resulted in relations between the two countries plummeting to a new low. With her departure from the scene, Bangladesh has been pushed into political instability and social disintegration. The absence of a tough stance against the interim regime headed by Muhammed Yunus has emboldened him in making imperious demands and outrageous proposals to India. It would not be exaggerating to say that the country's former PM had been a true friend of India, and during her regime, India-Bangladesh relations had reached new heights. Bangladesh must be aware that to send her back to her native land would be akin to assisting her to her death. What is even more worrying is that the present interim government has made no sincere attempt to contain the increasing number of attacks on Hindu minorities there; rather, one of the advisors of the interim government recently made a preposterous demand for the inclusion of West Bengal, Assam, and Tripura in Bangladesh. The anti-India sentiments have presently overwhelmed the country due to pro-Pakistan and anti-Indian elements ruling the roost. The time has come for the Indian government to adopt a tougher stance to nip the anti-India designs in the bud. Can Bangladesh afford to be a hostile neighbour to India? This is a million-dollar question. Retaining the cordial relationship that had existed earlier is the need of the hour.
Iqbal Saikia,
Guwahati.
Christmas for Christ
Christmas is deemed as a celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ. But what is most important is the remembrance not only of His birth but of His teachings of love, giving, sharing, and gratitude too. The word ‘Christmas’ comes from the Old English Christes Maesse or ‘Christ’s Mass.’ December 25 is not the actual birth date of Jesus Christ. The date was selected as the day of Christmas because it was around the time of various Pagan festivals, such as the Roman Saturnalia.
Jubel D'Cruz,
jubeldcruz@yahoo.com
Shyam Benegal’s greatness
Shyam Benegal's greatness lies embedded in the humanity of his films, which always highlighted the plight, sufferings, and struggles of vulnerable souls languishing in the lowest order of social hierarchy, marginalised in terms of caste economy, sex, and whatnot, with the agony of tortured women also not missing his noble vision.
Not to forget his tribute to three great Bengalis of national and international stature through films and documentaries—Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, and Satyajit Ray—which are an education by themselves.
Benegal's TV series on "Discovery of India" and the short film on the Indian Constitution bear testimony to his impeccable responsibility towards the ethos of the nation.
In the context of the current toxic environment in India, where even the heterogeneous history of the country and its constitutional spirit are also under attack, the demise of an enlightened humane personality like Shyam Benegal is simply a colossal loss.
Kajal Chatterjee
(kajal.chatterjee21@gmail.com)
Assam’s ‘Year of Books’ in 2025
The Assam government has taken a groundbreaking step towards enhancing literacy and fostering a culture of reading in the state by declaring the year 2025 as the "Year of Books." The decision, approved by the state cabinet, is aimed at igniting a reading revolution across Assam and encouraging people from all walks of life to engage in regular reading.
The state government aims at organizing book fairs in all the districts of the state. The Assam Book Fair will begin on December 27 at Khanapara in Guwahati.
Further, books will be distributed as New Year gifts. Government departments will be encouraged to establish libraries. The declaration of 2025 as the "Year of Books" aligns with the Assam government's broader vision of improving education and fostering intellectual growth. By designating a specific year to focus on reading, the government aims to create a sustained and collective effort toward transforming the state's educational and intellectual landscape.
The initiative will encourage people of all ages and backgrounds to cultivate a habit of regular reading. At the heyday of digital technology, the government's move will inspire people to read more books, newspapers, and other forms of literature. If the plans get materialized in the true sense, the public libraries of the state will also get revitalized. Local libraries and libraries of educational institutes will be key players in this initiative if they are provided with better infrastructure and resources. The government should take initiative to empower the sub-divisional, district, and village libraries. Most of these libraries are in deplorable condition.
In today’s digital age, promoting reading extends beyond physical books. The government may consider integrating digital platforms into this initiative, encouraging digital literacy and making books and educational resources accessible online. Further, the book industry of Assam was seeing a bleak future. The initiative is likely to benefit the industry.
The long-term impact of this initiative is expected to be transformative. By promoting reading on a mass scale, the "Year of Books" will contribute to better educational outcomes, a more informed and engaged populace, and a revitalization of Assam's rich literary traditions.
Moreover, fostering a culture of reading will not only help in academic development but also in the personal growth of individuals, as reading broadens perspectives, stimulates critical thinking, and strengthens language skills.
Shikhamani Kalita
Bongaigaon
Consumer protection
An unhappy consumer stands out like a sore thumb for the government. At the same time, an unhappy customer is a source of great learning for the latter, of course, if it desires to improve upon its shortcomings. Nothing can be more important for the consumers than salient laws to protect them. The Consumer Protection Act (CPA), 1986, was a landmark legal weapon in the field of consumer protection, and it was passed in parliament on December 24, 1986. With rights come responsibilities, and the Act moulded the consumer to the dual task. The gaps in the outdated 1968 law were bridged by the 1986 Act. The Act underwent significant changes in 1991, 1993, and 2002; the Consumer Protection Act, 2019 was perceived to be a path breaker. National Consumer Rights Day is observed on December 24 to commemorate the enactment of the 1986 Act. Grievances against goods and services, with regard to public, private, and cooperative sectors, and compensation, are decided by a three-tier quasi-judicial body. Redressal of consumer complaints and resolution of consumer disputes through hierarchical commissions are important aspects. Right to choose, right to be heard, right to consumer education, right of assurance towards goods and services, right to be informed about the quality, purity, and potency of the products, right to be protected against hazardous goods, and right to seek redressal are all salutary features of the Act.
Dr Ganapathi Bhat
(gbhat13@gmail.com)