Very perfect
I, being one of the oldest residents of GNB Road, having lived there for decades, went through intently the letter captioned ‘FLYOVER: NOT NEEDED’ by one Aparna Sarma in your esteemed daily on August 19. The contents of the letter were absolutely right. The proposed flyover stretching from RBI point to FCI godown in Noonmati will never help to ease the existing traffic snarls on GNB Road; rather, it will increase traffic on the roads below the flyover. We, the commuters, have started believing that the said flyover is proposed to be built for some other purpose than easing traffic snarls. We, the daily commuters, the voters, are the ultimate arbiters, as we have in the meantime scented the real purposes behind this project at the cost of the public exchequer. I strongly urge the government to abandon the above project.
Dr. Ashim Chowdhury,
Guwahati
Sustainable alternatives to plastic
I am writing to you regarding the urgent and formidable challenge that our nation is facing—the unchecked proliferation of sub-120 micron single-use plastics. With a resounding call to action, I present a blueprint to catalyze transformative change. Plastic, once lauded as a marvel, now besieges our environment. Its impact on both land and water is catastrophic. The implications are staggering, posing threats to biodiversity, human health, and sustainable living. Our society must take decisive action.
A multi-pronged approach is indispensable. We must not only change our materials but also recalibrate our mindset. A tapestry of diverse alternatives offers a path towards redemption. Consumers can make a difference by choosing eco-friendly options such as cloth, jute, fabric, or paper bags. Vendors can support this change by offering these alternatives and championing their use. Biodegradable and compostable options offer an eco-friendly solution. Government incentives and strategic funding can steer the economic shift. Corporates can infuse sustainability into their ethos by embracing eco-friendly practises and endorsing sustainable initiatives. Joint efforts between the government and corporations can lead to harmonized progress. In manufacturing, government-owned plants can promote innovation and excellence while generating employment. Corporate ventures can propel innovation and excellence in sustainable alternatives with government approval for such a noble cause. Collaborative endeavours merge strengths for a collective goal and generate synergy.
Strict enforcement of the Plastic Waste Management Amendment Rules, 2021, is a must. The government must make sure that identified single-use plastic items, which have low utility and high littering potential, are not available in the markets so that no one can use them even if they want to. It must take all necessary steps to ensure the effective implementation of the ban, including setting up control rooms to check for any illegal use, sale, or distribution of single-use plastic products. The government must also dismiss the demands of food, beverage, and consumer goods companies to delay the implementation of the ban in order to avoid disruptions to their operations. This is our moment to act—a testament to our unity and resolve. As architects of change, we, as a nation, can leave an indelible legacy of sustainability. Let our actions forge a future free from the plastic plague.
Jayanta Kumar Padmapati,
VIP Road, Guwahati.