sentinelgroup@gmail.com
Who will save our hills?
I would like to draw attention to an alarming environmental issue that continues to go unnoticed despite widespread discussions on climate change. While we frequently hear debates about global warming, deforestation, and pollution, rampant hill cutting continues unchecked near Gauripur and Changsari on the north bank of the Brahmaputra, contributing significantly to ecological imbalance.
These hills, which once served as natural barriers against soil erosion and played a crucial role in maintaining the region’s biodiversity, providing habitat for many animals, are now being destroyed at an alarming rate. The loss of green cover increases the risk of rising temperatures, abnormal rainfall, floods, and landslides, all of which Assam experiences every year. The impact of such activities on local climate patterns is undeniable, yet no serious action has been taken by the authorities.
Despite existing environmental laws prohibiting such destruction, the lack of strict enforcement encourages land mafias and construction interests to exploit natural resources for short-term gains. The silence of both policymakers and the public raises concerns about accountability and the long-term sustainability of our environment.
I urge the concerned authorities to take immediate steps to halt this destruction, enforce strict penalties, and promote afforestation efforts to mitigate the damage. I also call upon environmentalists, the media, and responsible citizens to raise their voices before it is too late. Climate change is not just a global issue—it is happening right in our backyard, and we must act now.
Dipankar Deka,
Gauhati University
Marriage is better, not live-in relationships
Our heartfelt gratitude goes to Kalpana Bora for discussing a very important issue in the article 'Dark shadow of live-in relationship' published in your esteemed daily on March 28. The writer has rightly said that our younger generation today prefer to live freely with whom they like. But they don't try to understand that living together as a couple without getting married means no expectations, obligations and bindings, but how long will they continue living with one partner today and another partner tomorrow? What will be the future of children born out of pre-marital conjugal relationships? Who will safeguard their right to live with dignity even as the Indian courts have declared such children to be legitimate? Now another question arises: who suffers most from such arrangements? The answer is obviously women. No doubt, our society is modern, but when the issue of marriage arises, not many males will be ready to accept her who was in a living-in relationship earlier. The consequences are loneliness, depression, social unacceptability and losing the right to live a happy and peaceful life. The time has come, especially for our teenage girls and young women, to question themselves: what matters most to them – temporary short-term pleasure or long-term peace, happiness, stability and security? They should remember that life comes once. It is precious and beautiful, and it cannot be allowed to be nipped in the bud in the dark shadows of live-in relationships. It is the bounden duty and responsibility of every stakeholder of the society to sow the seeds of the robust social fabric of Bharatiya society, which is based on the principles of values, morality and character in the young generation, which is possible through a strong family system and not pre-marital relationships.
Let us all pledge to create an environment where our girls, youth and young women recognise and discard the adverse effects of this relationship and come back to our roots, our age-old traditions and our sacred institution, marriage, which is the talk of the world today, including the superpower, the United States of America. Let us remember that marriage lays the foundations of a healthy society and nation, whereas live-in relationships only glitter, but they are not gold.
Iqbal Saikia,
Guwahati.
Tamil Nadu’s tantrums
Uttar Pradesh, with a population that is almost triple that of Tamil Nadu, gets less funding under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act Scheme (MGNREGS), the Rural Development Ministry claimed during Question Hour in the Lok Sabha. The claim — which is not borne out by the fiscal data on the MGNREGA website — led to strong protests from the Opposition, forcing Speaker Om Birla to adjourn the House for 15 minutes. The fracas began when DMK MP K. Kanimozhi asked when the Union government will release Rs 4,034 crore worth of MGNREGS funds that it owes to Tamil Nadu for the past five months. In response, Minister of State for Rural Development Chandra Sekhar Pemmasani said that Tamil Nadu has already received Rs 7,300 crore in this fiscal year. Tamil Nadu has a population of seven crore; U.P. has a population of 20 crore. U.P. draws close to Rs 10,000 crore; Tamil Nadu draws more than Rs 10,000 crore. There is no question of not giving money.
Jayanthi Subramaniam
(jayantck1@hotmail.com)
Sunita Williams, a symbol of strength and inspiration
Sunita Williams serves as a powerful source of encouragement for women globally, especially in fields traditionally dominated by men, such as space exploration. As one of NASA’s most accomplished astronauts, she has demonstrated resilience, perseverance, and dedication, breaking records for spacewalks and time spent in space by a woman. Williams’ achievements highlight the importance of women pushing boundaries and pursuing their dreams, regardless of societal expectations. Her story encourages women to aim high, embrace challenges, and contribute meaningfully to fields that shape the future of humanity. In today’s generation, many women are still confined to traditional roles, where stepping outside the home is considered a challenge. Yet, Sunita Williams defied those societal norms by not just stepping outside but soaring into space, spending months away from home in one of the most challenging environments imaginable. She fought not just against the physical challenges of space but also against societal expectations, proving that women are capable of extraordinary feats when given the opportunity. In conclusion, Sunita Williams’ journey from Earth to space is a testament to the limitless potential of women when given the freedom and support to chase their dreams. Her story inspires us to challenge outdated societal norms and open doors for women everywhere to explore new frontiers. As we look to the future, it’s clear that empowering women is not just a step toward equality but a leap toward a better and more inclusive world.
Dhritismita Neog,
Nagaon
World Meteorological Day
March 23 marked World Meteorological Day, a day to recognise the importance of weather, climate, and water in our daily lives. Climate change is a growing global concern, and meteorologists play a crucial role in helping us understand and prepare for extreme weather conditions. From heatwaves and floods to hurricanes and droughts, changing weather patterns affect millions of people worldwide. Accurate weather forecasts and climate research help save lives and reduce damage during natural disasters.
We must also take responsibility by reducing pollution, planting more trees and supporting efforts to combat climate change. Governments and individuals must work together to build a more sustainable future. World Meteorological Day showcases the essential contribution of National Meteorological and Hydrological Services to the safety and well-being of society and is celebrated with activities around the world. The themes chosen for World Meteorological Day reflect topical weather, climate or water-related issues. The theme for this year's 'World Meteorological Day' was “Closing the Early Warning Gap Together”. It emphasised the importance of early warning systems in reducing the impact of extreme weather events and climate change.
Jubel D'Cruz,
jubeldcruz@yahoo.com