Zebra Crossings: A Safety Concern
We often live our lives in haste and tension. We are cautious, but not always alert. Whether it’s an incident or an accident, often the blame lies with us. But I’ve noticed something: people like us feel hesitant or even scared when we have to cross a main road or highway. I myself have faced many difficulties in such situations. The "zebra crossings" in the middle of the road are meant specifically for pedestrians like us to help us cross the road safely. The main purpose of a "zebra crossing" is to allow pedestrians to cross with safety, thereby reducing the chances of road accidents. However, what we often observe is that when bike riders or vehicle drivers see someone trying to cross at a zebra crossing, instead of slowing down, they speed up to pass before the pedestrian can cross. This kind of behaviour can easily lead to accidents.
If safety is not ensured in such small but important matters, then what is the point of having "zebra crossings" at all? The truth is, we humans have become too mechanical, and this leads to a chaotic state in society. Numerous small and large accidents happen, and many people lose their lives. While we are all busy, we should not forget to think about each other, because humanity will disappear if people stop caring for one another. Ordinary people crossing a road at a "zebra crossing" feel insecure or even afraid, fearing something unfortunate might happen. Therefore, along with individual caution, it is also important for the transportation department or the government to pay attention to such issues.
Nikimoni Kachari
Gauhati University
Ambubachi Mela
Every year the Ambubachi festivities at the Kamakhya shrine atop the Nilachal Hills transform the city into a bustling pilgrimage hub, with devotees and visitors in their hordes thronging the temple. The several days of festivities render the assemblage one of the biggest human congregations in the world. Essentially, it is the bulk of the devout who visit the holy shrine to seek spiritual solace. There are also a good number of those who join the holy celebration just to have a feel of the unique ambience created by the sea of humanity. Then, there are also those who are driven by an urge to see and understand the religious traditions and interact with the sadhus of various hues, who throng the temple premises during Ambubachi with their weird hairdos and personas and are invariably a big hit among the visitors. The menstrual cycle that Goddess Kamakhya undergoes for three days beginning with Ambubachi coincides with the period when the southwest monsoon makes its entry to the Indian subcontinent, marking the beginning of the rainy season. Worshipping Mother Earth, especially when rains enhance the soil's fertility, turns out to be a lasting one and has an enduring sanctity of religion. Showcasing Ambubachi in the proper manner, as has been the case with Kumbha Mela, can do a world of good for the region's fledgling tourism. The auspicious occasion should facilitate further study of Assam's past, as many fascinating aspects of Kamrupa or Pragjyotispur, as Assam was known in the days of yore, still await unravelling. Let Ambubachi retain its own identity and heritage, for which it happens to be the biggest festival in the North East.
Iqbal Saikia,
Guwahati.
Better bus services for Kamrup
Through the columns of your esteemed daily, I would like to draw the urgent attention of the concerned authorities and the public to the ongoing transportation issues faced by daily commuters, especially students and working professionals, from the Kamrup rural areas to Guwahati city. Although the Assam State Transport Corporation (ASTC) does operate city buses—most notably the red express buses—these are far too limited in number. These red buses are popular because they maintain strict time schedules and do not stop frequently, allowing people to reach their destinations on time. However, the number of such buses is very low compared to the high number of passengers. As a result, they become overcrowded very quickly, often leaving no space even to stand. Travelling in such packed buses is not only uncomfortable but also extremely risky, especially for women, elderly citizens, and children. In contrast, the green ASTC AC buses—though more comfortable in theory—fail to serve the purpose of time-bound commuters. These buses run much slower as they stop frequently to pick up passengers, making them inefficient for those who need to reach their destination on time for work or educational commitments. In the early morning hours, when the rush is at its peak, people are left with no choice but to board the already packed red buses. In a growing and developing city like Guwahati, this level of public transport crisis is disappointing and concerning. Reliable and safe public transportation should be a basic civic necessity, not a daily struggle. I sincerely urge the transport authorities and the state government to increase the number of timely and efficient buses, improve the service quality of AC buses, and make travel more accessible for all. I hope this concern receives immediate attention.
Darshana Das,
Cotton University
Zoo at Tingkhong
It is understood that the state government is considering establishing a zoo at Tingkhong. My intention here is not to argue for or against the proposal but rather to reflect on the broader implications of creating a zoo.
The concept of zoos may have originated centuries ago as a means to protect endangered species, both flora and fauna. However, one must ask: do animals truly receive a suitable habitat in zoos that allows them to live comfortably? The honest answer is no. There is ample information in the public domain highlighting the cruelty and negligence animals often face in zoos across the country, including in the Guwahati zoo. Many of these facilities fail to provide sufficient food, proper medical care, or natural living conditions. Establishing a zoo requires significant infrastructure and skilled manpower, which Tingkhong currently lacks. Without meeting these fundamental requirements, a zoo could end up doing more harm than good.
Today, more people are drawn to wildlife sanctuaries, where animals live in their natural habitats, rather than artificial enclosures. Instead of caging animals under the pretext of conservation, our efforts should focus on expanding forest cover and preserving natural ecosystems. This approach not only benefits wildlife but also contributes to mitigating climate change. A more thoughtful, sustainable alternative is needed.
In my view, a skilled manpower development institution is more important than a zoo at Tingkhong. While the idea of establishing a zoo at Tingkhong may appear appealing on the surface, a more meaningful and impactful initiative would be the creation of a skilled manpower development institution. Such an institution would directly benefit the local population by equipping youth with vocational and technical training, enhancing employment opportunities, and contributing to the region’s overall socio-economic growth.
Prafulla Dowarah,
Guwahati.