Letters to the Editor: Black Day

Before parting, I pray for the victims’ eternal peace. AMEN.

Dr Ashim Chowdhury,

Guwahati

APDCL: A leech

The present government’s decision to introduce a pre-paid meter system in APDCL has become a blood sucking system for general consumers. In the process, they have hiked the tariff several times arbitrarily after the introduction of the smart meter what we call the pre-paid system. But in reality, the poor consumers have been looted right, left, and centre. Consumers were regularly harassed with faulty, excessive power bills. Load shedding has almost become a regular affair. Whenever a consumer approaches the APDCL office about an exorbitant bill, the concerned employees, starting from the lower to the higher echelons, express helplessness. They blame the new billing system, and more amusingly, when they are cross-questioned about the new system, they plead ignorance. Even Minister concerned Nandita Garlosa’s statement in this regard is laughable. The Jana Sanjog department has tried its best to project a rosy picture in the media, but in reality, it has become a laughing stock among bona fide consumers.

It is high time that the government reins in APDCL from committing any more harassment to its consumers. Any misdeed from any part of the government department makes them pay dearly, as seen in the Himachal Pradesh and Karnataka assembly elections.

Lanu Dutt Chowdhury,

Guwahati

Maligaon flyover will alleviate traffic congestion

I am writing to express my support for the construction of the Maligaon flyover. This much-needed infrastructure project will help alleviate traffic congestion in one of the busiest areas of Guwahati. The Maligaon flyover will be a four-lane flyover that will stretch from Maligaon to Kamakhya Gate, with a two-lane diversion leading to Pandu. It is expected to cost Rs 420.75 crore and is scheduled to be completed by August 30.

The flyover will help to improve traffic flow in the area, which is currently plagued by congestion. It will also help reduce travel time between the airport and the city and improve air quality.

I am aware that there have been some concerns about the safety of the flyover, but I believe that these concerns are unfounded. I urge the authorities to expedite the construction of the Maligaon flyover so that it can be completed as soon as possible. This project will be a major benefit to the people of Guwahati and will help to improve the city’s infrastructure.

Prachujya Protim Bora,

Gauhati University.

Pathetic condition of the postal department

Through the columns of your esteemed daily, I would like to express my concern about the condition of the postal department. One shipment was booked via speed post from Basistha post office on July 28, 2023, via AWB number ES871889635 from Guwahati to Kolkata, and it reached Kolkata on August 7, 2023. It took at least 12 days to deliver this shipment. As per the tracking of India Post, it showed that for five days the packet was lying in Guwahati itself without any reason; this really shows the negligence of the postal department.

Even though I mailed their CPM, there was no response at all from their end. The postal department itself is a big burden for the government. Only they are active on social media to show off. I need to explain their mistake to the concerned party to whom I sent this document. I would like to request that a higher authority in the postal department look into this matter.

Samar Deb,

Chandan Nagar, Guwahati.

Safety for street animals

I hope this letter finds its way to your readers with the urgency and compassion it deserves. I am writing to express my deep concern about the welfare and safety of street animals in our community. Our city is home to a diverse population of street animals, including stray dogs, cats, and even some wildlife. These animals face numerous challenges daily, including hunger, disease, traffic accidents, and inhumane treatment. As members of this society, it is our moral responsibility to protect and care for these vulnerable creatures. I commend the efforts of local animal welfare organizations and volunteers who tirelessly work to rescue, rehabilitate, and re-home street animals. However, it is clear that more needs to be done. I propose that our community, with the cooperation of local authorities, take a proactive approach to address this issue:

Establish animal shelters, spaying and neutering programmes, public awareness campaigns, reporting mechanisms, and encourage adoption. By taking these steps, we can create a safer and more compassionate environment for street animals. It is not only a moral duty but also an opportunity to showcase our city’s commitment to animal welfare. I urge our community leaders and fellow citizens to come together and make a meaningful change for the betterment of street animals. Let us be the voice for those who cannot speak for themselves and ensure that every living being in our city can lead a life free from suffering and fear.

Jini Disha Kapil,

Gauhati University.