Public property and incomplete projects

Sir, through this letter I want to draw the attention of Assam government regarding maintenance of public properties. In every budget, the government has taken new initiatives and declared funds for constructive purposes like construction of new bridges, hospitals, educational institutes, irrigation, public toilets, public bus stands, water supply etc. But after construction of all these public property, these are left in a dilapidated condition due to lack of responsibility of citizens and people engaged for the maintenance of it. For example, the public toilets are not in a condition for use after few days of construction due to lack of water supply and prevailing of unhygienic condition. Same things happen in case of hospitals, public rest houses, auditoria, bus stands etc. In our society, most of the people have the lack of civic senses to flush the public toilet after every use and it leads to leave the same in a littering way after using. This type of activities not only help in unnecessary wastage of public money, but also create a bad image of India in front of world community. Same things happen in case of water supply schemes, irrigation schemes etc. Such projects have costly instruments that, as often as not, become white elephants without any outcome due to lack of technical staff and funds for their timely maintenance. There are constructions of many more rest houses, staff quarters etc., in various parts of Assam, but most of these are lying vacant due to lack of maintenance and poor facilities.

The government has spent sufficient fund during the time of construction, but lack of fund for maintenance indirectly helps in drainage and wastage of public money. In an example, due to power shortage some may install electricity generators for uninterrupted power supply, but the same may become white elephants after installation due to lack or no fuel supply. Same thing is prevailing in providing public vehicle or ambulances which may become non-functioning due to lack of fuel supply and proper maintenance. Apart from these, when a new project is started, the government often refrains from taking the precautionary measures for probable untoward situation which may be arise even from earth filling to blockage of the water drainage system, loss of low lying areas leading to artificial flood etc. Hope, in near future, the government will take initiatives to prepare a budget aiming for repair and maintenance of public property already constructed and it should be the motto of each government to safeguard the public property. Moreover, before sanctioning a project, there should be field study so that the people living in the surrounding areas should not be affected from the proposed project. For instance, the people and households living near the national highways of Changsari are suffering from stagnant water problem arising arising out of the from construction of the elevated four-lane highway which obstructs the water drainage system of the surrounding area. The same thing is happening in Guwahati city due to earth filling of low-lying areas and water reservoirs and destruction of hills in the name of construction.

Dr. Biraj Kumar Sarma,

Changsari.

Deterioration of

civic sense

COVID-19 pandemic has brought certain changes in the lifestyle and behaviour of the mankind across the globe. Hopefully, these changes are for the good.

However, Guwahati seems to be an exception. The lockdowns due to pandemic have brought in disturbing trends in the behaviour of citizens in Guwahati. Social distancing in public places, in markets, shops, etc has gone for a toss. People are not bothered to maintain the physical distance required to be maintained. Almost everyone seems to have total disregard for the health and social advisories, from the Government, etc.

Spitting in public places has not decreased; rather, it seems to have gone up. A large number of people do not either use face covers (masks, etc) or do not use these properly. This has only helped the virus to spread like a wildfire in the city. Interestingly, citizens are the worst sufferers, themselves.

The civic sense of Guwahatians has also deteriorated in other spheres like driving 2, 3 or 4 wheeler vehicles and parking of vehicles. Almost everyone seems to have total disregard for the fellow citizens by parking vehicles most inappropriately, encroaching roads while parking, etc.

The authorities must step in a very strict manner to enforce order and discipline in the City. Shop keepers, and others should also be held accountable, if necessary, for allowing unruly behaviour of customers. Else, the citizens are going to have harrowing times ahead.

D Bhutia,

Guwahati

Proud of Indian army

I being a regular subscriber of your esteemed daily was again very impressed by an article published in your daily column titled 'Proud Indian'. The article which highlighted the difference between our armed forces and Chinese army PLA was all based on facts. Indian army is one of the most disciplined, professional and skilled forces which are also a time-tested unit. Every patriotic Indian is so proud of the forces which have a rich heritage unlike our Chinese counterparts. The recent video which went viral in the social media where it was depicted that the Chinese army were crying after they being deployed in the forward areas of Indo-Sino borders. The dedication and patriotism displayed by the Indian army in thousands of past instances is unprecedented. People often talk about 1962 conflict where our forces were thrashed by the Red army but in today's scenario it is completely different in ground realities. With advance infrastructures in the border areas plus the skills of our army in any hostile conditions is unmatched. However, there are certain political forces within the country which question the credibility of the armed forces but one thing is certain that we can all sleep peacefully it is only because of our army. As a citizen of the world's largest democracy I am proud of our Army. Long Live Indian Army!

Dr. Ashim Chowdhury,

Guwahati.

DoNER projects

The news appearing in your esteemed daily of 22nd September 2020 on the failure of the State government to utilize the fund received from Ministry of DoNER (Development of North Eastern Region) is a matter of serious concern. In one hand the State government is not in a position to take up some development work and on the other hand it is not in a position to spend the money it has received from the Central government. The DoNER and Ministry of Finance have taken serious view on the matter. It is interesting to learn that some of these projects are related to Chief Minister's home district or district near by the Chief Minister's home district.

If the progress of the work in Chief Minister's home district is in such a condition that work could not be completed in time even after availability of fund, what we can hope for other parts of the State? According to the report a sum of Rs 779 crore received from the said ministry still remains unspent. The works of other departments are also in same condition. Hardly 30 per cent work has been completed at the four-lane works of NH 37 from Nagaon to Tinsukia. The project started about eight years back. The Ministers concerned should see that the projects get completed in stipulated time.

Bikash Barpujari,

Guwahati.

BVFCL plant

Being an inhabitant of Namrup I feel much worry about the existence of Brahmaputra Valley Fertilizer Limited, lone fertilizer industry in the entire North-East India. BVFCL since its inception has contributed a great deal to the economic, agricultural and industrial sector of Assam. BVFCL erstwhile FCI and HFCL is considered as the backbone of infrastructural and economic uplift of Namrup as it covers a huge area of entire Namrup and a large section of people are directly or indirectly earning their livelihood from this industry. Considering the increasing demand of fertilizers and survival of a large section of people of Namrup and its adjoining areas the setting up of Namrup IV plant is the most awaited hope for the local inhabitants. Moreover, the 2nd and 3rd units of BVFCL have already lost its technical viability and people dwelling in Namrup has witnessed some major incidents like blast in the ammonia plant accompanied by unplanned shutdowns that led to huge loss and poses a serious threat to the sustainability and survival of this prominent industry. Several socio-cultural organizations of Namrup have continuously raised their voice by means of various protests. Recently a package of Rs 100 crore has been approved by the Centre for the revamp which can help this industry survive for a few years but without proper measures for the setting up of the BVFCL IV plant the existence of this lone fertilizer industry will remain only in the pages of history.

Bristi Gogoi,

Dibrugarh.