Letter to The Editor: Successful lunar mission

Successful lunar mission

India became the first country to land on the South Pole of the Moon. Landing on this surface was a challenge, as the conditions were not considered conducive to a soft-landing. Along with the scientists, the government also has to be praised for achieving this milestone. The failure of its earlier mission did not deter the government and the PM inspired the scientists to take even that failure as a challenge. Scientific achievements are not seen on the scales of profit and loss but as a big leap in the course of human development.

The PM also took time out from the BRICS conference to assure the world in his address that not only India but the entire human society will benefit from this success. Any scientific success if it is for human welfare then it is immortal. This achievement of ISRO will make further missions much easier. Since the deposits of ice-water frozen on the southern end of the Moon which can also be used as fuel, Indian scientists will be able to get it as fuel for the Mars mission. NASA had researched about this frozen ice-water in 1998, but that too could not reach here due to the difficulty of landing. Many congratulations to ISRO and Indian scientists.

N Ashraf,

Guwahati.

‘Monumental’ achievement

India becomes the fourth nation on the moon and the brave ‘first one’ to land on the treacherous and unpredictable South Pole of our dear satellite. India has proved that it is one of the emerging powers of the world and that perseverance and dedicated efforts ultimately lead to fruition. India has learned valuable lessons from its past failure in 2019, when Chandrayaan-2’s lander module got excited to land on the lunar surface and generated excessive thrust, which led to a crash. Chandrayaan 3, on the other hand, remained cool and composed, which helped it land softly on the moon. This proves that slow and steady actually wins the race. This landing has reiterated the fact that India is not a country to be taken flippantly, as it is a worthy heir to the superpower spot. India should now put on sunglasses, as the road ahead is really bright. A big thank to all the people who were associated with Chandrayaan 3.

Noopur Baruah,

Tezpur.

Protection of monuments in the Northeast

It gives us great pleasure to read your front page news item on “High Court impleads ASI as Respondent” (Sentinel July 31, 2023) for the protection of monuments of the Ahom dynasty. We wish we could pray to the Hon’ble Gauhati High Court to order the protection of the monuments built or erected during the pre-Ahom period as well. In this connection, we would like to mention the five huge monoliths at Silpata, a place about 20 kilometres west of Gauhati University. The monoliths are believed to have been erected by the Austric-speaking people, who were the first inhabitants of Assam, according to many historians. Two of these monoliths have fallen flat on the ground, and it appears no one takes interest in reinstating them to stand erect like the other three pillars. Then, about a kilometre or so to the east of Silpata, i.e., at a place called Rani, there is a fairly large collection of monoliths believed to have been erected by the Jaintia leader Sajar Nangli and his followers in the 16th century A.D., which also needs protection.

It is believed that the Archaeological Survey of India is fully aware of these two places where ancient monuments exist but has not taken proper care about their protection. There are ancient monoliths and megaliths erected in various parts of many small states in the Northeast, particularly Meghalaya, which are left uncared for. The A.S.I. is supposed to take care of these ancient monuments under the Indian Preservation and Protection of Ancient Monuments Act. The reason that the A.S.I. could not perform its mandated duty is not known to the general public, whether it is because the respective states do not encourage it or because it is starved of funds by the Central Government. It is now left to the mercy and intervention of the Hon’ble High Court.

Prof. P. M. Passah

Moosalyngkat,

Jowai, Meghalaya

Reckless driving leads to traffic jams

I am writing to express my deep concern regarding the improper and reckless driving of public buses in our city, which is leading to significant traffic congestion and inconvenience for commuters. This issue requires immediate attention from the relevant authorities to ensure the safety and efficiency of our roads. The reckless behaviour exhibited by some public bus drivers is not only endangering the lives of passengers and pedestrians but also contributing to the already congested traffic situation. It is disheartening to witness buses cutting lanes, over-speeding, and neglecting traffic rules, resulting in chaotic traffic jams during peak hours. This not only wastes precious time for residents but also has a detrimental impact on the environment due to increased emissions.

I urge the authorities concerned to take proactive measures to address this issue. Increasing awareness through public campaigns, imposing stricter penalties for traffic violations, and enhancing driver training programmes are potential steps that can be taken to curtail such reckless behaviour. Additionally, the implementation of advanced traffic management systems could help monitor and control the flow of traffic more effectively.

As responsible citizens, we have a duty to ensure the safety and convenience of everyone on the road. By addressing the issue of reckless public bus driving, we can contribute to a more organized and efficient transportation system for our city. I sincerely hope that this matter will be taken seriously and that appropriate actions will be initiated promptly. Let us work together to create a safer and more enjoyable commuting experience for all.

Ajay Sarkar,

Gauhati University.

Safety hazards of open overhead bridge construction

I am writing to express my concerns about the safety hazards associated with the open overhead construction of bridges in two of the busiest areas in Guwahati. While infrastructure development is crucial for our communities, it’s equally important to prioritize the safety of both construction workers and the general public.

Open overhead construction poses several risks. First, there is the potential for falling objects or debris, which can endanger pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers passing beneath the construction site. Regarding this, there has already been more than one such dangerous accident for workers as well as passersby. Construction materials and equipment left unattended become potential hazards if they are not properly secured.

Second, the construction process itself has led to traffic congestion, giving rise to the infamous ‘Maligaon Jam’ and accidents due to lane closures, reduced speed limits, and altered road configurations. This disruption to traffic flow increased the likelihood of collisions, road rage incidents, and general frustration among commuters. Essential supplies and services vehicles like ambulances, medical oxygen supply vehicles, and ambulances are always seen stuck helplessly in these traffic jams.

To mitigate these risks, it’s essential for construction companies and authorities to implement stringent safety measures.

These may include installing proper netting or barriers to prevent falling debris, enforcing regular inspections of construction equipment and materials, and providing clear signage and guidance for motorists navigating through construction zones.

As responsible citizens, we must hold relevant authorities accountable for ensuring that construction projects are carried out with the highest regard for safety. I urge city planners, construction companies, and government agencies, especially the Guwahati Municipal Corporation, to collaborate closely to minimize the risks associated with open overhead bridge construction and to prioritize the well-being of both workers and the public.

Jigyashree Sarmah,

Gauhati University.