Letters to the Editor: Concern over power outages

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Concern over power outages

I would like to bring the serious inconvenience being caused to the people of Silpukhuri and nearby areas by the continuous construction of the flyover to the notice of the concerned authorities through the pages of your respected newspaper.

Although the project is certainly significant to relieve traffic congestion in the long term, the regular and extended power outages resulting from the construction activity have rendered life extremely challenging for the local community. During this scorching summer weather, it has become intolerable—particularly for the students, elderly, and patients who are most impacted due to the absence of electricity and ventilation. The authorities should take care to not interrupt basic services such as the supply of electricity during public infrastructure development. If disconnection is necessary for safety or technical purposes, advance notice and alternative arrangements should be provided. Citizens should be provided with proper communication and quick redressal. I urge the responsible departments to initiate prompt action to reduce power outages and bring some relief to the affected citizens.

Abhilasha Mohan

Cotton University

Who deserves the spotlight?

Today, social media plays a big role in deciding who becomes popular. One name that keeps on trending online is XYZ (name changed). She is gaining a huge number of followers, and many people treat her like a celebrity. But this has raised an important question: Is this the kind of role model the younger generation should follow? Some people become famous for their looks, fashion, or viral videos. But at the same time, there are many others who are doing real, honest work without any fame. Every day, students study hard to achieve their dreams. Athletes train for hours to reach their goals. Artists, scientists, and other young talents work with passion and dedication. Sadly, their efforts often remain unseen.

This situation has made many people think about who should truly be called a hero. Should fame come only from social media, or should it come from real effort and achievements? More and more voices are now calling for more attention to be given to such real-life role models. These young individuals lead by example, not just by going viral. They may not trend online, but their hard work and values are what truly inspire others. It is time to stop focusing only on internet fame. The spotlight should shine on those who are making a real difference through their dedication, talent, and honesty.

Sasanka Talukdar,

Pathsala

Symbol of Sacrifice: The Indian Army

The army not only protects us from enemies but is also very involved in societal works. They leap so that we can sleep. They are the symbol of sacrifice. Their works should be encouraged by us in various social media accounts such as Gajraj Corps. That will be a greater step towards nationalism and increasing the social infrastructure of the country. We pledge the young generation to encourage the work of novelty. Their lives teach us the greatest lesson: to even die for the welfare of the country.

They are the role models because they encourage us in every sphere, such as intelligence, hard work, patriotism, discipline, encouragement, sacrifice, and almost everywhere else. There should be more movies made about their part in the country's development so that all, even the laymen, come to know the highest role that the army has. In order to make the country stronger, we have to first make its defence the strongest. The government alongside us should take the initiative and oath to encourage us to be major civilians by enrolling in the army. There should be a great awareness for improving the defence mechanism of the country.

Nistha Haloi

Gauhati University

1,400 people, 1,209 elephants killed in Assam over 23 years

Assam has witnessed the tragic loss of over 1,400 human lives and 1,209 elephants in the past 23 years due to escalating man-animal conflicts, according to a recent report by the Wildlife Institute of India.

The report highlights that nearly 626 elephants died due to human-related causes, including electrocution, train accidents, poisoning, and retaliatory killings. Additionally, 583 elephants succumbed to natural causes such as diseases, old age, and internal fights. On the human side, more than 1,400 deaths have been reported across the state, with thousands more affected by injuries and crop destruction.

The conflict has largely risen due to rapid habitat loss, deforestation, and increasing human encroachment, which has impacted over 527 villages, with districts like Sonitpur, Nagaon, and Goalpara being the most affected. Experts warn that unless urgent measures are taken to protect elephant corridors and implement effective conflict mitigation strategies, the situation may worsen.

In response, the government and various NGOs have introduced solar-powered fences, early warning systems, and community awareness programmes. Calls for increased compensation for victims and stricter regulations on power lines and infrastructure near forested areas are also gaining momentum.

Assam remains home to one of India’s largest wild elephant populations, but striking a balance between human development and wildlife conservation continues to pose a serious challenge.

Uddipta Goswami

(uddiptagoswami777@gmail.com)

Manmohan Singh, Indian armed forces’ silent benefactor

In India’s political theatre, where noise often substitutes for action, Dr. Manmohan Singh chose silence. In that silence, India’s defence forces grew stronger. During his tenure as prime minister from 2004 to 2014, India undertook one of its most significant modernisations of defence capability. Under Singh, India signed the Indo-US Civil Nuclear Agreement (2008)—a diplomatic masterstroke that opened the doors to high-tech cooperation and marked India as a responsible nuclear power. The government initiated the largest defence acquisition programmes in decades, including deals for 126 Medium Multi-Role Combat Aircraft (MMRCA)—eventually leading to the selection of the Rafale. Procurement of Boeing P-8I maritime patrol aircraft, C-130J Super Hercules, and C-17 Globemaster for strategic airlift capabilities. Expansion of India’s nuclear submarine programme, including trials of INS Arihant—India’s first indigenous nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine. Defence spending rose steadily, and by 2013, India became the world’s largest arms importer, not out of dependence but out of urgency to modernise an ageing arsenal. Strategic partnerships were deepened not just with the US, but also Russia, France, and Israel, resulting in co-development projects like BrahMos missiles and Barak-8 air defence systems. Yet, Singh never turned defence into a political show. He never wore camouflage jackets or claimed credit for the army’s courage. He respected institutions—allowed the armed forces and the Ministry of Defence to function professionally, not perform theatrically. While critics called him “weak,” our soldiers received better equipment, our skies saw stronger aircraft, and our deterrence grew quieter—but sharper.

Noopur Baruah,

Tezpur

Value-added fish farming

It is heartening to learn that fisheries and aquaculture are gaining importance in Assam, which is endowed with rich fishery resources in the form of wetlands, beels, ponds, tanks, etc., including two major river systems, the Brahmaputra and the Barak, along with their tributaries. Setting an ambitious target of producing seven lakh tonnes of fish by 2030 is one of the possible approaches to raise profitability while adding to fish and fishery products according to the requirements of different markets. The July 10 editorial, 'Framework of Fish Farming in Assam,' has rightly said that although rising atmospheric temperature and extreme weather events have posed fish conservation threats to natural water bodies and their ecology, the adoption of technology to promote aquaculture through controlled fish cultivation can definitely unlock its vast potential and increase production. What is important is conservation of the ecology of rivers and forest streams and floodplains, but unfortunately, diversion of forests for infrastructure projects such as highways, especially Greenfield highways, railway line expansion, etc., has caused widespread impact on natural migration of fish to rivers and forest streams during flood season. When our state has an excellent subtropical climate for the development of freshwater fish culture practices and when fish consumption is high in the state, then the government and private stakeholders pull up their socks and come out with a well-thought-out climate-compatible fish farming technology to transform the state into a hub of commercial fish production. We, therefore, need policies, programmes and schemes to develop the fish value chain across the state, and they must act as catalysts to change the mindset of traditional fish farmers into a vibrant economic activity. It is good to see a section of youth taking up aquaculture, but they need motivation for sustainable cultivation of quality fish seeds and commercial fish production in the state. So, there should not be a lack of sustained and efficient interventions from the government authorities and a dearth of entrepreneurship acumen among our youth if our natural water bodies are to be transformed into robust income-generating avenues for thousands of families while generating handsome revenue for the state. At the same time, we cannot disagree with the fact that enhanced intake of fish in the diet can ensure food security, combat undernutrition, and improve our national health. Let us create an environment for a blue revolution to attract more youth to join it with a positive frame of mind.

Iqbal Saikia,

Guwahati.