Letters to the Editor: Need for road divider near Gauhati University

Need for road divider near Gauhati University

Through your esteemed newspaper, I would like to draw attention to a long-standing traffic problem faced daily by students, teachers, and residents at Jalukbari, near Gauhati University. The absence of a proper road divider or divider circle in front of the university has become a major concern for safe and smooth traffic movement.

Every day, hundreds of vehicles come out from the university campus, but due to the lack of a divider, they are forced to either take longer unnecessary routes or make risky wrong-side entries to join the main road. This not only wastes time but also increases the chances of accidents. Many students and staff members have shared that crossing or merging into the main traffic flow here feels unsafe, especially during peak hours.

The problem becomes worse because the Jalukbari bus stop is located very close to this point. Dozens of buses halt there for passengers, causing congestion. When buses wait and other vehicles try to cross at the same spot, the road space becomes very limited, leading to traffic jams and confusion. Even though there are lanes marked, the traffic pattern is still messy and unclear for both drivers and pedestrians. This is one of the busiest junctions in Guwahati, connecting important routes. Without proper traffic management, it is not only slowing vehicular movement but also putting lives at risk. A well-designed divider or a divider circle here could guide vehicles properly, prevent wrong-side driving, and ensure a smoother flow of traffic.

I sincerely request the concerned authorities to take immediate steps to address this issue. A small change in infrastructure here can make a big difference in road safety and convenience for thousands of daily commuters. The students and public of this area truly deserve a safer and better traffic system.

Pratham Kalita

Gauhati University

Public toilets required

Through the columns of your esteemed daily, I would like to draw the attention of the authorities concerned and the general public towards the urgent need for proper and accessible public toilets in marketplaces and tourist destinations across Assam.

Despite the growth of tourism in Assam and the increasing footfall in local markets, the basic facility of sanitation remains neglected in many areas. Be it the bustling markets of Fancy Bazar in Guwahati, the scenic spots in Kaziranga, or the historic town of Sivasagar, there is a visible lack of clean and usable public toilets. This causes immense inconvenience to shoppers, tourists, senior citizens, and especially women and children. In some areas, people are forced to use unhygienic alternatives or open spaces, leading to public health risks and environmental pollution.

The absence of proper sanitation facilities not only tarnishes the image of the state among visitors but also discourages tourism, which is a vital source of livelihood for many local communities. The situation demands immediate intervention from civic authorities and the tourism department to construct more gender-sensitive, well-maintained public toilets with running water and proper waste disposal mechanisms.

Furthermore, maintenance is as important as construction. Toilets that are not cleaned regularly soon become unusable. Hence, public-private partnerships or community-based maintenance models may be explored for sustainable upkeep.

I hope this letter will act as a wake-up call for the concerned officials to take concrete action. Ensuring clean and accessible sanitation is not just a civic responsibility but a matter of public dignity and health.

Richard Nath

(richardnath942@gmail.com)

Rising Deforestation

Through the columns of your esteemed newspaper, I wish to express my concern about the growing issue of deforestation and its serious link to climate change. Trees play a vital role in maintaining ecological balance, yet forests are being cut down at an alarming rate for urbanization and commercial use.

This large-scale deforestation is contributing significantly to rising global temperatures, erratic weather patterns, and loss of biodiversity. It is high time that strict laws are implemented to protect forests and promote afforestation. I hope this letter will draw attention to this urgent issue and encourage both authorities and citizens to take immediate action.

Karanjit Das

(karanjitdas464@gmail.com)