Letters to the EDITOR: The vanishing winters of Guwahati

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The vanishing winters of Guwahati

As I write this letter, Guwahati is experiencing an unusually warm winter. The temperature has been consistently higher than average, making it feel more like autumn than winter. This trend is not only uncomfortable but also alarming. Guwahati's winters are typically mild, with average temperatures ranging from 10°C to 20°C. However, this year's winter has been marked by a significant rise in temperature, making it difficult for residents to enjoy the season. The reasons for this warming trend are complex and multifaceted. Climate change, urbanisation, and pollution are all contributing factors. As our city continues to grow and develop, it's essential that we take steps to mitigate the effects of climate change and protect our environment.

Guwahati has a humid subtropical climate, falling just short of a tropical savanna climate.

Visiting the largest city in the northeastern state of Assam is a unique experience where tradition meets modernity. With its rich cultural heritage, vibrant lifestyle, and scenic beauty, life in Guwahati offers something for everyone. The best time to visit Guwahati is from the months of October to April. Guwahati's weather at the time remains cold, yet pleasant enough for offering the ideal season for sightseeing. The coldest month is January, with an average low temperature of 10.5°C.  The winters of Guwahati are changing due to global warming and deforestation, with above-normal temperatures and less fog. In November this year, temperatures in Guwahati were warmer than usual, reaching 30°C. There was also some rainfall, which caused some areas to become waterlogged. Foggy mornings in Guwahati are typically expected in November, but there were no forecasts of fog until November 22, 2024.

The winter season in Guwahati has changed, but not for the better. I urge the authorities to take immediate action to address this issue. We need to invest in sustainable infrastructure, promote eco-friendly practices, and raise awareness about the importance of environmental conservation. Let's work together to preserve the beauty and charm of Guwahati's winters.

Bivro Chowdhury

(bivrochowdhury@gmail.com)

Embracing the new education policy

I’m really excited to give my view on the New Education Policy (NEP) that’s been creating a lot of hype among students, teachers, and parents. I believe it could actually change the way education works in India. One thing I love about the NEP is its emphasis on skill-based learning. Too often, it feels like we’re just memorising theories without actually being taught how to use them in real life. With the NEP putting a spotlight on vocational education and skill development, students like me will be more equipped for work once we finish college. Another big change is the flexibility in what we want to choose. Right now we have to choose from science, commerce, or humanities, which can feel pretty limiting. The NEP wants us to take subjects of different streams, which means we can actually pursue our interests and study what we really like. The NEP also encourages more hands-on learning and critical thinking. This will help us develop important life skills. By encouraging us to think outside of the box and solve problems ourselves, we’ll be much better equipped to deal with the obstacles that come our way in today’s world. There are always problems while implementing new ideas, but I really believe that the NEP can change our education for the best. As a student, I am eager to be a part of this positive change.

Dikshita Choudhury

Pragjyotish College

Guwahati

Rising concern over fake policemen

Through the columns of your esteemed newspaper, I would like to draw attention to a concerning issue that has been surfacing in our society: the alarming rise of fake policemen deceiving unsuspecting citizens. There have been multiple reports of individuals impersonating police officers to extort money, gain unauthorised access to private property, or carry out other unlawful activities. These fraudsters often target the elderly, tourists, or those unfamiliar with legal protocols, exploiting their vulnerability. Such incidents not only jeopardize the safety of citizens but also tarnish the reputation of our law enforcement agencies. Many people, out of fear or ignorance, fail to report these cases, allowing the culprits to operate with impunity.

I urge the authorities to address this issue by increasing public awareness, verifying the credentials of law enforcement officials during interactions, and taking strict legal action against such impersonators. Additionally, citizens should be encouraged to report suspicious behaviour and educated on how to differentiate between genuine and fake policemen. It is crucial to restore trust in our law enforcement system and ensure the safety of our community. I hope this matter is given the attention it deserves.

Phurpa Gombu

Pragjyotish college

Guwahati

Snakebite is now notifiable

Deaths due to snake bites are on the rise in India: approximately 50,000 lives, predominantly in rural India, are lost following an estimated 3 to 4 lakh snake bites in a year that account for half the global number. That aside, morbidity and disability caused by snakebites can be excruciating. Against this backdrop, it is commendable that the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has decided to make snakebite cases and deaths "notifiable" and has asked all states to ensure compliance. State governments have been asked to ensure adequate storage of polyvalent anti-venom, which is considered almost 80 percent effective against snakebites. It is very crucial to act swiftly following a snake bite; one hour after the bite is considered the "golden hour."  Reassuring the patients and moving them to a hospital, after immobilisation of the affected limb, are important steps. But the problem lies in the lack of trained manpower and health facilities that can respond to the situation with alacrity. The National Action Plan for Prevention and Control of Snakebite Envenoming (NAPSE) hopes to reduce the snakebite deaths by half by 2030. It also aims to address the lack of systematic data on incidence, mortality, morbidity, socioeconomic challenges, and treatment modalities of snake bites. Moreover, a palpable lack in snakebite cases' surveillance is hoped to be taken care of by NAPSE.

Dr Ganapathi Bhat

(gbhat13@gmail.com)