Letters to the Editor: Water pipe bursts causing inconvenience

Water pipe bursts causing inconvenience

I am writing to express my concern regarding the persistent issue of water pipe bursts that has been troubling several localities across Guwahati. These incidents are not only causing water scarcity but also leading to water wastage, road damage, and serious inconvenience to the public.

Almost every week, residents wake up to news of a fresh pipeline burst — whether it’s in Zoo Road, Beltola, or Ulubari. The recurring nature of this problem points to poor infrastructure maintenance and delayed response from the concerned departments. During these bursts, gallons of water flow unchecked onto the streets, creating traffic chaos and posing risks to pedestrians, especially children and the elderly. In some cases, roads become dangerously slippery or even collapse due to erosion.

Moreover, the repair work often takes days, leaving entire neighbourhoods without access to clean drinking water. This situation is particularly alarming during the summer months when the demand for water is already high. I urge the concerned authorities to take this matter seriously. Regular inspections, timely repairs, and upgrading of old pipelines must be prioritized. Public safety and water conservation must not be compromised any longer. I hope this letter finds space in your esteemed publication and draws the attention of the authorities for immediate action.

Darshana Nath

Gauhati University

HSLC: The successful and unsuccessful candidates

The timely declaration of the state's High School Leaving Certificate (HSLC) examination for 2025 by the newly constituted Assam State Education Board (ASSEB) was a momentous occasion for students, parents and educators alike, as it brought about transparency and responsibility to the state's educational system. This deserves to be appreciated, as the examination process reflected a significant shift from memorising tradition to one based on real knowledge and concepts. This year's HSLC examination's overall lower pass percentage as compared to that of 2023 or 2024 has no doubt disappointed all. The Sunday, April 13 editorial, 'HSLC: The successful... And the unsuccessful', has rightly said that finding a way to accommodate all the 2.70 lakh successful candidates in the next phase of education is as difficult and challenging as the task of finding the way forward for the huge chunk of 1,52,266 failed candidates in the HSLC examination. Following the declaration of results, successful students find themselves at a crossroads regarding the selection of their future academic stream. This decision is pivotal, as it can set the trajectory for their career and personal fulfilment. It has been observed that this process is frequently overshadowed by the weight of parental desire to secure their children's future, advocating for the science stream, equating it with better career prospects. This well-intentioned guidance, however, can become a source of immense pressure for students whose interests lie elsewhere. Instead, parents should encourage them to explore subjects that fascinate them and to engage in activities that align with their aspirations or strengths. Another big problem is with young boys and girls who were unsuccessful in this year's HSLC examination, who will remain as drop-outs through no fault of theirs. It actually happens so due to the insincerity of certain teachers, who do not discharge their normal duties with utmost sincerity and dedication. But who will take punitive action against such teachers when the so-called inspectors and deputy inspectors of schools, who draw fat salaries and very often are accused of malpractices and corruption, are reportedly indifferent and irregular in their respective duties under their jurisdiction? The concerned education department therefore needs to hold them responsible and accountable as far as unsuccessful candidates are concerned. There is no doubt that the candidates who have failed in the HSLC examination constitute potential human resources, and transforming them into human capital is the need of the hour.

They should be engaged in the ITI for the development of small-scale industries and various kinds of mechanical works in automobiles, electricity, construction and other service sectors so that there is no dearth of trained manpower. It would definitely be better if such youths were trained at agricultural training centres for agricultural modernisation and development so that they could become part of the productive workforce to overhaul the socio-economic condition. With this utter reality in mind, parents and teachers must put their efforts into developing skills among these failed youths, and skilling and enriching these youths of the state with requisite skills therefore needs to be geared up to prevent them from indulging in various kinds of anti-social activities because of their frustration and sedentary lifestyle. What is most important is to create an environment around us where our students realise that education is not just about scoring well in exams; it is about acquiring knowledge, developing critical thinking and applying it to real-life situations to cope with stress and emotions and live productively within society.

Iqbal Saikia,

Guwahati.

Blind beliefs in modern society

In today’s technologically advanced and scientifically aware world, it is surprising that blind beliefs still hold a strong grip on many people. Despite access to education and information, superstitions and irrational practices continue to thrive. Blind beliefs refer to unquestioned acceptance of certain ideas or customs without logical reasoning or evidence. These may include fear of black cats, belief in astrology, reliance on godmen, or harmful rituals. Often rooted in tradition, these beliefs are passed down through generations and followed blindly, even if they cause harm or hinder progress.

In modern society, blind beliefs can lead to exploitation, fear, discrimination, and even violence. They can prevent individuals from seeking medical help, trusting science, or making informed decisions. Media, fake news, and lack of critical thinking further amplify these issues. While faith and culture are important, it is essential to separate them from superstition. Encouraging scientific temper, questioning outdated practices, and promoting rational thinking are key to overcoming the negative effects of blind beliefs. As responsible members of society, we must challenge such beliefs respectfully and strive to build a future based on knowledge, awareness, and empathy.

Sunita Ray

R.G.Baruah College.

Chicken’s Neck in peril amid Bangladesh’s shift

The Siliguri Corridor, colloquially known as the "Chicken’s Neck", is a narrow strip of land in West Bengal, approximately 22 kilometres at its narrowest, that serves as India’s sole terrestrial link to its eight northeastern states – Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Tripura, and Sikkim. Bordered by Nepal, Bhutan, and Bangladesh, and proximate to China’s Chumbi Valley, this geopolitical chokepoint is vital for India’s economic connectivity and national security. Recent developments in Bangladesh, including political instability and growing alignment with China, have amplified the corridor’s vulnerability, demanding urgent and strategic action from the Indian government. The Siliguri Corridor is not merely a geographic conduit; it is the lifeline for over 50 million people in Northeast India, channelling all land-based trade, military logistics, and civilian movement. A single railway line and limited road infrastructure exacerbate its fragility, making it susceptible to disruptions from natural disasters, insurgencies, or external aggression. Historical events, such as the 1962 Sino-Indian War and the 2017 Doklam standoff, underscored the corridor’s exposure to Chinese strategic ambitions, particularly the risk of a swift advance isolating the Northeast. The corridor’s proximity to Bangladesh adds another layer of complexity, as shifts in Dhaka’s foreign policy directly impact India’s security calculus.

Since the ouster of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in August 2024, Bangladesh’s interim government, led by Muhammad Yunus, has signalled a troubling realignment. Yunus’s remarks during a March 2025 visit to China, describing India’s Northeast as “landlocked” and positioning Bangladesh as the “guardian of ocean access”, sparked outrage in India. These statements, coupled with Bangladesh’s invitation to China for investments in infrastructure projects like the Teesta River initiative and the modernization of Chittagong Port, suggest a deepening Sino-Bangladeshi nexus. Reports of a planned Chinese-funded airfield in Lalmonirhat, near the Chicken’s Neck, further heighten concerns about potential military implications. This pivot coincides with Bangladesh’s warming ties with Pakistan, as evidenced by a reported visit from Pakistani military officials to Rangpur, close to the corridor, in January 2025. The interim government’s anti-India rhetoric and rising Islamic radicalisation exacerbate fears of cross-border infiltration and extremist activities, particularly given the corridor’s demographic shifts. Over the past few decades, unchecked immigration from Bangladesh has altered North Bengal’s religious composition, with some districts now majority-Muslim, raising alarms about internal security threats from groups like Jamaat-ul-Mujahideen Bangladesh. The confluence of external and internal threats places the Siliguri Corridor at unprecedented risk. A Chinese-backed Bangladesh could facilitate surveillance or logistical bases near the corridor, mirroring China’s tactics in Pakistan and Sri Lanka. Any disruption, be it a blockade, terrorist attack, or infrastructure sabotage, could sever the Northeast’s connectivity, crippling India’s economic and defence capabilities. The corridor’s reliance on a single railway line and its vulnerability to landslides amplify these risks, while Bangladesh’s control over ocean access routes, such as Chittagong Port, gives it leverage to influence India’s Northeast trade.

To safeguard the Chicken’s Neck, the Indian government must adopt a multifaceted strategy combining military fortification, infrastructure development, diplomatic engagement, and internal security measures.

1. Bolster Military Preparedness : India has already deployed advanced assets like Rafale jets at Hasimara, BrahMos missiles, and S-400 missile systems in the region. The government should further expand the Trishakti Corps’ capabilities, establish additional Border Security Force (BSF) and army bases in North Dinajpur, and enhance surveillance with drones and satellite monitoring to deter external and internal threats.

2. Diversify Connectivity : Reducing dependence on the Siliguri Corridor is critical. The government should expedite railway projects through Bangladesh, leveraging the 1980 India-Bangladesh Trade Agreement, and develop alternative routes via Nepal, such as the Jogbani-Biratnagar-New Mal Junction link. Investments in Chittagong Port access, as initiated under Hasina, should be secured through diplomatic negotiations to ensure economic viability for Northeast trade.

3. Counter Demographic Shifts : The government must address illegal immigration by completing the India-Bangladesh border fence, particularly in riverine areas, and updating the National Register of Citizens in border districts. Protecting indigenous communities’ land rights, as done in Assam, can prevent further demographic imbalances that threaten national security.

4. Engage Diplomatically : India should leverage regional platforms like BIMSTEC to counter Bangladesh’s destabilising actions and engage Dhaka to restore transit agreements. Quiet support for democratic movements in Bangladesh could foster a government more aligned with India’s interests, reducing reliance on Chinese patronage.

5. Strengthen Northeast Integration : Investments in roads, railways, and digital infrastructure in the Northeast can enhance resilience against corridor disruptions. Underground communication networks in the Chicken’s Neck, as suggested by experts, would provide secure alternatives to surface routes.

The Chicken’s Neck is India’s Achilles’ heel, and Bangladesh’s current trajectory amplifies its vulnerability. The Indian government must treat this as a national security priority, balancing robust defence measures with proactive diplomacy and infrastructure innovation. By fortifying the corridor and diversifying connectivity, India can secure its Northeast and assert its regional influence, ensuring the Chicken’s Neck remains a bridge rather than a breaking point.

Chandan Kumar Nath

Sorbhog, Barpeta