Letters to the Editor: Wetlands: Our productive ecosystem

Wetlands: Our productive ecosystem

The much-awaited news article titled 'Wetlands identified in Assam for enhancement of floodwater retention', published in your esteemed daily on April 9 has delighted every ecologist and environmentalist in the state. As reported, the state government has identified 16 wetlands, often referred to as the 'kidney of the landscape', in the flood-prone districts in the state to enhance water retention capacity and mitigate the risk of flooding and erosion. Needless to say, the huge network of embankments along the rivers has already done serious harm to the river ecology by constricting the rivers from replenishing croplands and wetlands while causing riverbeds to rise abnormally due to deposition of silt. The state's wetlands today stand eroded not just by the embankments but also by widespread anthropogenic pressure, especially encroachment, agriculture, infrastructure building, etc. It is heartening to learn that the state government will approach the Centre for the funding, amounting to Rs 634.83 crore for restoration and rejuvenation of the state's wetlands, which act as the natural floodwater reservoirs, under the National Mitigation Fund. An important task the authorities need to accomplish is considering linking the flood-prone rivers, the Brahmaputra in particular, with the many wetlands that lie in their periphery to ease the impact of floods considerably. Wetlands are vital ecosystems that provide numerous environmental, social and economic benefits. Loss of wetlands means the release of stored carbon into the atmosphere, which further exacerbates climate change. The importance of public awareness and engaging local communities in wetland conservation efforts is also crucial to safeguard these irreplaceable ecosystems for future generations.

Iqbal Saikia,

Guwahati.

Private hospitals vs. medical college hospitals

It has been observed that around 95% of patients in Assam prefer to seek treatment at private hospitals rather than in the state's medical college hospitals (MCHs). This trend raises several concerns, as MCHs are meant to provide quality healthcare services at affordable rates to the general population. In fact, there have been a few valid reasons why people are reluctant to visit these institutions.

The most significant factors contributing to this shift include long waiting times, overcrowding, and often, inadequate patient care due to insufficient staffing. There are instances where even basic conditions, such as simple fractures, are referred to other MCHs. Subsequently, MCHs are becoming the victims of the trust deficit of the public. Medical college hospitals are frequently burdened with a high patient load, leading to delays in diagnosis and treatment. Moreover, the infrastructure and cleanliness standards in some MCHs fall short of expectations, which can discourage patients.

To address these issues and attract more patients to MCHs, several measures need to be implemented. First, improving the infrastructure and hygiene standards in these hospitals would help build trust and comfort among patients. Additionally, investing in efficient management systems can reduce waiting times and ensure timely care. Increasing the number of qualified healthcare professionals would also improve the quality of service. Lastly, creating awareness through outreach programmes and offering affordable treatment packages could encourage patients to visit these hospitals for specialised care.

By addressing these challenges, medical college hospitals in Assam can regain the confidence of patients and provide quality healthcare to a larger section of the population.

Prafulla Dowarah

Guwahati

Drowning deaths

Annually, about three lakh people die from drowning worldwide. In India alone, drowning claims approximately thirty-five thousand lives every year. Limited safety measures and inadequate infrastructure are the leading reasons. People's undue inquisitiveness, natural tendency to enjoy, risk-taking audacity, and paucity of knowledge about safe swimming push them to danger zones. Furthermore, substance-addicted people are known to get in the water without a care in the world. It cannot be lost sight of the fact that women and children rarely employ life jackets while entering public water bodies. Although lifeguards are visible in the vicinity of major oceans, that is hardly the case near other water bodies like rivers and lakes. Goa is one state in India that has a government-run lifeguard system. Governments should erect warning boards at every corner of beaches. Visitors to beaches should be aware of sea vagaries like rip currents and shore breaks. Lightning and sand holes could also be dangerous. Teaching swimming in the curriculum can be a lifesaving measure. The WHO's First Global Status Report on Drowning Prevention noted that Southeast Asia contributed heavily to the drowning burden. The report says that prevention of drowning is essentially an issue of "equity" on a larger scale demanding global collaboration.

Dr Ganapathi Bhat

(gbhat13@gmail.com)

Significance of Mahavir Jayanti

Mahavir Jayanti holds great spiritual and cultural significance for the Jain community, as it commemorates the birth of Lord Mahavir, the 24th and last Tirthankara. Celebrated with devotion and reverence, the festival highlights the teachings of Lord Mahavir. It's a day to reflect on his path of renunciation and self-discipline, and devotees mark the occasion with prayers, temple visits, charitable acts, and community service, aiming to live by his message of peace and spiritual awakening. Devotees celebrate Mahavir Jayanti with devotion and enthusiasm, marked by rituals, processions, and acts of kindness. One of the key highlights is the Rath Yatra, where Lord Mahavir's idol is placed on a decorated chariot and taken out in a grand procession accompanied by devotional songs and chanting. Unity in diversity is prevailing, and people enjoy religious freedom in India.

Mani Ramani Jayanthy

(mrjayanthi@yahoo.in)