Foundation-stone laying ceremonies vis-à-vis corruption: Letters to The EDITOR

Foundation-stone laying ceremonies vis-à-vis corruption: Letters to The EDITOR

Foundation-stone laying ceremonies vis-à-vis corruption

There has been a sudden spurt in foundation stone-laying ceremonies. Of course, such a ceremony is not new for us. We noticed such ceremonies even during the successive Congress governments. These phenomena are a common sight in Assam particularly when election approaches. However, many of such foundation stones are allowed to remain dilapidated with the passage of time. What is, however, apparent is the lack of sincerity in giving concrete shapes to the projects including the roads, bridges or projects for which the foundation stones had been laid.

So, we cannot take it for granted that the proposed projects would see the light of day. What we contend was true in the case of successive Congress governments. But in the case of BJP, whether or not the proposed projects would be constructed lies in the realm of speculation. As far as Assam is concerned, the BJP is definitely ahead of the Congress in executing certain important projects. Completion of the Bogibeel bridge is a case in point. But, dilapidated bridges of bamboo or wooden structures can still be seen in many areas across the State. Corruption does stand on the way of development. Can this malady (corruption) be eradicated; at least would the Congress and the BJP give this guarantee to the electorates?

Ashok Bordoloi,

Dibrugarh.

Prompt disposal of carcasses

More often than not we come across carcasses on the middle of roads. It is a sad fact that thousands of animals get killed on roads including the national highways due to rash driving every year. Besides pigeons, the animals that fall victims are dogs, cows, rabbits, squirrels, and foxes.

Carcasses on roads prove to be dangerous for night riders as well. Fatal accidents may occur as drivers may lose control of their vehicles or the vehicles may even skid after hitting the carcasses. During night time, other animals like rodents come out to eat the dead animals and this could also lead to more accidents.

Moreover, improper carcass disposal can have negative effects on environments, humans and other animal health. Poor carcass disposal can result in contamination of soil, ground water and waterways as also pollute air. Poorly disposed carcasses can lead to diseases through scavengers, mosquitoes and vermin. Bacterial infections can also spread from such unattended carcasses. Plague, fever, campylobacter infection, leptospirosis infection, salmonella infection are a few of such infections that humans can suffer. Zoonosis diseases such as equine encephalitis, Japanese encephalitis, West Nile viruses, Ebola virus, swine flu, bird flu etc. may pass from rotten dead animals to human body easily.

Therefore effective preparedness is very important for dead animal disposal. Carcass disposal should occur soon after an animal dies. A streamlined system must be in place to address this issue.

Ahmedabad has more than 50 dead animal removal helpline numbers assigned according to the wards and localities. The Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) also has a dead animal disposal unit with 24 hours helpline numbers.

So to ensure safety of the mankind and other livestock, the authority concerned in Guwahati city can also follow the dead animal disposal management system as is done in other cities. Helpline numbers can be assigned locality-wise.

Khagen Swargiary,

Khanapara, Guwahati.

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