Rabindranath UniversityRecently, a controversy brewed in Assam over the playing of Rabindra Sangeet in Hojai, Rabindranath University, on the occasion of the third foundation day without the approval of the Executive Council, when an Assamese song was already in place. The Vice-Chancellor 'disregarded' the Assamese sentiments and did what he wanted to do. And importantly, this is happening in Assam valley itself.
What Assam University, Silchar have been doing all along are on everybody's radar! Besides, in the Barak Valley, more often than not, we have been observing, how Assamese hoardings are being blackened at ease and we meekly accepted their misdemeanours. This shows nothing but their cultural chauvinistic mindset vis-a-vis our weakness! For all those, the Assamese only are to be blamed. When we have no respect for our language and culture, how do we expect others to respect it? We only have removed Assamese papers from the APSC examination and Assamese subjects from the school's curriculum.
Days are not far when we would not hesitate to ban celebrating Bihu too. Lack of self-respect is the root cause of all the ills that crept into our spirit. We afford them at our peril only! Prafulla Dowarah, Guwahati Environmental problem in AssamAssam experiences perennial environmental problems like floods, riverbank erosion and landslides.
This year, as a result of unseasonal rains early in May, the state came under the grip of severe floods which have so far taken a death toll of 36. Though the flood situation is continuously easing out, as per the last report four districts in the state— Cachar, Kamrup Metro, Morigaon and Udalguri — are still reeling under floods. Besides, the state is facing other major environmental issues like deforestation, climate change, unseasonal rains, air pollution, water-logging, plastic etc.
The scare of flood and accompanying erosions and landslides are still to go through in these coming four months from June-September which is normally the rainy season in the north-eastern region, including Assam. The state administration has not shown enough eagerness and expertise to execute a permanent plan to prevent the exceedingly baneful effects of floods and erosion to date. Similarly, the central notification issued in early August 2021 detailing phasing out single-use plastic (SUP) bags and other identified SUP items was not acted upon with proper urgency by the state administration.
A fairly long time from September 2021 to December 2022 was earmarked for a complete rejection of SUP bags, and under-used plastic plates, glass, cups, forks, spoons, straws including plastic sticks with candy/ice cream and plastic packing materials etc, but the authorities concerned did not seem to have taken the timely initiative. 'world environment day is observed on 5th June every year. This year's theme of the celebration was 'only one earth'.
That's why we need a clean environment for our survival, for flora, fauna and other organisms on this planet earth and also to leave a hospitable environment for posterity. As per the latest direction of the Central Pollution Board, the urban local bodies have been entrusted to ensure the plastic ban is a success for which the Guwahati Municipal Corporation and other municipal boards in the state have to show results with their utmost effort and commitment. But the combined efforts of all stakeholders including the Government, and local bodies and also endeavour to enlist the support of the citizens are needed for a fruitful outcome.
Pannalal Dey, Guwahati. Climate changeThe human-caused climate change, together with other dangers such as habitat destruction and biodiversity loss, will put people and nature at risk. Even exceeding 1.
5°C for a short period will have serious consequences, some of which will be irreversible. COVID-19 and climate change are two major concerns that the world is experiencing. Both require that we work together internationally to find a solution.
Chandan Kumar Nath, Tezpur University.
