Letters to the Editor: Fallout of secularism

India, call it fortunately or unfortunately happens to be the only Secular Democratic nation where secularism has become the synonym of appeasement. Interestingly the very appeasement policy of the secular forces is only meant for one particular religion for votes in election. Extreme acts of violence are being perpetrated - like the beheading in Udaipur of one person belonging to the majority community, the recent riots in Kanpur, police station burning in Batadrawa, targeted killing of a particular section named Kashmiri Pandits in Jammu & Kashmir and selective targeting of Hindu supporters of BJP in West Bengal and parts of Kerala - where members of the majority community are the victims. It simply proves that India is heading to be a theocratic Islamic nation like Pakistan, Iran, Syria, Saudi Arabia etc., in no time. Our so-called politicians belonging to INC, SP, TMC, NCP and the Leftists must be waiting in the wings for the moment when our Tricolour would be lowered in Red Fort as it happened in last 15 August and the Pakistani flag will be hoisted in its place.

Is it not a rumbling of distant thunder?

Joel Gayari,

Tangla

Flood disaster

Unlike the previous years, this year's flood is different in ferocity and extensive damage. Even before the onset of monsoon in Assam this year, incessant rain in the early May inundated vast areas and reports of deaths and large-scale devastations were pouring in from across the State. Further, the overwhelming damage and grief of the flood-affected people have been rapidly worsened by spillover of flood water from rivers and tributaries as a result of strangulation of these waterways by sand bars due to continual siltation, thereby losing the normal flow of water. Part of the problem is also man-made as the authorities concerned have not faced the challenge with seriousness. It has been now amply clear over the years that yearly routine work of repair and restoration on the damaged/breached embankments have not been productive. Already two waves of flood have occurred in the State, in which the death toll is high with 170-plus fatalities so far. It is apprehended that few more waves of killer flood may be faced in the remaining three monsoon months.

At this crucial juncture, the State must move fast and commit to long-term measures to manage its water resources in a holistic way to avert annual disaster like flood and erosion. Otherwise, Assam's tryst with devastating floods shall be a lasting tragedy, leaving behind a tale of death and destruction each time. The expert opinion available on long-term measures speaks in favor of river dredging, constructing feeder canal and inter-linking of rivers as well as restoration work of primordial wetlands, beels and lakes. Secondly, the conservation of rain water is yet another unexplored area which should be adopted with latest technology for multipurpose public benefit. Thirdly, Nature's bounty of water can be availed of in overall development of the State in provisioning drinking water, agriculture, fishery development etc. The execution of all such important works should be carried out under close supervision of professional experts and, not the least, the quality of materials to be used on works should be as specified in the tender.

Pannalal Dey,

Guwahati.

Water harvesting or flood control?

One should not get confused between water harvesting and flood control measures. By making some ponds here and there, rain water can be harvested. For sure, that can't be a solution to control flood. If wetlands of Guwahati and as well as the Deepor Beel area can be restored to their original positions, that will definitely help absorb some excess rain water. However, reversal of the process is impossible! It is wrong to suggest that the recent spell of excess rainfall was the only factor responsible for creating an unprecedented flood situation across Assam. Release of excess water from various dams of hydroelectric power plants (operational/under construction) and breach of dykes in many place have also contributed immensely to creating flood fury in the State.

Events of Dima- Hasao and Manipur have opened the eyes of many. Without doubt, those are man-made disasters. Nature's fury is understandable! Unscientific and flawed approach to development work is responsible for taking a toll of human lives and property. Who can ensure that there would be no mishap in 2000 MW Lower Subansiri Hydroelectric Power project being constructed by NHPC?

Prafulla Dowarah,

Guwahati.