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| WATER: Precious commodity. Telegraph picture |
The proposed hike of water cess from Rs 7 to Rs 18 per 1,000 litres is abnormal, arbitrary, disproportionate and unjust.
The Assam Urban Water Supply and Sewerage Board has decided to raise water cess by 157 per cent, which will certainly hit the consumers hard. Electricity and other charges, too, have gone up over the past years and a rise in the water rates was necessary to sustain the water supply board. But this new rate is simply absurd! Consumers should protest against this move and the government should reconsider its decision and review the water cess rate.
B.K. Bhattacharyya,
Guwahati
The unsavoury incident that took place at the AGP’s seventh triennial conference clearly indicates that the tall promises and claims of AGP leaders to restore and protect our regional politics and regional identity are just that — claims. It seems that the AGP leaders have bestowed the responsibility of protecting our regional identity on a section of people who do not even hesitate to vandalise one of the most valued public properties — the Pragjyoti ITA Cultural Centre for Performing Arts.
The newly-elected leaders of the AGP should think about these issues seriously, instead of playing with the sentiments of the people of the state.
Udit Bhanu Barthakur,
Nagaon
Jyotiprasad’s Joymoti is the first Assamese film. It is considered a marvel for Assamese cinema and holds a prestigious position in India’s cinematic history.
I was happy to know that Bholaguri tea estate, where Joymoti was filmed, will be turned into a heritage site.
I want to thank the state government and education minister Ripun Bora, who has taken this step in keeping alive our glorious memory. Bholaguri tea estate will always remind us about the glory of Jyotiprasad Agarwala and his Joymoti.
Gitakshi Saikia,
Sonitpur
In the last three years Guwahati has witnessed a renaissance.
There is a new breed of development in terms of pub culture. In a congested room with music playing at unhealthy decibels, you get to witness body language like nowhere else.
This is a Guwahati hurtling towards degeneration.
The pubs, mostly located in the key areas of the city, are frequented by large number of college students. They drink to create a milieu for bonding but ultimately end up on hard drugs. As a consequence, drugs addiction is on the rise in the city.
The government should ensure that development does not mean more bars, discotheques and giant hotels, but develop better drainage facilities, good roads, better employment avenues for the youth and most importantly, peaceful living conditions for the citizens.
Sheetal Sharma,
Guwahati
