[dropcap]C[/dropcap]alling all Nagaland”- this was the awakening call in the 70’s and 80’s from All India Radio (AIR) Kohima. Using this clarion call, the article aims to stir our conscience on the present scenario of our state, thereby provoking positive responses from all and sundry.
Our “roads”- except for few kilometers here and there, is in a shameful state of affairs. Chronic traffic jams, potholes of all shapes and sizes, poor quality of materials and workmanship, no drainage system, garbage dumps beautifully lining our roads/streets/lanes and colonies, no street lamps and so on is the present scenario. Besides the sorry road conditions, one feels sorry for the traffic cops-they try, oh yes, they do-through heat, dust, rain, cold weather and the numerous trucks/buses with diesel fumes billowing black smokes adding to the pollution. Then, their very authority as traffic controllers is blown away by speeding police escorts of VIP vehicles. Where then is good governance? If the very person entrusted to govern judiciously and enforce proper implementation of law, rampantly disregard it blatantly- who will follow the laws of the land as constituted? Do the constitution/laws and government guidelines have a special/separate chapter on breaking traffic rules or regulations for VIP and police vehicle? I need enlightenment on this.The least said the better for District Administration, Municipal Officials, Colony/Community leaders to take responsibility of their assignments, roadside encroachment, dumping of building materials, parking of vehicles on public roads. Vehicle repair/workshop at every nook and corner within town/city locations, vehicle servicing centers with water flowing and transforming whatever pliable roads, into riverbeds. The ad on “Gas Laaga Raha He Yeh Pig Stench Laga Rahe Ho” aptly describes the stink of pigs’ sty/mohol offal drainage of wayside meat stalls, along the new market road and one is daily subjected to this wonderful nasal experience. All these factors are never looked into thereby choking the already narrow roads and lanes. The department officials of town planning are totally made redundant as every individual builds his/her constructions without obtaining clearance from any of the departments that are assign to do so. Piles of timbers and logs are allowed to be stock and processed in the busiest and narrow streets with total disregard to safety norms-thereby a disaster waiting to happen. Parking of vehicles in public thoroughfare outside the residential area further adds to the woes of smooth travel in and around the city/town and colonies.
One is amazed at the countless number of city buses, taxis, Tata mobiles, dumper trucks, etc (disproportionate to the size of the road) happily adding to the traffic congestion. The transport department in Mizoram has banned purchase of any vehicles without verification of the owner having a garage- Can one dare our government to issue such an order? ISBT in the Capital city is not even in the planning stage under the Urbanization Scheme of the Capital, then what about the public parking lots, pedestrian paths and No Parking Zone within the main town?
Many Hill Stations in the country have successfully implemented traffic rules in order to contain pollution, the fragile topography and attract eco-tourism- Do we also envision such progressive steps?
Trucks with essential commodities are regulated within specific time zone in majority of the states to avoid traffic congestions- What about us?
Whenever Hornbill Festival or visit from VVIP approaches, there is a frenzy of repairs in the most haphazard manner; Office goers like me are stranded for 2-3 hours on an average, in traffic jams with bursting bladders and frustration. God forbid if there is someone out there with labor pain, impending heart-attacks or even loose motion!
We need to give our support to the Traffic Police for our own comfort- Think about it and let us act responsibly.
DR N.L.CHANGKIJA
A weary traveller on the road
