G Plus Volume 1 Issue 43 by G Plus

VOL 01 | ISSUE 43 | JUL 26 - AUG 1, 2014

`10 ges 24 Pa

GUWAHATI THE YEAR AFTER The ward councillors and the Mayor have just completed a year in office after the GMC elections as G Plus takes stock of the situation.

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Scarlett Johansson Catching Up, Pg 24

Has it ALL gone wrong for hbs?

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G PLUS JUN 26 - AUG 01, 2014

Lead Story

G Plus Ward Watch highlights Ward Concentrated No. Region

WARD NO 20

WARD NO 14

THE YEAR AFTER T

The chief

The head of all the councillors, the city Mayor Abir Patra narrated the kind of challenges the council faced after forming the corporation last year. He said, “When we started, we faced challenges in almost all the aspects of development in the city. There were many major problems like garbage management, drainage system, streetlights, drinking water, road conditions and more. As the council was formed after 10 years, we faced numerous hurdles resuming the work in an organised manner. Soon after forming the council last year, the first challenge that we faced was the dengue threat. With the help of the health department we made sure that the disease did not spread in the city and there were two reported deaths. As it is just the first year, we initially decided to resolve the drainage problem and also the street lights issue. We repaired all the faulty street lights and the work is still going on for which we received an amount of Rs 3.77 cores.” He further added, “The GS Road, Zoo Narangi road, MK Path and many other city roads which were under PWD has been taken over by the corporation and we are taking

Pandu Road

Road

Nilachal Hills

None

katabari

Roads, Voltage Fluctuation

Nizaramukh path

Drinking water, robbery

SRCB Road

Parking, Electrical Wires

KC Road

Road condition, traffic congestion, garbage

Hedayatpur

Theft

Lamb Road

Water logging

The ward councillors and the Mayor have just completed a year in office after the GMC elections as G Plus takes stock of the situation.

Krishnanagar

Minimal

Navagraha Road

Inconclusive state

RAHUL CHANDA

Nizarapar

Roads, Drinking water, garbage

WARD NO 12 he Guwahati Municipal Corporation elections finally happened in June last year, after ten years and within 2-3 months, the council was formed. Now, it has been almost one year since the council was formed and Guwahati as a city still requires a lot to be called a developed city. When the GMC was functioning without the elected councillors for almost ten years, have the elected ward representatives made any difference to the city now? Is the city Mayor as influential and powerful as he or she should be? What are the challenges which the new council faced and what sort of help did they receive from the government? G Plus takes a look at the report card of the oneyear-old council.

Major Issues

There are many problems in our ward like lack of proper drinking water, bad roads and electricity but there is not enough funds to tackle the problems. `30 lakhs sounds like a huge amount, but it is not and it is directly given to the people who will carry out the work through tenders. We submitted the requirement but it was informed that with this money not all the work can be completed.” Ranjit Barman CouncilLoR, Ward Number 19 care of them. All the councillors of the 31 city wards were provided with Rs 30 lakhs each for development in their wards and the work has already begun in some wards.” He also went on to speak about the recent introduction of the NGOs in the garbage management and expressed his confidence that it would work out gradually with time.

The Power of One

In the city administration structure, the mayor is supposed to be one of the most powerful figures in the city. Is the case same in Guwahati as well? Well, Abir Patra does feel that he has adequate powers to change the city. He said, “We are getting full support from the government and the Chief Minister but even then, in 1992 according to a corporation act, Mayors or Corporations were suppose to get 18 important departments, but in Guwahati there are only 4 departments under the corporation so our powers are restricted. There are departments like forests, water

WARD NO 24

resources and fire, which are not under us. If certain things related to these departments go wrong, people blame us. So, there should be a decision in the cabinet to bring all these 18 departments under the corporation. These departments have huge budgets which can be utilised for city development.” Patra also added that this is for the last time he becomes the Mayor of the city and in future he might not contest the elections. He also requested the city people to support the corporation to change the city and after his five-year tenure, he is confident that Guwahati will be a completely developed city.

The councillors

Pradip Roy, councillor of Ward number 3 is happy with the support provided to him by the authorities and feels that his ward has some of the best roads in not only Guwahati but in entire Assam. He said, “We did not face any tough challenge as everything in my ward is going smooth except the street lights issue which is also getting resolved.” Ward number 28 councillor Bhagya Ram Teron said, “some major problems of our ward is street lights and poor drainage system but after receiving Rs 30 lakhs from the GMC, the work has already started. There are 17 roads that need to be repaired and the tender process for some has already been started. We need some more funds to complete the development faster.” Councillor Swapan Das of Ward

Piyuli Phukan road

Roads

Rupnagar

Incomplete roads

MG Path

Water logging, Roads

Tarun Nagar

Drainage

Manik Nagar

Water Logging, Theft

Narengi

Roads

Bodo Chowk

Driking water, Low voltage

Ajanta Path

Roads

Lakhmi Nagar

Narrow roads

Baghorbori

Gravelled road

number 31 mentioned some serious issues in his ward. He said, “Because there are many hills in our ward, illegal hill cutting is a major issue. We don’t have the executive powers so it is difficult for us to stop the hill cutting which is already banned. Because of this, the mud comes down during rainfall and blocks the drains, which cause water logging and urban floods. The fund that we have received will be used for proper drainage system but it is not enough. There should be more funds allocated, which will help worksto get completed faster.” He added that there are many meetings happening every now and then, but making decisions takes time which is a problem. Similarly, Ranjit Barman of Ward Number 19 also feels that the funds allotted are not sufficient and are not granted in time. He said, “There are many problems in our ward like lack of proper drinking water, bad roads and electricity but there is not enough funds to tackle the problems. Rs 30 lakhs sounds like a huge amount, but it is not and it is directly given to the people who will carry out the work through tenders. We submitted the requirement but it was informed that with this money not all the work can be completed.” The funds seem to be a major problem and most of the ward councillors are of the same opinion. Quick decisions seem to be another problem as cited by these elected members and slows donw the entire development process. Right after the formation of

the council last year, G Plus has been covering many areas of the different wards and according to our watch there are a few problems in every area.

People

Nabajyoti Kalita of Ward Number 20 said that previously the problem was that there was nobody to talk to if there was a problem, but now they can talk to their councillor Anima Deka who acts on any given problem and if not resolved, she at least assures that the issue will be resolved. Nilanjana Das of Ward Number 12 feels that the councillors existence was only noticed for a few days when the GMC elections were there, but after a month, she stopped hearing about any activity in the area by the councillor. She said, “I don’t even know where the councillor stays and how to contact him. I feel that there is no difference between now and the 10 years we spent without any councillor. I have decided that I will never waste my time voting for such elections.” People have both positive as well as negative opinions about the council and the only thing which can prove otherwise is their work. The authorities on their part, will have to back the council for the work. The councillors should think more on people’s involvement and pressurise the authorities to speed up the decision making process. Four years are still left and it is enough time for a city to decide.

rahul.chanda@g-plus.in

G PLUS JUL 26 - AUG 01, 2014

G-View

THREAT TO LGBI AIRPORT The recent anti-encroachment drive has earned both applause and brickbats for the government, but certain sidelights have also come into play during this mission.

Mrinmoyee Hazarika

he contradictory pattern of work shown on the part of the government while cleaning up the natural channels of the city to prevent the problem of flash flood has raised the eyebrows of many. Some of these might pose great danger to the lone international airport of the North east – Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International airport, Guwahati. The government, which has been exhibiting its strict determination while freeing the natural channels from encroachment in the current anti-encroachment drive going on in different rivers and wetlands of the city, on the other hand, is initiating to acquire and hand over huge areas of lands falling under the Doboka wetland in the Azara revenue circle, to Assam Rifles, not far away from the LGBI airport. As many as 835 bighas of agricultural land located in Pachanipara and Matikutuni village near Doboka had been earmarked for requisition by the government in the year 2006 for the construction of Assam Rifle’s headquarters. “If the Doboka beel is filled up with earth, then there will be no way left for the water of the Kalmani river, which flows through both Pachanipara and Matikutuni village to flow down and it will inundate all the nearby agricultural lands and the villages. Since, the beel, which is connected to Deepor beel is located not far away from the LGBI airport, there is a chance that the airport will get submerged if the beel gets filled up,” Moloy Baruah, President, Early Birds, a city based environment organisation told G Plus. The Doboka beel that absorbs the excess rainwater and helps in maintaining a balanced eco system, is a breeding

If the Doboka beel is filled up with earth, then there will be no way left for the water of the Kalmani river, which flows through both Pachanipara and Matikutuni village to flow down and it will inundate all the nearby agricultural lands and the villages. Since, the beel, which is connected to Deepor beel is located not far away from the LGBI airport, there is a chance that the airport will get submerged if the beel gets filled up

Moloy Baruah, President, Early Birds, a city based environment organisation

ground for many birds and fishes. “We have moved the court to challenge the government’s decision of acquisition of agricultural land and wetland for constructional activities and had filed a PIL in 2011. The Gauhati high court dismissed the PIL the next year and almost instantly, we moved to the Supreme Court. Now, we are waiting for the final hearing on the same,” Moloy Baruah said. Baruah also said that since the matter is now under prosecution, no one can take any further steps in the matter until the final hearing comes up. But, a few months back, the Assam Rifles forcefully tried to acquire the disputed land in Doboka. However, with the prompt action taken by the local villagers, the Assam Rifles could were not able to take over the land. The Assam Rifle’s has erected boundary posts in the area. “We had sent petitions to the Union government and even to the President and bowing to the opposition to the move, the state government had put the acquisition on hold. The then revenue minister Bhumidhar Barman stated in the assembly that the

government would find another plot near the Assam Meghalaya border for the construction of the Assam Rifle’s headquarter instead of Pachanipara and Matikutuni village. But, again, the revenue department has chosen the same plot for the battalion,” Ahab Ali of Pachanipara, whose six bighas of land are under acquisition, said. The locals of Pachanipara village also stated that some of the landowners, who had no interest in cultivating their land, agreed to the acquisition first and indirectly put pressure on others. The villagers have alleged that the landowners, with vested interests, have even gone up to the extent of blackmailing the others to give up their pieces of lands. “The lands are some of the most fertile lands in the state and the farmers in Pachanipara, Matikutuni and nearby villages have been cultivating in those lands for ages without taking the help of irrigation or using any chemicals. If these lands are acquired forcefully, the farmers will lose their means of livelihood. Besides, the government is paying much less to the farmers against their acquired lands,”

Ali said. The government is paying `4.26 lakh for each bigha of land, while the market rate of the same is more than `10 lakh. Moloy Baruah of Early Birds stated that the entire city would be affected if the wetland is filled up. “It is a good move on the part of the government to clear the natural channels of the city and all the wetlands, including the Deepor beel, should be made free from encroach-

ment. In order to protect the wetlands, it is very important to demarcate the boundaries of all the wetlands first and the government should continue the anti-encroachment drive in the city without any pause. But at the same time, the government should withdraw its recent notice which allows converting agricultural lands into non-agricultural lands,” Moloy Baruah opined.

mrinmoyee.hazarika@g-plus.in

G PLUS JUN 26 - AUG 01, 2014

In The News

PILOT PROJECT

ON FLOOD EROSION IN GHY

VILLAGE INITIATIVE AGAINST

HILL CUTTING

ADITYA GOGOI

n ambitious project, if implemented successfully, might provide a solution to artificial floods and landslides in the city and hillsides. The ‘Integrated Land Use Planning and Water Resource Management’ (ILPWRM) project of the Union Ministry of Urban Development developed by IIT Guwahati was formally launched in the city in a bid to mitigate the flood and landslide in the city. The project which is being implemented by the Guwahati Metropolitan Development Authority (GMDA) with the assistance from IIT Guwahati and an engineering firm Srishtie as a pilot project in Baikunthapur area, which covers 18 hectres of land in the hills. “It’s a challenging mission for us as because such kinds of work is done before people start their habitations. But here, it’s already a residential area and the earth is already cut in an unscientific way. We have to work on it without changing the existing structure. This is the first of its kind in the country,” Arup Kumar Sarma, head of the civil engineering department of IIT Guwahati who is the principal investigator of centre of excellence for ILPWRM, told G Plus. Accordingly, plantation will be carried out in the hill side besides proper scientific drainage system, to control the water flow. A reservoir of water will be built at the basin to gather the water and sediments. The pilot project costing `4.31 crore will be completed in March 2015. It is expected that this will help in a great way in mitigating the artificial flood in the city. It will be completed with the assistance of all the government agencies, which includes Soil Conservation department, Guwahati Municipal Corporation, GMDA and forest depart-

Objectives of the Centre • To develop necessary digital topographic database required for urban planning in hilly areas • To develop GIS based rainfall-runoff and sediment yield model applicable in hilly urban areas • Establishing an experimental watershed for evaluating impact of urbanization in hilly area • Development of optimal ecological management practices for controlling sediment and water yield from a hilly watershed

ment among others. J N Khataniar, the chief consultant of Srishtie who prepared the Detailed Project Report (DPR) said that it is a process of living with the nature in a scientific way. “We are hopeful that this project will be a great help to the people of the city,” said Khataniar. Earlier, Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi had asked the GMDA to implement suggestions given way back in 2008 in the report by the IIT-Guwahati regarding land and water resource management. The locals also feel elated at the initiative for the effort to save the hills.

“We are extremely grateful to the IIT Guwahati and GMDA for their willingness to make our area landslide free. Once completed, the people of the area will be highly benefitted,” said Manoj Baishya, a local. The centre will also concentrate on developing a model for calculating the carrying capacity of hilly terrain of the city based on sustainable use of the available water and land resources and with the constraints of maintaining ecological balance. Furthermore, it will also look at the development of a knowledge hub for providing technical backup and also impart training programs to the local urban bodies.

ven as rampant hill cutting increases the problem in the environment including the floods and landslides in the city, a village within the city – Baikunthapur has taken up praiseworthy steps to save the hills. The village situated just behind the National Games Village in the greater Basistha area, has decided to impose `10,000 as a fine on anyone who is found to be indulging in hill cutting and similar activities, which causes harm to the environment. “We have to be careful in safeguarding the environment. It’s our own responsibility. It was way back in 2013 when we started this rule for the people living in the area,” Manoj Baishya, Joint Secretary of Baikunthapur Naamghar committee said. It started when the villagers found a man to be involved in earth cutting on the hills. He was nabbed and was handed over to police and was imposed a fine of `5, 000 by the locals. He later took oath in a public meeting not to indulge in such activity. “After that we decided to increase the fine so that nobody dares to commit the mistake again. We know that the cutting of the hills is

a major worry at the present time in the city,” Baishya added. The city has been facing a severe crisis from the artificial floods over the last several years. Experts say that the sediments – in the form of earth from the exposed hills, which are carried along with rainwater have filled up the drains. The village has 150 households and everybody is accountable to the Naamghar committee, which also solves the various disputes in the village. “This is the reason we don’t need to visit the police station. We don’t remember going to a police station for the last several years except the case of earth cutting when the villagers handed over the man to the police in 2013. The villagers abide by the verdict given by the Naamghar committee,” said Satish Kalita, president of the committee. The village people also have another reason to rejoice as the ‘Integrated Land Use Planning and Water Resource Management’ (ILPWRM) project of Union Ministry of Urban Development developed by IIT Guwahati was formally launched on Sunday in a bid to mitigate the flood and landslide. It’s a scientific way of living with the nature.

G PLUS JUL 26 - AUG 01, 2014

In The News

CALL TO SAVE NATURAL DRAINS

G Plus feature

n the wake of the government’s initiative against the illegal dwellers in the natural channels of the city Guwahati, a section of the citizens are urging the administration not to overlook the natural drains existing in the city. Similar to the rivers and wetlands, the natural drains of the city have undergone massive encroachment for several decades, which has been worsening the living conditions of the citizens, causing artificial floods with a short spell of rain. “Just clearing the rivers and wetlands will not solve the flash flood issue of the city. In order to find a permanent solution to the problem, the natural drains, which existed once inside the city have to be made free from eviction. These drains have become almost non-existent because of the heavy encroachment going on for a long period of time,” alleges Utpal Das, President, Forum of Conscious Citizen, a city based organisation. Mentioning the example of encroachment going on in the natural drains, Das said, “Because of encroachment, one of the major natural drains, which starts at the Himatsingka petrol pump near AT road and flows down to Bharalu near Vishwaratna

Hotel via Tokoubari, Athgaon and behind Marwari Maternity Hospital has now shrunk down considerably. The drain, which has a length and width of around 378 meter and 4.5-6 metres respectively, has now been converted into a small abandoned drain.” Das also alleged that the Himatsingka petrol pump was constructed right on the starting point of the drain hence blocking and encroaching the drain, which had a width of seven metres at that point. Moreover, around thirty to thirty five numbers of buildings were constructed on the drain near the AT road, which includes the Vishwaratna hotel and two other buildings owned by Himatsingka. “Apart from this, various other constructions including a club, hotel, Durga temple, hardware shops and others have been built right on the drain near the Athgaon area. The authorities of the Marwari Maternity Hospital have also built a portion of their hospital, encroaching the drain,” Utpal Das said. The president of the Forum of Conscious Citizen further alleged that educational institutes like the K C Das Commerce College has been constructed even after the allotment for the same was cancelled in 1995.

A number of existing constructions are under the scanner for being situated on top of natural drains which had existed in Guwahati, blocking the natural flow of water.

“The KC Das commerce college was also constructed on some portions of the drain.” Mentioning about other natural drains which has been facing the same fate of the one located near AT road, Utpal Das said, “Another such drain which flows near Nandan hotel in Paltan bazaar via Nepali mandir to Borsola beel has had to face the wrath of

encroachment. Various other business establishments have been constructed on those drains, which block the water flow in Patan bazaar and Solapara area and causes water logging in those areas. Why did the government grant permission to erect multi-storied buildings on natural drains? Because without the necessary permissions, how come the people are able to

construct buildings on such drains? Government must take action to clear those natural drains in the city. Otherwise, the public will have to suffer from artificial floods in the future too” The organisation also sniffed out a nexus among the bureaucrats, government officials and ministers while granting permissions for constructing buildings on natural channels.

G PLUS JUN 26 - AUG 01, 2014

In The News

LADIES CITY BUS SERVICE STARTED A city bus service designed specifically for the women of Guwahati has been started with an aim to provide safe and secured travel for the ladies. What remains to be seen though is how successful and effective this new service turns out.

SHUBHOJIT ROY

he much awaited city bus service for women is finally here after its flag off ceremony took place last Wednesday morning. The service will exclusively be available for women and kids; and aims to provide safe and stress free journey. Chief Secretary Jitesh Khosla flagged off the women’s city bus service from the Judge’s Field.

The occasion

Speaking on the service at a public meeting held to mark the inauguration ceremony of the women’s bus service, Khosla said, “Women are an integral part of our society and their contribution is very important for marching ahead. It is important that the women feel completely secure. We have facilitated this service so that the women can have a safe and comfortable mode of transportation.” Noted actor, Zerifa Wahid, the brand ambassador of the bus service also spoke on the occasion about the concern for women’s safety. Kamrup (M) Deputy Comissioner (in-charge), Dr. M. Angamuthu detailed about the future plan and said that the routes for ladies bus service will be extended very soon. The event was also attended by Anand Prakash Tiwari, Guwahati SSP; Gautam Das, DTO; Dwijen Das, DTO & Secretary, RTA among other dignitaries.

Gautam Das and Zerifa Wahid inaugurating ladies bus service

Service features

The conductors for these special city buses are also ladies with valid conductor’s license. The uniform of these lady conductors comprises of black trousers with sky blue coloured stripped shirt along with black shoes. At present, the route for this service is being planned from Khanapara Research gate to Kachari via Ganeshguri, Bhangagarh, Paltan Bazaar, Panbazar Pani tanky and back via Md Tayabulla Road, District Library, Reserve Bank, Panbazar over bridge and Paltan Bazaar. Six privately owned buses and two ASTC buses have been pressed into the service, which will operate from 7 am to 11 am and from 3 pm to 8 pm every day. Interestingly, the buses will have the route details, timing and ‘Ladies City Bus service’ displayed on the front windshield of the bus. The buses have also been equipped with CCTV camera surveillance provided by GMDA and each bus is supposed to have one lady home guard provided by the District Police Authority.

Lady conductors showing their licenses

The overall scenario Talking about the overall city bus service of Guwahati in general, the scenario seems to be terrible. There are overcrowded buses flying everywhere at dangerous speed. There is no system at all at the bus stops and traffic congestion caused by buses is a regular scene. No regular ticketing, no routes displayed and no uniform worn by the

conductors are some of the points of concern. “This new step taken by the government is definitely appreciable, but I hope the buses don’t turn out to be a menace too like the regular city buses. However, the positive thing is that women can now travel safely and without fear with the ladies city buses in place,” says Mala Deka, a regular bus commuter in the city. At present, 1068 general buses (approx.) have been given permission

Women are an integral part of our society and their contribution is very important for marching ahead. It is important that the women feel completely secure. We have facilitated this service so that the women can have a safe and comfortable mode of transportation.

to run in the city, out of which 724 buses are in active running condition as per information given by the bus association. Besides the city buses, the trekkers are also a matter of concern as the door less vehicles are being overloaded with passengers. Gautam Das, DTO says, “We are going to start cancelling the trekker permits for those who do not abide by rules. About the bus service and traffic congestion, GMDA is working on constructing bus bays at different locations of the city.” Speaking of the Deluxe bus service in the city, Gautam Das reveals, “The commuters think that the deluxe city bus service has stopped, but actually it haven’t. Only the fares are equal to that of regular city buses, but the deluxe buses are supposed to be running on their specific routes, but they are not following it.” The ladies city bus service may have been flagged off in the city, but is definitely going to take a lot of hard work to sustain the service. And with the special bus service in place, it is about time when the authorities put their focus for the improvement of regular city bus service as well.

shubhojit.roy@g-plus.in

G PLUS JUL 26 - AUG 01, 2014

In The News

69 LIVES CLAIMED BY JAPANESE ENCEPHALITIS IN THE STATE SINCE JANUARY Mrinmoyee Hazarika

very year, the disease Japanese Encephalitis (JE) which is a major component of Acute Encephalitis Syndrome (AES) has been claiming lives all over Assam. The disease, which has a tendency of breaking out in the rural more than the urban areas, has claimed as many as 69 lives in Assam since January this year. As per the records available with NRHM, altogether 1158 numbers of cases of both AES and JE have been detected in the state from January 2014 to 24th July. Out of those, 415 cases were being found to be JE positive and 183 numbers of deaths have been registered in both AES and JE during the same period. Out of the 415 JE positive cases, 69 lost their lives because the same disease. “In Assam, the first case of JE was found in Lakhimpur district in 1978 and the pilot project study on JE vaccination was started during 1987-88 at Gogamukh primary health centre in Lakhimpur. The rural population are getting more affected by the disease than the urban population, because of their (rural population) habit

of working in the paddy fields with bare bodies,” Dr BC Bhagawati, State Surveillance Officer, IDSP, NRHM told G Plus. Bhagawati further mentioned that the sporadically occurring disease is caused by the mosquito-borne Japanese encephalitis virus and domestic pigs and wild birds (herons) are reservoirs of the virus. Transmission of this virus to humans may cause severe symptoms and even if a patient gets cured from the disease, he or she would be left with some kind of physical deformity forever. “AES accounts for 60 per cent of the cases covering 24 districts of Assam this year. JE was responsible for 40 per cent of the cases in mainly the lower Assam districts. An adult vaccination programme of JE was done in nine districts including Golaghat, Jorhat, Sibsagar, Dibrugarh, Tinsukia, Dhemaji, Lakhimpur, Kamup Rural and Metro during last February and March. Now, the proposal has been sent to carry out the programme in lower Assam as well,” Dr B Boruah, SPO, NVBCP, NRHM told G Plus.

Since the month of January to 24th July, 2014, altogether 97 cases of AES and JE have been detected in Kamrup (M) and 30 positive cases of JE have been found in Kamrup (M) district So far, since the month of January to 24th July, 2014, altogether 97 cases of AES and JE have been detected in Kamrup (M) and 30 positive cases of JE have been found in Kamrup (M) district. No deaths have been recorded in Kamrup (M) yet because of JE. On the other hand, a total number of 77 cases of AES and JE have been registered in Kamrup (R) during the period of January, 2014 and 24th July, 2014 and 9 death cases were registered. Out of the 77 cases, 36 were found positive with JE and 6

death cases were registered in Kamrup (R) during the same period. “Awareness camps are being organised in the primary health centres across the state. Besides, fogging and blood samples are being examined in order to prevent the disease in the state,” Dr B Boruah told. In the meantime, in the backdrop of outbreak of Japanese Encephalitis (JE) and Acute Encephalitis Syndrome (AES) in the state, chief minister Tarun Gogoi had asked the officials to make a comprehensive action

plan to control JE and AES, including setting up of an ICU in each district hospital for treatment of emergency cases along with and laboratory testing units. The Chief Minister also directed the officials to ensure adequate supply of vaccine and medicine to big hospitals, district hospitals and other health centres. Currently, there are thirteen functional JE diagnosis laboratories in the state.

mrinmoyee.hazarika@g-plus.in

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G PLUS JUN 26 - AUG 01, 2014

City

THE 6000 Cr SCAM? The Gogoi Govt, in the name of Guwahati development, has managed to do nothing noteworthy for NE’s biggest city even after funds were made available.

SYEDA AMBIA ZAHAN

he recent artificial flood in the city was enough to expose the level of corruption taking place in the name of implementation of various infrastructure projects taken up by the government of Assam. Data obtained from the Guwahati Metropolitan Development Authority has exposed a scam of almost `6000 crore taking place in the name of various Urban Development projects in Guwahati . The Congress government came to power in 2001 and since then, they have ‘officially’ spent around ` 5821.18 crores in various projects on infrastructure development and urban renewal. The major part of the funds for development of the city had not only come from the centre but had also been acquired as loan from the World bank, Japan Bank and Asian Development Bank. But the artificial flood which has claimed 33 lives in the past three years has depicted the real picture of the success and progress of implementation of such projects.

Infrastructure Development projects

Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma, the minister who recently stepped down from the Gogoi cabinet, was the Minister for Urban Development Department in the first term of the Congress ministry in 2001. During this period, anomaly of huge funds in the name of development of the city has come to light. Also, the construction of many high-rise buildings in the protected areas of the city, were given permission during this time.

In the year 2011, the state government had submitted a white paper on funds spent for various Guwahati development projects. As per the report, the government has spent `296.05 cr. in its first term in office since 2001-02 to 2005-06. In its second term from 2006-07 to 2009-10, it spent `577.79 cr. As per the report, the money spent in the first four years of the second term in the ministry is two times higher. The same govt in the year 2010-11, spent `297.03 cr. The government had spent `380.26 Cr from state planning in the name of Guwahati development in the year 2011-12. In 2012-13, it spent `693.51 cr and in 2013-14, it spent `492 cr.

Water Projects To implement the South- Guwahati water supply project and the South Guwahati Jun Khuowa Water Supply Scheme under the JNR urban renewal programme, the state government had taken a loan of `1650 crore from JiCA of Japan in 2009. The implementation of the two projects which have been bestowed upon Gammon India and MS Tahler are going on at snail’s pace . The GMDA authority when connected, said that the progress report of these two projects are yet to be taken from these two companies. In the third term of the Congress Government, the central government had released a sum of `35.16 crore under the JNR urban renewal programme for the garbage disposal scheme but the overstuffed stinky dustbins of Guwahati are the sole proof of misappropriation of fund under this scheme too.

FUND SPENT UNDER GUWAHATI DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS First term of Congress govt. (2001-02-2005-06)

296.05 crore 874.82 crore 1565.77 crore Second term of Congress govt. ( 2006-07 t0 2010-11)

Third term of Congress Govt (till 2013-14)

In the name of cleaning and digging of drains the department has shown an expenditure of `100 crore in the three terms of the Congress government. Likewise, `400 crore has been ‘spent’ just to clean the river Bharalu.

The Housing Unit Scam Reports obtained from the GMDA showed that in the period of 2006-07 to 2013-14, GMDA had spent `108.44 cr and `40 crore subsequently in the name of residential house for the people of below poverty line. Under the Basic Service to the Urban Poor (BSUP) scheme of the Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission (JNNURM), the Guwahati Municipal Corporation was supposed to construct 2032 housing units for the urban poor families at Amingaon and Phalasil Ambari. Plot of land of more than 50 bighas were purchased from GMDA by the GMC. Dr. Himanta Biswa Sharma ,then minister for Guwahati Development Department assured that the project would be completed within the financial 2011-12 But till now apart from two -three semi-constructed house in the project area, the construction work has been closed for years. “Actually, a sum of `29.87 crore from the fund meant for the construction of houses is being channelised to the ropeway project.” GMDA chairman Robin Bordoloi said.

Ropeway Project The Ropeway: The construction works of the aerial rope-way project undertaken by the Guwahati Metropolitan Development Authority (GMDA) connecting Guwahati city and North Guwahati via Urvashi Island area above the river Brahmaputra was being given to the company Samir Damodar Ropeway Private Limited. But the `32 crore project came to a halt following the objection of the Archeological Survey of India. Till now, no audit

has been made on the construction cost of this project. In a shocking statement GMDA Chairman Robin Bordoloi has stated, “The files of the company Damodar Ropeway went missing from the office long back. Now we are trying to recover the data. Bu it will take time.”

The Deepor Beel Eco Tourism Project

Also in the third tenure of the Congress government, in the 20082009, a sum of `12 Cr had been released in the name of an eco tourism project in Deepor Beel Wetland. But as we all know, Deepor beel has been the main hub of encroachment and no sign of work under this eco tourism project has been going on so far. Dr. M Angamuthu, Deputy Commissioner (in-charge) Kamrup Metro when contacted said “ Now our prime motive is to make the wetland encroachement and pollution free. Once it is done, work will resume.” But he could not give a definite time bracket for completion of the project.

City Beautification projects

Crores of rupees of central fund meant for beautification and cleanliness of the capital city has also been misappropriated by the Congress led Assam government. In the year 2008, Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi had officially declared that a whopping amount of `200 crore had been sanctioned by the central government. The CM said this amount was to be used in giving Guwahai a facelift and beautify the river front of Brahmaputra. The idea was to demolish the buildings of Guwahati High Court, District magistrates’ office, The Police Superintendents office, Residents of the Assam Police Chief and to turn these places into parks.

Cleaning of various drains and rivers

In the name of cleaning and digging of drains the department has shown an expenditure of `100 crore in the three terms of the Congress government. Likewise, `400 cr ore has been ‘spent’ just to clean the river Bharalu.

Drain Cum Footpath cum Flood wall

Under this project the central government had sanctioned a sum of `100 cr was sanctioned for the cleaning of the Bahini river in the year

FUND SPENT IN THE NAME OF CLEANING OF DRAINS IN VARIOUS AREAS OF GUWAHATI IS LIKE THIS

GS Road to Khanapara

125 crore

Dispur to Khanapara

70 crore

Last Gate to Beltola

15.70 crore Adabari to Jalukbari

5.46 crore

Khanapara to Narengi

3.90 crore AT Road

23.32 crore Pandu

4.23 crore Guwahati University

9.21 crore Fatasil

2.37 crore 2008-09. Again, `120 crore was sanctioned under the same project for cleaning of Bharalu and the Bahini River. Apart from these, the GMDA has shown an addition amount of `20 Cr in the name of cleaning Bharralu since 2006-07- 2009-10 from the fund of state planning. It seems that during the last 13 years of the Congress government, no stone has been left unturned so far to warm the pockets of the corrupt ministers. It is very pathetic that the gateway to the North East has been dubbed as the one of the dirtiest cities in the country. Had the money been properly utilised, the people of Guwahati would have been saved from all the miseries that accompany a heavy downpour.

G PLUS JUL 26 - AUG 01, 2014

City

CMâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S INTERVENTION VITAL TO COMPLETE ROPEWAY The ropeway project, which was initiated in 2003 still has to see the light of day. After being on the list of exciting upcoming projects for almost a decade, there is a fear that it will never take off.

RAHUL CHANDA

he Assam government might brag that it is working hard to develop all its major cities and that Guwahati receives special attention, but time and again it is realised that any new project in the city takes ages to get completed. The metro rail plan is still under feasibility study and similarly, the recent urban floods have proved that the city drainage system is far from alright. Any new plan of action for any development scheme takes ages to complete. Likewise is the status of the ropeway, which was supposed to be completed by 2011, is far from being over because of new government rules and regulations. So, what exactly went wrong with the project and what are the hindrances? The ropeway was conceived by the Government of Assam as an infrastructure project, to introduce an additional all-purpose transportation arrangement between two banks of river Brahmputra. The project was taken up way back in 2003 by the then Deputy Commissioner Kamrup (M) AKA Hazarika and accordingly, tenders were invited for a passenger ropeway considering a boarding and de-boarding station at Umananda Island. What is the status of the project now?

The status

The ropeway project was assigned to GMDA in the year 2006 with an administrative sanction of `27.73 crores. The GMDA was also asked to engage IIT, Guwahati or RITES as a consultant for preparation of the DPR and for project management services. RITES prepared a Detailed Project Report (DPR) in 2006. The alignment was finalised passing over the Umananda Island connecting South Bank inside Forest Campus near DC Office and the North Bank at the hillock behind the Doulgobinda Temple with due consideration of the heritage status of Urvasi and Umananda island. In the year 2008, M/s Samir Damodor Ropeways Pvt. Ltd was awarded the construction work on turnkey design and execution basis at a cost of `28.17 crores through competitive bidding. The foundation stone of the above project was laid on 4th December, 2009 by the Chief Minister of Assam and there after the construction started. The ropeway was scheduled to be completed by May, 2011, but could not be carried forward because of the stoppage of work by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) in February, 2011 and permission not being granted for tilt rectification of well foundation No-2 from Urvashi Island citing introduction of new ASI Act, 2010. By November, 2011 all imported equipments worth `7.5 crore had arrived and an amount of Rs 22.00 crore was spent till date along with 72% of the work being completed till February, 2011. The question now though is why the legal hurdles were not studied during the preparation of the DPR.

Archaeological aspects

The likely issues with the Archaeological Department during the DPR preparation stage was studied by RITES. It is mentioned in the DPR that discussion was held with the Central and State Archaeological Departments to learn about the characteristics and status of the two islands namely Urbashi and Umananda over which the proposed alignment is likely to pass. Urbashi is an island located at a distance of 441m away from south bank, protected by the Archaeological Department, Government of India. The light tower and other sculptures were made by the then East India Company and it was understood by RITES from the discussion with the Archaeological Department that so far there has been no activity carried out to collect any ancient sculptures from this island. According to the Archaeological Department, these sculptures have permanent historic importance and hence donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t encourage any concerns to take up any kind of excavation/exploration work within the island. No attempt has been made to take support from this island as that would be require formal clearance from ASI and might have repercussions on the fate of the project. Similarly, Umananda is an island at a distance of 661mts from the south bank comprising of 20,000 square metres approximately. The only architectural masonry in this island is a century old temple of Lord Shiva and most of the island is covered by this temple and its peripheral infrastructure like the courtyard, the approach and staircases from the ferry ghat and the ring road on the periphery of the

island used for maintenance. Since Umananda is isolated from the mainland, it has no power and drinking water connection. Since the island is an isolated place and has no system like power and drinking water and sewerage disposal system, there is no socioeconomic demand for mass transportation system that connects Guwahati or North Guwahati. Keeping that in mind, it was ruled that the virginity of the island should be maintained and hence, the facilities of boarding and de-boarding at Umananada were ruled out.

The ropeway was scheduled to be completed by May, 2011, but could not be carried forward because of the stoppage of work by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) in February, 2011 and permission not being granted for tilt rectification of well foundation No-2 from Urvashi Island citing introduction of new ASI Act, 2010.

The Umananda Island does not permit any further land use for any purpose. However, for technical reasons, a support would be drawn from this island that would be required a maximum of 16 square metres of area that will ensure the Ropeway will be at a height of 32 to 35m. The island was not in the list of protected monuments of national importance until Sept, 2010 but when the State Archeological Department approached the District Administration Kamrup (M) for assessment of the monuments for declaration as protected monument in 2011, it included the Umananda Island thereafter. In view of the DPR study of the archaeological aspect , RITES perhaps did not suggest any NOC requirement from the Archeological Department as mentioned in the DPR. The NOC from National Water Authority of India (NWAI) for Navigational Clearance and Environmental Clearance from Ministry of Environment & Forest (MoEF), Government of India was obtained as a statuary requirement for such project.

The obstacle

The main problem started when the archaeological issues came into effect from March, 2010. The Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remain (Amendment and Validation) Act, 2010 was notified by ASI in March, 2010. According to the act, the prohibited area extends up to a distance of a 100 metre radius from the monument. In addition, the regulated area extends up to a distance of 200 metres radius from the protected area. A construction in the protected

and regulatory areas, require permission from ASI/National Monument Authority. As a result of the act, ASI declined to issue permission to construct the anchor block at Urvashi Island and the tilt correction of T-2 well foundation became remote and has been abandoned by a committee chaired by Additional Chief Secretary, Assam. RITES has been asked to prepare an alternative profile by shifting the well location of T-2,which has been done and submitted to the technical committee for scrutiny and approval. The alternative proposal contains abandoning of Well-2, construction of a new well at alternate site and other changes. the proposal will cost an additional `12.14 Crores. The Technical Committee after examining the proposal found that the pillar at Umananda cannot be avoided and advised the GMDA to take permission from ASI before scrutiny. The revised Profile was submitted to the Director Archaeology, Assam and ASI for approval, highlighting the T-3 tower at Umananda hillock but the Director declined to approve construction of the T-3 pillar at Umananda Island. The GMDA also applied for the permission to ASI, Delhi but they insisted that the application should come through the competent authority, which is the Director Archaeology Assam. GMDA is of the view that since the competent authority has already declined the permission, so it will be decline again.

Latest status

The GMDA has requested the Chief Minister, Assam to intervene in the matter and issue instructions so that the NOC to the pillar foundation at Umananda Island can be obtained. According to GMDA officials, they have submitted necessary applications for the issue of NOC to ASI through competent authority i.e. Director of Archaeology, Assam. The Director has forwarded the proposal to the National Monument Authority with a remark that the construction falls within the restricted area. If this recommendation is approved by NMA, then the dream of Guwahatians to travel by ropeway will never happen. The project has been pending since 2011 and it has been almost 3 years since the problem has not been solved. Some officials may be working extra time to complete the project but political involvement is required to make it a success. Tarun Gogoi should talk to all the caretakers and find a solution to get the permission which has already eaten up public money worth `22 crores. The archaeological sites are important but development is also a process awaited by people of any city. The archaeological department should rethink on the permission and give a few alternatives to complete the work.

rahul.chanda@g-plus.in

G PLUS JUN 26 - AUG 01, 2014

The Week That Was CITY NEWS

GMC to seal 20 marriage halls

cting tough against unauthorized commercial establishments, the Guwahati Municipal Corporation (GMC) has decided to seal 20 bibah bhavans (marriage halls) in the city. On July 24, GMC issued sealing notice to 20 banquet halls of the city and according to the GMC Act 1971, 337(A)(1) these halls would be sealed on August 1. The marriage halls, which will be sealed soon, were found to be lacking commercial licence, proper parking places or requisite NOCs from the GMC, Guwahati Metropolitan Development Authority (GMDA) and Senior Superintendent of Police. The marriage halls are Annapurna Bhavan (Beltola Tiniali), Aashirwad

Function Hall (Six Mile), Bimala Bibah Bhavan (Jayanagar), Decora Bibah Bhavan (Zoo Road Tiniali), Gunjan Bibah Bhavan (Udalbakra), Jonaki Kareng (Narikalbasti), Jun Beli Bibah Bhavan (VIP Road), Konika Bibah Bhavan (Baruwari), Lakhimi Bibah Bhavan (Beltola), Nirala Bibah Bhavan (Beltola Tiniali), Subha Mangalam Bibah Bhavan (Birubari), Sonam Marriage Hall (Pandu Port Road), Uruli Bibah Bhavan (Kalapahar), Uttam Bibah Bhavan (Hatigaon), Bandana Bibah Bhavan (Lalganesh), Royal Palace (Patharquarry), Aashirwad (Lokahara Road), Asian Palace (Bora Service), Raj Laxmi bhavan (Aadagudam), and Surya Subham Bibah Bhavan (Kalapahar).

GMC to make use of flyover spaces

step has been seen as a relief for the residents as it does not have enough public toilets. The seriousness of the problem can be gauged from an incident when two women reporters last year filed a PIL (public interest litigation) in Gauhati High Court urging the court to direct government agencies to maintain separate toilets for women in all locations under the GMC.

Money looted at Meghdoot Bhavan

Protected areas declared

he Kamrup Metro district administration on July 21 started the revenue survey of major water-bodies in the city – Borsola, Sarusola, Bondajan and Deepor Beel – as well as of low-lying and flood-prone localities including Lachit Nagar, Rajgarh, Tarun Nagar, Nabin Nagar and

Pub-Sarania. The intention behind the survey is intended to identify encroachments at such locations so that the problem can be tackled in a better manner. Dr M Angamuthu, Kamrup Metro DC (in-charge) has directed that pump sets be kept ready on 24hour standby to deal with any con-

he District Magistrate, Kamrup(M), M Angamuthu, by an order, has declared certain areas of the city as protected areas with effect from July 28. This has been done with a view to regulate the entry of unauthorised persons into these areas. The Scheduled areas, which have been declared as protected areas, include the Southern side of the GS Road starting from Ganeshguri flyover up to the Super Market Police Point, from Last Gate along the RP Road up to the entry point of the Assam Legislative Assembly, 60 Feet Road starting from Super Market Police Point to Last Gate and from Ganesh Mandir up to Ganeshguri Chariali. No person or group of persons, except the bonafide residents and public servants of the Assam Secretariat and other offices attached there, shall enter or loiter around without permissions from the Kamrup (M) District Magistrate, or any officer duly authorised by him on his behalf.

tingency. Meanwhile, Kamrup Metro Additional DC Rajib Kumar Baruah has been asked to study and identify ways to ensure proper flow of rain-water out of Anil Nagar and other such localities. He will consult with locals, civic organizations and other concerned stakeholders.

Police fails to DoNER approached for aviation reduce vehicle council in Ghy thefts

he Guwahati Municipal Corporation (GMC) has decided to use spaces under the city’s flyovers to set up public toilets, shops and parking lots. A meeting was held recently between Kamrup (metro) deputy commissioner, GMC commissioner and a senior superintendent of police on the issue. “The meeting discussed the necessity of utilising spaces under flyovers and decided to construct toilets, shops and parking lots there,” the source said. Spaces under the flyovers have been lying unused since 2008 after the district administration decided to fence them off because of security reasons following a powerful blast under Ganeshguri flyover in that year. Senior superintendent of police Anand Prakash Tiwari told the media that proper security measures, including installation of CCTVs, would be taken under the flyovers. The

iscreants looted Rs 93,500 from Meghdoot Bhawan, the General Post Office located at Panbazar in the city on July 24 afternoon. The incident took place at around 3.25 pm. Employees said the cash was looted from counter number 11 of the GPO. Postal assistant Suren Talukdar was at the counter. Two outsiders visited the counter and told Talukdar that they lost some money at the counter. They claimed that a few notes fell on the floor inside the counter. Talukdar took some time to look around his cabin. When he returned, he found that the two men were missing and had already left the Meghdoot Bhawan. Cash amounting to Rs 93,500, which was at the table of his counter, was also missing. Officials of the GPO have lodged a complaint with Panbazar police station. No arrests have been made so far. Police is investigating the case.

Admin begins revenue survey of water-bodies

proposal for the creation of a Northeast Aviation Council has been sent to the Union DoNER ministry by the College of Aeronautical Engineering (CAE), based in Guwahati. Addressing a news conference here on July 22, Bikrom Singha Lahkar, chief trustee of CAE, said, “Modern aviation can play a huge role in health, tourism and disaster management. Industries are still underdeveloped in the northeast. Out of 22 airports located in northeast, only 11 are considered fully op-

ehicle owners in the city suffer as the Guwahati Police fail to crack down on the identical modus operandi of the inter-state vehicle lifting racket in the region. The spread of this crime can be gauged by the fact that, by May 2014, a total of 4,552 vehicle theft cases were reported this year in Guwahati alone since 2010. An official police report states that in each month of 2014, over a 100 vehicles have been stolen. “At least 567 vehicle lifting cases were registered in Guwahati in the first five months of this year out of which only 51 were recovered,” read the statistics. In a recent trend, racketeers have also started targeting heavy motor vehicles like trucks.”More alarming is the fact that, in many cases, the drivers of the stolen vehicles have been brutally assaulted and even killed, with at least 71 drivers killed in the last three years,” added the official. Although the city police had announced to launch a technology based drive to curb the menace of vehicle lifting in the city, nothing has been done so far. Last year, the Guwahati police had said that they were working on a mobile based application to alert vehicle lifting cases speedily, but it has not been introduced to the public as of now.

erational. We need to change this scenario as soon as possible and this can be done only with due attention from the Centre and assistance from the state governments,” CAE’s representatives recently gave a proposal to Union DoNER minister General (Retd) V K Singh in Guwahati, requesting him to play a proactive role in constituting an aviation council for the northeast. The proposal said the council can be started with 100% direct funding from the DoNER ministry to tide over the initial fund crunch.

Aastha Book launched on authentic celebrates Assamese one-year cuisine anniversary

great buzz of excitement was witnessed at the book launch of “Authentic Traditional Assamese Home recipes” by writer and food connoisseur Dr. Chandan Baruah on July 20. The book was unveiled by Zarifa Wahid, noted actress and social activist in the midst of good numbers of guests who attended the event at Hotel Grand Starline, Guwahati. The book elucidates authentic Assamese recipes especially meat dishes including the health benefits of the ingredients involved. It is meant for the young lovers of Assamese cuisine who are always on the lookout of traditional meat recipes to satiate their taste buds. The book is a tribute to the exoticness of the Assamese cuisine which is not only simple to cook but very healthy too. Speaking at the event Dr. Chandan Baruah said “Through my book, I intend to make Assamese cooking popular amongst food connoisseurs across India and the world highlighting its taste, beauty and exoticness. The purpose of writing the book shall be fulfilled when people will churn out the wonderful dishes mentioned for their loved ones and surprise them.”

astha is celebrating 1st year anniversary of its exclusive diamond jewellery showroom in Guwahati. Thanking its patrons of Guwahati, Rajendra Deorah, and managing partner of the company expressed its gratitude to the people of Guwahati and Assam for making Aastha their preferred brand for diamond Jewellery. Aastha has two more showrooms in Assam at Dibrugarh and Nagaon. On the occasion of 1st anniversary, the company has announced a never before offer where up to 25% discount is given on diamond jewellery for a period from July 20-27,2014. The company celebrated its 1st anniversary at Terra Mayya with its valued customers.

G PLUS JUL 26 - AUG 01, 2014

The Week That Was

City faces power shortage

ASCW demands more street lights

he Assam State Commission for Women (ASCW) has demanded more streetlights across the state to ensure safety of Women after a study revealed that 51% crimes in Guwahati take place due to ill-lit streets. “The poor state of streetlights is a major problem. Women are vulnerable after sunset and ill-lit streets across the state are adding to their misery,” said commission chairperson Meera Barooah. The commission pressed for improved safety of women while travelling. “At least 20% of the city buses plying in Guwahati should be reserved for women. It was due to our pressure that two buses for women teachers are plying between Guwahati and Morigaon. Another 10 buses for women teachers will be introduced from August,” she added. The Kamrup district transport office (DTO) has decided to run women-only city buses from Wednesday. Initially, six city buses will operate, with two lady conductors in each, on trial basis. The women conductors have been trained in the martial arts.

Three killed in major city mishap

hree persons, including two women, were killed in a major accident involving a trekker and a truck on the VIP Road in the city on July 24. The trekker, with registration number AS01 Q 8260, was plying from Narengi to Six Mile. A truck coming from opposite direction rammed into the trekker near Pratiksha Hospital at around 3.30 pm in the afternoon. There were 14

passengers in the trekker. Three of them were killed on the spot. One of the victims was identified as Dipika Kalita of Hajo. Another unidentified woman and a youth also died on the spot. All the eleven other passengers and the driver were injured and rushed to GMCH. Six of them were stated to have sustained critical injuries. Noonmati police has seized the truck.

KMSS seeks change of land categories

rotesting against the state government’s decision to hand over agricultural lands to capitalists for non–agricultural purposes, hundreds of Krishak Mukti Sangram Samiti (KMSS) activists staged a hunger strike near Dighalipukhuri in Guwahati on July 21 in support of their demand for the immediate cancellation of the Assam Government’s Revenue and Disaster Management Department’s office memorandum. The office memorandum, according to the KMSS, relaxed the procedure for the change of categories of agricultural lands so as to use them for non–agricultural purposes like the setting up of industries and private establishments for business purposes. The worst suf-

CITY NEWS

ASUS launches ZenFone in Ghy

I T

fault in the 33 KV Kahilipara-Ulubari transmission line, that occurred around 2 pm made life miserable for the people in several parts of the city on July 24. However, the fault was repaired and the line was restored around 5:10 pm, said sources in the Assam Power Distribution Company Ltd (APDCL). The city has a power demand of around 220 MW during the day hours in these hot summer days, while in the evening hours (6 pm to 11 pm), it has a power demand of around 240 MW. There was a power availability of around 200 MW in the city till the fault occurred, sources said. There is a shortfall of around 100 MW of power in the State during the day time, while its shortfall stands at around 200 MW during the evening hours, sources said.

Cops to use new software for verification

ferers of this relaxation would be the poor farmers, especially those of flood–affected areas, the KMSS said. According to reports, KMSS joint secretary Kamal Kumar Medhi said that the state government was out to hand over the agricultural lands of the poor farmers of the state to capitalists. He said that a conspiracy to hand over the agricultural lands of the farmers to capitalists was highlighted by the state government in the form of the office memorandum that was set to spell doom for the people of the state, especially the poor farmers. Capitalists Suresh Pithani, Kailash Lohiya, Ram Avatar Borakeya and others acquired thousands of bighas of agricultural lands in the state, he added.

n order to improve verification services in the city Guwahati Police will soon add a new technical tool. Senior superintendent of police (city) Anand Prakash Tiwari on July 22 said the Crimatrix, a portal started last year for online collection of guest lists from hotels, will soon add a new facility to update the city residents about the status of files for police verification. Crimatrix is an online portal using which hotels in Guwahati can upload details of their guests every day online. Already 340 hotels are using this service. “As soon as the new software is ready, we will be able to send a text message to the applicants about the status of their files for police verification for passports. A text will be sent to the mobile phone number of the applicant as soon as his or her file reaches the police station, district special branch or the office of the senior superintendent of police,” Tiwari said. “We hope to start the service as a trial next month and will be fully functional from September. Once this service starts, applicants will not have to run from police station to superintendent of police office for status of their files,” Tiwari added.

SUS announced the launch of the highly anticipated ZenFone series at a press event in Guwahati. During the event, ASUS introduced the design philosophy of the ZenFone and the exclusive ASUS Zen UI mobile interface. Consumers can now experience the all new ZenFone, available in a range of different sizes and colours. All ZenFone models come with ASUS Zen UI, the brand new mobile user interface with over 1,000 enhancements that make ASUS mobile devices even more fun and seamless to use. “It gives us immense pleasure to bring the incredible Zenfone Series to Guwahati. Being the educational

hub of Assam and the north-eastern region of India, Guwahati was an essential choice for us to showcase our premium smartphone series. We are affirmative that Zenfones will woo our audience in the city further. Zenfones truly redefine the smartphone experience that the tech savvy generation in the country has ever witnessed. We would be backing this launch with our increasing presence in the Indian market to match up to the demand and propose to expand the number of stores to 200 this year.” said Peter Chang, Regional Head - South Asia and Country Manager – System Business Group - ASUS India.

AASU, ethnic bodies protest against influx

embers of the All Assam Students’ Union (AASU) and 26 organisations representing the State’s indigenous populace staged a dharna in front of the Raj Bhawan on July 21 in protest against the illegal cross-border migration from Bangladesh. The protesters also demanded Constitutional safeguards

Train runs over forest guard near Deepor Beel

he railway track that runs near the Deepor Beel has been infamous for deaths of elephants, but on July 20 a forest guard was killed at the site. A herd of elephants came to Deepor Beel last night leading a team of forest personnel to go to the spot to chase them away. While chasing the herd of elephants from the beel, the train came and hit a forest guard, Kalia Boro, at Chakardou. Boro was soon admitted to the Gauhati Medical College and Hospital (GMCH) where he breathed his last. Boro hailed from Mikir Gaon near Chakardou.

for the indigenous people. The agitators later submitted a memorandum to the Governor, highlighting their grievances and seeking their redress. Pointing out that the Assam Accord had specifically mentioned Constitutional safeguards for the indigenous people who face the risk of being marginalised in their homeland in the face

of large-scale illegal cross-border migration from Bangladesh, the AASU said that through its various acts of omission and commission, including the latest move to grant relaxed visa to sections of Bangladeshi citizens, the Centre had made it clear that the interests of the indigenous people were not in its mind.

G PLUS JUN 26 - AUG 01, 2014

Politicking

DESPERATE MEASURES Has it ALL gone wrong for hbs? RAHUL CHANDA

n an unexpected climax to the two year old drama of the state Congress dissidence issue, the rebel leader, State Health and Education Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma (HBS) quit the cabinet, tendering his resignation directly to the State Governor JB Patnaik instead of the Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi, breaking all conventions. Later on, he also sent a copy of his resignation letter to Gogoi. After submitting his resignation, Sarma told the media, “It is not possible mentally, physically and politically to work under Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi.” Once the state Congress trouble-shooter and Gogoi’s favourite loyalist, HBS finally quit Gogoi’s camp formally putting a question on his future move. Sarma was rumoured to be the next suitable Chief Ministerial candidate of the state after Gogoi, but his unexpected exit has raised doubts on the political scenario. That his resignation was accepted proves that Tarun Gogoi has more weight in the party than Sarma, but what exactly went wrong with Sarma’s move?

The move

It was quite clear, with various political analysts too feeling that HBS had an ambition to become the Chief Minister. After his resignation, All India Congress Committee (AICC) spokesperson Abhishek Singhvi said, “It was an issue of personal ambition and of denial of post. The ambition is to be the chief minister. Those issues of personal ambition and need for the post of chief minister cannot be accommodated within the constitutional contours of the Congress party. Therefore, this has to be dealt with.” Singhvi also hinted at the possibility of the AICC initiating disciplinary actions. With the high command believing that Sarma had personal ambitions to go against the CM, the move to openly defy Gogoi just one and half years before the assembly elections was unwise and uncalled for. Sarma could have waited till the next elections and place his will in front of the high command as after Gogoi, he seemed like one of the suitable chief ministerial candidates. After the Lok Sabha elections defeat, the Congress party were already in a state of shock, and Himanta coming out openly against Gogoi fuelled the already burning dissidence issue.

Those issues of personal ambition and need for the post of chief minister cannot be accommodated within the constitutional contours of the Congress party.

Over confidence

Whether Gogoi acted or not after the LS Poll defeat is a different question, but Sarma somewhere felt that Gogoi’s resignation would be accepted and there would be a change in the leadership of the state. Gogoi

Abhishek Singhvi Spokesperson, (AICC)

resigned but the high command did not accept the resignation and this was a sign Sarma should have probably understood, but he was irked by the decision and openly came out in media, daring the chief minister to continue with his chair. When AICC observer Mallikarjun Kharge visited the city to resolve the Congress crisis, the rebel group was overconfident about the outcome of the meeting between Kharge and the other MLAs. Sarma and team thought that around 50 MLAs had told Kharge that they don’t want Gogoi as the chief minister. Kharge was expected to submit his report to the high command which he did and Sarma thought after that the high command would take a decision to change the leadership, but it never happened. Sarma alleged that after Kharge’s visit, Gogoi startedto indulge in communal politics. But whatever be the political motive, Sarma should have analysed Gogoi’s relationship with the high command and the weight Gogoi has because of the Gandhi family backing.

Choosing the wrong people

Himanta Biswa Sarma was confident about the MLAs he had in his camp, but all did not sing the same

tune. The State PHE minister and Barak Valley heavy weight Gautam Roy was the first one to openly announce that HBS should be the Chief Minister instead of Tarun Gogoi and also claimed that the rebel group would make sure that Tarun Gogoi is removed from his chair within 15 days. According to sources, Roy also sponsored the rebel MLA group’s travel and stay expenses in Delhi when they went to meet the high command. The twist however came in when Himanta went to submit his resignation to the Governor on Monday with 27 MLAs - Gautam Roy was missing from the scene! It was even more shocking when the CM sacked two Himanta aides - Dr Ardhendu Kumar Dey and Siddique Ahmed but Roy was not issued any notice. Sources in the party said that Gautam Roy had shifted party and has joined the Gogoi camp dumping Sarma for the fear of losing the ministry. Two years back when the dissidence issue started, it was rumoured that Himanata had the backing of 48 MLAs, but finally when he resigned only 27 MLAs accompanied him. So, gradually all people he counted on started turning away. The giant politician should have understood the politics of power instead of relying on the wrong people.

Aggressiveness

It is widely believed that Himanta Biswa Sarma is a powerful politician because of his political ideas and hence was considered as a suitable chief ministerial candidate. However, along with positive qualities, some negatives too rule the human brains. Sarma is considered to be very aggressive on certain occasions. Sarma openly slammed Gogoi for not being able to work efficiently as a home minister and bragged about his own efficiency in the health and education sector of the state. He also expressed his anger against Gogoi loyalist Rockybul Hussain in front of the media. All his moves from slamming Gogoi to resigning were almost desperate. Instead, he could have gradually worked on developing a good relationshop with the high command and could have pulled political weight put on Gogoi by the Gandhis, towards himself. There is rumour in the political cirles that HBS is planning to float another political party and that Gogoi is also ready to talk with the rebel MLAs backing Himanta. In this situation even if Sarma claims that he is not in the Chief Ministerial race, his hidden ambitions might take a long time to come true. For the time being though, Gogoi seems to be coming out all aces.

rahul.chanda@g-plus.in

G PLUS JUL 26 - AUG 01, 2014

TRAI FOR SPECTRUM SHARING Telecom Regulatory Authority of Indiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Â (TRAI) recommendation of allowing telecom companies to share spectrum will hugely benefit the two telecom circles of Assam and Northeast India. SHAMBHAVI

TheÂ Telecom Regulatory Authority of IndiaÂ (TRAI) has proposed that only two operators can share spectrum in a circle, and even if part of spectrum in that circle is shared, it will be regarded that the entire circleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s spectrum is being shared between the telcos.

of spectrum to complete capacity demand.â&#x20AC;? Those related to the sector said inaccessible areas of Northeast Indian will benefit from this move. Assam has sought installation of close to 2000 mobile towers to ramp up connectivity in the hills districts and border areas which will assist in countering the insurgents as these area often work as major hideouts and transit route for the insurgents.

National Advisory Council (NAC) during the UPA government had suggested the preparation of a comprehensiveÂ telecomÂ plan exclusive to the North Eastern region. NAC had recommended that given the importance of this sector to other areas of the development, it is recommended that government needs look atÂ telecomÂ services in the North East Region (NER) as â&#x20AC;&#x153;essential serviceâ&#x20AC;? and not as â&#x20AC;&#x153;obligationâ&#x20AC;?.

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Thumps Up launches campaign VEER in Guwahati

his is expected to help telcos to increase their spectrum without participating in auctions andÂ enable debt-ridden telcos to monetiseÂ their spectrum to reduce debt. This could also possibly result in improved service quality and lower tariffs from the providers. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Overall, the recommendations provide additional options to operators for bridging their spectrum deficit,â&#x20AC;? said Jaideep Ghosh, partner at KPMG, who tracks the telecom market in India.The market is upbeat about the proposal. TheÂ Telecom Regulatory Authority of IndiaÂ (TRAI) has proposed that only two operators can share spectrum in a circle, and even if part of spectrum in that circle is shared, it will be regarded that the entire circleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s spectrum is being shared between the telcos. Idea Cellularâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Chief Executive Himanshu Kapania said spectrum sharing would be considered as the last avenue to increase spectrum capacity. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Once spectrum trading policy is unveiled and the government releases additional spectrum blocks in 2100 MHz band, then sharing becomes important for the remaining quantum

Business

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ith the aim of reaching more than 1000 Persons with disabilities with skill training and employability opportunities, the largest soft drink brand Thums Up and Salman Khanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Being Human Foundation, in association with the American India Foundation (AIF), brought their collaborative initiative Campaign VEER to Guwahati. The campaign VEER â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Unleashing the Inner Potential of Persons with Disabilities was officially launched in Guwahati on July 22. Shishu Sarothi, the implementing partner in Guwahati commenced the first batch of youth with disabilities who will be trained under the Veer campaign on employability skills. The batch is being trained in basic communication skills, computer skills and soft skills, amongst others to enhance employability and offered employability support upon completion of training. One of the tenets of the campaign is to raise advocacy on issues revolving around inclusiveness, employability of PwDâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s and workplace accessibility. People with disabilities have the talent to pursue meaningful careers and play a role in Indiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s economic success. A lack of training prevents disabled people from finding work and to improve their employment opportunities, Campaign VEER now commences the activity of providing skills training to them in Guwahati. Speaking about the initiative, Debabrata Mukherjee, VP-Marketing & Commercial, Coca-Cola India said, â&#x20AC;&#x153;We launched campaign VEER to take forward Thums Upâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s philosophy of â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;unleashing the potential withinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;. There is a clear need in the country to bring people with disabilities into the mainstream and this requires a major change in mindset. This is what we are doing with VEER. It gives me great pleasure to welcome the first batch of people in Guwahati to benefit under the campaign. I would like to thank our partners Being Human, AIF and Shishu Sarothi for all their support.â&#x20AC;? Speaking about the campaign, Ms. Alvira Agnihotri of Being Human said, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Today we are officially bringing Campaign VEER to Guwahati and this is a great moment for this movement. We thank our NGO partners AIF and Shishu Sarothi along with Thums Up for being such integral parts of this campaign.â&#x20AC;? With the support of AIF, the campaign is working at imparting vocational training to these individuals and ascertains their requirements so that they can be made job-ready.

Bazaar

G PLUS JUN 26 - AUG 01, 2014

THE SEC ND COMING The second-hand bike market in the city is doing well in spite of irresistible loans and low EMIs. Shubhojit Roy

ikes have always fascinated men since its inception and are also greatly considered as a symbol of power and masculinity. Even though bikes or motorcycles have come a long way with the advancement in technology, sophistication and style; and with so many options available to choose a perfect two-wheeler provided by a number of brands, the demand for a second hand bike is still high. G Plus finds out what it is like to own a used bike and how the market scenario in the city is.

Yamaha RX 1 `30,000 appro00 x. (pre

1996 model)

Hero Honda `35,000 (8-10CBZ years old) TVS Splendou `25,000 to 35 r ,000 (5 years old) Royal Enfield `75,000 and a Classic bove (any yea r made)

LML Vespa `15,000 appro x. Bajaj Classic `10,000 to 15 ,00

(15 years old)

0 (15 years old ) Other newer `10,000 to 15 models hand showro ,000 less than the 1st om price (les year old) s than 1

The market

One may find a 2nd hand bike market anywhere in the city, but Rajgarh Road is the oldest den of second-hand vehicles in the city. “We are the oldest used car and mororcycle seller in the North east. It was after us that many others started with similar businesses,” says Chandan Bora, Proprietor at New Done Motors. Bora further states, “The Rajgarh market of used vehicles started around 10 years back. At first, the idea was to sell the second-hand cars because the demand was high among the middle class people at that time due to nonavailability of attractive EMIs and flexible bank loan options for brand new cars. Gradually, we thought that it would not be a bad idea if we include used two-wheelers as well and since then, the market has persisted.”

The season

However, there is no specific season or month for buying any used vehicle in Guwahati, but still it is seen that most vehicles are being sold from summer to autumn. “Usually, the demand starts plying in after the college exams as many youths prefer to buy two wheelers at that time. Also, during Vishwakarma Puja and Durga Puja, the demand is good,” says Chandan Bora. It was found out that due to rapid growth in online market, more buyers and sellers now prefer online deals than going to any conventional shop where they also have to pay a percentage commission.

Price and Brands

There is no specific amount to know what should be the best price to either sell or buy a used vehicle, but it usually depends on certain factors like redo cost, 3rd party commission and transportation charges, if any. Here are some of the approximate figures for different two wheelers.

The problem

With any 2nd hand material, it is never easy to determine how long the product will last. Similarly, for the used vehicles too, there is no guarantee how on how long or well the vehicle is going to run. Sometimes, the outside polish of the vehicle can deceive you too. Arnab Bezbaruah, a college student from the city says, “I bought my first motorcycle, a Honda Stunner in the year 2012. It was a 2nd hand bike and it looked very sharp and glossy as it was only a year old or so. When I rode it for 1st time, it was smooth but soon after two months, it started showing lots of problem. I had to take it to the garage every week. I had to lose the bike after 6 months of struggle; it was a loss for me.” There might be some instances of the machines failing its master, but there is no doubt that bikes will not fail to impress men. The bonding between the man and his machine (motorcycle in this context) is immensely powerful, sustainable and un-detachable, be it a second hand or first.

shubhojit.roy@g-plus.in

G PLUS JUL 26 - AUG 01, 2014

Ward Watch

SHUBHOJIT ROY

RUKMINIGAON SETTING URBAN EXAMPLES

ocated near 6th miles and the Down town hospital area, Rukminigaon is one of most residentially posh area in the city. There is not much concern in the area except for some petty issues. The roads have been paved well with drains on sides. The area also has a small market at the entrance point of Rukminigaon from GS Road that caters to the necessities of the residents of the area. It was also seen that besides apartments and private lands, the area also have few offices. G Plus finds out about life at Rukminigaon and also tries to find out if there are any issues in the area.

Ward No 26 | Sub Division 26A/ 26B/ 26C/ 26D | Major Issues None

D WAR NO 26

Cleanliness issue

“You will find that the people in the area are socially aware and educated about their duties and responsibility. Well, some people might be there who are ignorant which is there in every society but most of the residents take care of their surroundings and road,” says Akash Gogoi, a private investor and a businessman who has been living in the area for the past 9 years. It was evident that the drains were cleaned regularly in the area, there was no garbage lying in the area as well. There are only very few areas in the city that are distant from problems pertaining to roads, drainage and cleanliness.

Rent problem

It is understandable that everyone prefers living in an area where problems are few and people are friendly. As a result, the demand for tenancy is higher in such area than usual. But living might get tougher if your house owner objects your lifestyle in every possible way. “At first, I only had to pay the rent, the electricity and the water bill. But after two months, I don’t know what happened; they (the owners) started creating problems for me. When I bought my bike, I was not allowed to keep it inside the premise, now I have to pay for keeping my bike as well. Gradually, the restrictions grew more, no music after dark, no friends allowed inside the gate irrespective of their gender and there are many more issues,” says an MA student from one of the city college on condition of anonymity. He further adds, “I am searching for a new house but I am not willing to leave this area for now at all.”

Friendlies around

A place turns out to be more beautiful when the people around are friendlier. Same seems to be the case at Rukminigaon of Guwahati. “The neighbours in the area are extremely

supportive, which is the best part about this society. There was one occasion when we were out of town for a week long vacation. On the second night, our house was breached by some burglars. Mr. Das to our right heard some unusual noise and was brave enough to see what was going on. Seeing the lights being switched on, the burglars fled the house but our main lock was already broken. It was Das who from his own money changed the entire lock panel of our door the very next day. I will be forever grateful for him for that day,” reports Biren Changkakoti, a government employee in the area. It is a good deed of work that has been carried out by the authorities and the residents to keep Rukminigaon under proper maintenance, which certainly deserves a pat in the back. The area can be an example for many other areas in the city where problems like garbage disposal, water logging and poor road condition are a common scene.

shubhojit.roy@g-plus.in

G PLUS JUN 26 - AUG 01, 2014

Life

DON’T COMPARE YOURSELF WITH OTHERS...

ritu gupta gritu21@yahoo.com

omparisons made with others will never help anyone of us to be happy. How many people show their real selves to you? It is usually the edited version of their reality that they try to portray. Have you ever heard anyone discussing about their marital disharmony openly or in that case of people who are going through a rough phase or even if your close friend if she is not getting along well with her in- laws? NO! We never express the brutal part of our lives. Even if things are not going well, yet we probably will bite our tongue and say, “Things are really great.”As Steve Furtick explains, “The reason we struggle with insecurity is because we compare our behind-the-scenes with everyone else’s highlight reel. “A recent study in the Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin confirmed that people are less likely to reveal their negative emotions than their positive emotions. Additionally, the study found that people tend to overestimate the presence of positivity in the lives of others, while they misinterpret or fail to detect negative

T feelings in others. If you start comparing yourself with others, you will always find that there is someone better than you. If this happens, you will lose your confidence and your life will become stressful. In addition, there are chances that you find someone worse than you. If such a thing happens, the feeling can turn into a horrible pride. It will make you self pompous and will make you feel the superior one. If you want to be the best, then BE YOURSELF. Accept yourself with all your weaknesses and don’t compare yourself with others. The way we feel about ourselves influences our life style. If we look at ourselves as a survivor we get that strength to fight but at the same time if we look at ourselves as a failure, the

whole perspective towards life also becomes negative. One thing we have to know about ourselves is that it is not the people who make us. We have to let go off the image they create for us. We have to know our true self and follow our dreams. When we take our first step towards our goal there will be a lot of obstacles and challenges that we will have to face. We need to understand that these obstacles and challenges are there to help us move forward. If we are able to cross these hurdles, we have won the battle. Successful people keep moving forward. They make mistakes but they never quit. As put very beautifully by J.D. Houston, “If you want something in your life you’ve never had, you’ll have to do something, you’ve never done.”

ON CLOUD NO.9

o phones! No 3G, so no WhasApp or smses! No internet connections, so no FB, Gmail, LinkedIn, Google! It is almost three days now since I got my last phone call. There is no ‘chaos’ except for some ‘angry birds’ in the tall pine trees, which are unimpressed by the non-stop chirping and sway its branches ever so gently in the rhythmic breeze which blow once in a while, with small intervals of light drizzles, while the clouds play peek-a-boo with the sun. The air carries with it a sense of calm and the chime of the huge prayer wheel located a short distance away! And from where I stand at the door of our room overlooking the valley below, the clouds come to kiss me all over as if seducing me to stay a little longer and dance with it! Ah, what bliss! The serpentine and hair-pin bend road leading to Bomdila was perfect till we got to certain points, which needed a lot of expertise and patience not to get the car bottom bumped and grazed. But the BRO signage saying “Thankyou for your patience” and “Sorry for the inconvenience” somehow dissipated whatever animosity we would have harboured throughout the broken road. One particular aspect that impressed me was every car driving down gave way to us in the most courteous manner unlike what I have serially noticed in our roads, where it’s always like I-own-the-road-and-so-I-want-to-go-firstattitude! Very impressive! So, by the time we arrived at the gate welcoming us to Bomdila, we were well versed in the mannerisms of the people, at least, the etiquette of the road! My body had been crying for a much-needed detox and ‘defragmentation’ for a long time and it looked like I was in the right time and place for Vipasanna. So when, after a restful night of sleep, we were woken up a soft-spoken care-taker of the DoeGu-Khil guest-house to a morning of heavy shower and clouds gambolling into our room, I just wondered if there could have been a better moment. We had decided earlier on that this time during a holiday we would just sleep, eat, meditate, read and do them all over again every day of our stay. No

shopping or site-seeing either. Just laze and do nothing. And that’s exactly what we did in our monastery guest house cocooned in a crevice at the bottom of the monastery at Bomdila at 8100ft above sea level. Yes. And that is why we had clouds hanging right near us as if we were on a flight and that was also another reason why I felt breathless and light in the head at times! Far from the world I knew; the world of chaos, stress and strain, of anger and jealousy, I felt I needed to find myself, to search for that one thing I have been looking for so long; peace! I had as a little girl thought peace meant being happy, even against the odds. I actually did find peace then because of the simple thoughts I was attached to. But as I grew, the constraints and complicacies of life made me wonder if I would ever be able to transform myself to the little girl I knew so well but couldn’t touch anymore. I was definitely breathless by the time I reached the Gontse Gaden Rabgyaling (GRL) monastery at the top of the hill after walking through the pinetree lined road leading from the guest-house but I knew this journey was surely going to shape a lot of thoughts inside me by the time I left Bomdila. After praying in front of the more than 20ft high gold-coloured Buddha statue inside the monastery, I turned the huge coloured prayer wheel outside the monastery and then the smaller prayer wheels lining one side of the road leading away from the shrine, while I chanted OM MANNI PADME HUNG. I was waiting for Tenzinjambey, a young monk. While I waited in the reception area, like they say, around 60,000 lazy, nondescript, ambiguous, disconnected thoughts crossed my mind. I played with my phone, being interrupted from my reverie time and again by quizzical, yet friendly monks, who wanted to know the business of my visit. I said, I wanted to know some answers from the teachings of Buddha. Ah, Buddha and their face lighted up in sheer contentment! As I sipped piping-hot yak milk-tea, the sereneness of Tenzinjambey talking of anger and how my

mind can control almost anything was almost like a prayer in the darkness. I had always been so impressed by the teachings of Buddha, since I was a girl, I told him. The mind is the biggest creator and the Universe is a thought, Buddha had said and today several countries in the West are taking up Buddhism, its philosophy finding way into the chaos and indefiniteness of their lives. Buddha preached humbleness and humility and every day, we live by his teachings, he said. We talked of politics, of the degradation of the young generation and the responsibility of parents of making ‘good human beings’, of the environment; planting trees and conservation of the wild. Finally, Tenzin gave me a pamphlet and said, “I wish Buddha’s blessings for you.” On turning the pages to Panchsheel, the Five Precepts, Tenzin said that these tenets are the foundation of Buddhism: • I undertake to refrain from destroying living creatures • I undertake to refrain from taking that which is not given • I undertake to refrain from sexual misconduct • I undertake to refrain from incorrect speech • I undertake to refrain from intoxicating drinks and drugs which lead to heedlessness

As we sped down the same road from Bomdila back to the land of the 15th Century saint and philosopher Mahapurush Srimanta Shankardev, my Axom, I closed my eyes only to see the essence of Buddhism in the humility and the soft-spoken nature of the Mahapuruxiya bhakats (priests). My heart pounded in pride for being born in the land of this noble seer and breathed in deep contentment and peace!

tinat ATIFA MASOOD

here are three levels of silence: One is not saying anything. This is what we usually call silence. People understand silence as not talking, not gesturing, and not doing anything. There is another level of silence which is one step further. It is when our mind is not interested in the things around it, but is just focused inward. You are not interested in seeing, talking or listening to anything. What happens when you see? You’re taking something in. When you’re listening, you’re taking something in. When you’re tasting, and touching, you are talking something in. All our five senses are trained to take something in. This is all an activity. Silence is disinterestedness in activity. This does not mean that you shouldn’t eat food. Eat food, but do not feel like, this food is tasty, this food is not tasty. Eat food but your mind must not be involved. The mind not getting involved in any of the five senses brings a certain amount of quietness inside you and this is the second type of silence. It is an inward journey of the mind. Silence is disinterestedness in activity. The mind not getting involved in any of the five senses brings a certain amount of quietness inside you. It is an inward journey of the mind. The third degree of silence is, total oneness, total satisfaction. There is no need of anything, total contentment. It is when all your energies, the thoughts, the mind, which is scattered all over the place comes back to its source. In some deep meditation you might have had the glimpse of that total stillness of the mind. And this stillness can be there even when you are active. Now you might think, ‘Why bother about meditation when sleep is good enough?’ That is because when you are sleeping, even though your mind is not engaged in activity, there is another type of physical activity which is even more during sleep. When you’re sleeping your body is rejuvenating, it is growing, cells are multiplying; there is a lot of physical activity in the body. In fact, this sort of physical activity is much more in sleep than in the waking state. In meditation, the reverse happens, the physical activity is low in the body. In sleep, the metabolism is high, but in meditation the metabolism comes down. So, the body also calms down and the mind also calms down during meditation. Then what happens? The intelligence awakens. This is the result of meditation. That is why you become brighter and sharper (with the practice of meditation) because it rejuvenates the body and mind at the same time and so you feel energetic. To know ‘Who You Really Are’ you need a lot of energy. Energy is what is essential. To run an atomic reactor you need energy in order to create more energy, isn’t it? In the same way, to tap the source of energy, you need energy. In Sanskrit there is a saying from the Upanishad, ‘Nayam Atma Balaheenena Labhya’. A weak person cannot attain the Self. Don’t think this means that you have to be strong physically, no! They are referring to weak in the energy sense. And how do you become weak? When you all the time engage in the five senses. To know ‘Who You Really Are’ you need a lot of energy. Energy is what is essential. In Sanskrit there is a saying from the Upanishad, ‘Nayam Atma Balaheenena Labhya’. A weak person cannot attain the Self. And how do you become weak? When you all the time engage in the five senses. If you sleep a lot, don’t you feel tired and weak? If you eat a lot, don’t you feel tired? You do feel tired, isn’t it! If you sit and watch soccer the whole day, how do you feel at the end of the day? Totally drained! People watch movies day after

day. Everyday there is some TV serial, something thrilling, something exciting, and after watching and watching, you look so tired! People who go for movies, you should click a picture of them when they get into a theatre and again when they come out of the theatre. You will see how tired and worn out they get. If you go to conferences where people talk from morning to evening, and sometimes even at the dinner table, they get so worn out. Someone is giving a speech and hardly anyone is listening to them, only the one who gives the speech is satisfied that he gave a talk. That is all that happens. He waits for an opportunity to throw out whatever he has been thinking in his mind, but there are very few takers. People listen and they feel so exhausted and tired. This happens in many of the conferences. If they don’t leave that little space for a break, or music, if they don’t give people some time to sit and relax, they get worn out. When you see many professors or intellectuals, do you see them smiling and having a vibrant energy? Seldom you will find it. They are all so tired and worn out. Listening too much also wears you out. Usually people who give lectures, it takes 10-15 minutes for them to warm up, and then they start delivering. They talk for not less than an hour and a half. I only talk for 10-15 minutes, sometimes half an hour. That’s the maximum. No more. People cannot take it. So, listening too much drains you, seeing too much drains you, eating drains you. Just hang around with somebody, hold their hand, that also will definitely drain you. That’s the reason why people get together and they move apart because they have not taken that much needed space for them self, or given that space to others. We must respect our own space and another’s space. If you’re upset, angry, depressed, hateful, or jealous; any of these negative emotions, it simply means that you are lacking energy (prana), and you have moved away from the center. This is a very simple equation: If you’re upset then you lack prana, that’s it. When energy is there, then there is no question of getting depressed or upset. Once you’re centered (established in the self), once you’ve caught the essence, then it doesn’t matter. But even then there should be caution: not to do too much of anything. But till the time your system becomes strong enough to hold this enormous energy, these steps or these rules are very essential. Silence is bringing you back home, and it gives you that much needed energy to realize ‘Who You Are’, to realize that there is bliss, there is beauty, there is joy, and that is ‘You’. If you’re upset, angry, depressed, hateful, or jealous; any of these negative emotions, it simply means that you are lacking energy (prana), and you have moved away from the center. This is a very simple equation: If you’re upset then you lack prana, that’s it. When energy is there, then there is no question of getting depressed or upset. There is no question of saying, ‘Oh, everything is bad. The world is hopeless’. When there is energy, it gives you enthusiasm, then you say, ‘If the world is hopeless it gives me an opportunity to do something about it. Improve the world’, because that energy uplifts your spirit and uplifts everybody’s spirit as well. It is like making a home of sand. You make a home of sand 10 times and it collapses, but then the next minute you’re ready to make it again. You remain unmindful of whatever has happened before, that indicates prana.

His Holiness Sri Sri Ravi Shankar Ji

G PLUS JUL 26 - AUG 01, 2014

Entertainment

WORKED TO LOOK HOTTER THAN SUNNY LEONE Noyon Jyoti Parasara

Everybody knows her body of work. Everyone agrees she is super hot. I am going to give her a challenge. I have tried looking hotter than her!

o match up to Sunny Leone’s hotness is never going to be an easy task. But that’s exactly what Karishma Tanna is aiming for in her next film ‘Tina and Lolo.’ The two actresses will be seen playing leads in the action drama, the shooting of which has just been completed. And if Karishma is to be believed, the film is set to raise the temperature by quite some degrees. A sultry Karishma has apparently challenged herself to match Sunny Leone. “Everybody knows her body of work. Everyone agrees she is super hot. I am going to give her a challenge. I have tried looking hotter than her!” quipped the actress when asked about sharing screen with someone whose popularity is high. Karishma had hit fame as a part of arguably the most popular show on Indian TV show – ‘Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi.’ However, she has no qualms accepting that it is not she but Sunny Leone who will get a major share of the media-pie during film’s promotion. “I understand she is a bigger name and have no problem accepting that fact that it is her star power that will get the film an opening on Friday. It’s a reality,” she says. “It is the same thing when you do a Salman Khan film. He is the biggest star and audiences come in for him regardless of the heroine. ‘Tina and Lolo’ is only going to benefit me,” she adds. Talking about benefits, the actress was last seen in the superhit ‘Grand Masti’ but that apparently did little to

get her more roles. “While I am happy to have done ‘Grand Masti’, it did not really benefit any of the girls in landing roles. It probably worked better for the guys. If I am getting roles now, it is entirely on merit,” says the actress who has also completed Kabir Sadanand’s next ‘Golu Aur Pappu’ in which she is paired opposite Vir Das. “It is a hilarious film. Also, imagine Vir and I being paired up. He is half my size,” she says. She will be seen playing an undercover cop in the film with whom Vir keeps falling in love. And while she waits for Bollywood to take notice she is taking up some Telugu and Tamil films. “Maybe producers who wish to sign Deepika should sign me. Deepika has no dates and we really have identical bodies. Our body frames are exactly the same,” she says with a chuckle. TV is however not something she is looking at anymore. “I would like to host shows but I am not looking at doing a daily show again,” says the actress, who attained most of her fame due to soaps. Recalling the days of ‘Kyuki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi’, Karishma is excited that her ex co-star Smriti Irani is now a part of the Union Ministry. “She (Smriti) is intelligent. Even then, she was very well read and aware. We knew she would go a long way,” she says. Does this mean she would get into politics. “Films it is!” she concludes. And yes, with a promise of burning the screen as she competes with Sunny Leone, her fans would only hope she sticks to it!

G PLUS JUN 26 - AUG 01, 2014

Reviews

5 Seconds of Summer

f one could draw a Venn diagram with Southern California punk-pop giants Green Day on the left and British boy band sensations One Direction on the right, the circles would most likely intersect to create Australia’s 5 Seconds of Summer. A four-member ensemble of youthful, guitar-wielding, Chris-

Director: Sajid Nadiadwala Cast: Salman Khan, Jacqueline Fernandez, Nawazuddin Siddiqui, Randeep Hooda

ick is the new synonym for adrenaline rush in India and soon this will take over the entire world too. Having released in 4000 plus screens in the country and 700 plus screens overseas, Kick is a well knit tale about an adrenaline junkie, Salman Khan aka ‘Devil’ who does things differently just to get a ‘Kick’ out of it. The story of Kick is not applaud worthy as it is a remake of Telugu movie of the same name. The movie will start with Shaina (Jacqueline Fernandez), a psychiatrist meeting her perspective groom, Himanshu (Randeep Hooda) on a train journey in Warsaw. Neither of these characters are interested in an arranged union, but on getting to know each other, the two become very good friends. This is when Shaina decides to reveal secrets about her past, mainly her ex-boyfriend, Devil (Salman Khan). The movie goes into flashback here, and bang comes the entry of the hero. After she shares her story, Himanshu too shares his escapades as a police officer and boasts off on how he has finally met his match, an intelligent thief, again the Devil (Salman Khan). Both Shaina and Himanshu are unaware of the fact that they are talking about the same person. Salman is not playing the role of a Devil or of a superman, he is just an ordinary guy who does things differently to get a ‘Kick’ out of it. At this point the story is back on track, that is it now moves in present tense and how the Devil

again enters their life, how it changes the whole scenario in the movie and why he turns into a devil form the crux of the movie. Salman Khan, the man is different, even though the movie is a remake, this being a Salman film, the makers have tried to make the entire film seem and sound different. But trust me it is not! Yeah, the concept of Devil is new, though the character does do bad things, in the end it’s for the good of someone else. There is a deep mystery and it is an uncompromising mission for which Devil is ready to lose his life. Why this devilishness gets imbibed in him cannot to be revealed, to know that you will have to watch the film. This being Sajid Nadiadwala’s debut direction, only adds to the curiosity level to watch the film. We have seen Salman do such roles in Dabangg as well, where by heart he is a good man, but he does do bad things to bad people. Devil is just a modern, revamped version of Robin Hood Pandey. If you remember Salman’s dialogue in Dabangg, you’ll know what I am talking about (Hum yahan ke Robin Hood hain, Robin Hood Pandey). Salman Khan has done a lot of south remakes in the past few years and strangely they have clicked for Salman’s version has always been bigger and better, his movies actually give us a kick! So this 2014 version of Kick will also be bigger and better than 2009 version. He truly is a star whose power we cannot understand, “Main Dil mein aata hoon, samajh mein nahin”.

tian College grads from Sydney, 5 Seconds of Summer make an utterly populist brand of power pop that has way more to do with the member’s spikey-cute hairdos, skintight jeans, and twenty-something-year-old libidos than it does any kind of actual punk-inspired mischief. Which isn’t’ to say there aren’t plenty of songs to enjoy on the band’s eponymous 2014 full-length debut. If 5 Seconds of Summer learned anything from touring with One Direction (as they did in 2013), it was probably how to style their hair. However, if they learned two things, then the second was clearly how to write a catchy chorus; a talent the band and their producers display throughout most of the album. Primarily, 5 Seconds of Summer deliver track after track of gargantuan pop/rock, packed with

u LD Beyond the Goal o Y OU d The Official Biography of Baichung Bhutia a SH re Author : Mohammad Amin Ul Islam

u D YoOUL SHLISTEN immediately hummable melodies that anyone over 30 will probably feel slightly guilty for remembering. Cuts like the lead-off, “She Looks So Perfect,” and the equally wide-eyed “Don’t Stop,” are pure sugar, guitarrock candy that will appeal to anyone who still has a sweet tooth for Sum 41. It also doesn’t hurt that the band seem to have, if not exactly a sense of humor, then a silly exuberance for their brand of teen rawk. In fact, cuts like the campy,’80s dance-rock of “English Love Affair,” and the driving, “Kiss Me, Kiss Me, Kiss Me,” bring to mind the similarly rambunctious ‘90s punk-pop of blink-182. Ultimately, 5 Seconds of Summer have crafted an album of songs that stick in your head like neon bubblegum on a hot summer sidewalk.

Dark Souls II on PlayStation 3, Xbox 360

E M GA VIEW RE

aichung Bhutiadubbed the Sikkimese Sniper for his amazing shot accuracy-has been winning young and old hearts alike with his rare skill and boyish charm since 1993. He serves as a benchmark not only for Indian football, but also for Asianfootball, as he has been one of the best players for over a decade. In fact, even today, he remains the only iconic face of Indian football to the outside world. Baichungs career has not been without controversy and Beyond the Goal delves into the footballers relationships with his coaches, the clubs he played with, and his much debated retirement. Md Amin takes us through the good, the bad, and the ugly of football in India by doggedly retracing Baichungs own highs and lows.

NOW SHOWING

ark Souls 2 is not just a perfectly designed video game. It’s a dark journey into a painful world of souls, a bet with your inner self and your strengths, the purification and absolute completion when the end credits fall... it’s an experience like no other.

KICK

Apsara Cinema

Daily at 11AM, 2, 5 & 8 PM

Anuradha Cineplex

Daily at 11AM, 2, 5 & 8 PM

Fun Cinemas

Daily at 9 AM , 11.45 AM, 2.35, 5.30 & 8.30 PM

Gold Cinema (Fancy Bazar)

Daily at 11, 11.30 AM 2, 2.30, 5, 5.30, 8.30 PM

Gold Cinema (Paltan Bazaar)

Daily at 11, 11.30 AM 2, 2.30, 5, 5.30, 8.30 PM

Gold Cinema (Narengi)

Daily at 11AM, 2, 5 & 8 PM

Telebooking numbers: Anuradha Cineplex; 03612656968, 9954544738, Fun Cinemas: 9864800100, 9864800200, Gold Cinema (Fancy Bazaar): 03612735367, 9854077177, Gold Cinema (Paltan Bazaar): 9854066166, Gold Cinema (Narengi): 8811001898

G PLUS JUL 26 - AUG 01, 2014

Google Maps Now Available in Hindi for Android and Desktop Users

oogle recently announced the launch of Google Maps in Hindi. While the search engine giant has been working on improving Maps and localising it for populaces across the globe, it is only now that the company has come up with the Hindi version of Google Maps. The updated Google Maps with Hindi language support, available both in the Android app and Webinterface for desktop, can now show users Hindi names of cities, localities, important roads, as well as popular

National e-library to be accessible to everyone - Smriti Irani

points of interest such as public parks and schools, all alongside their English names. Speaking about the same, Suren Ruhela, Director Product and Program Management, Google, says, “We wanted to remove the geographical boundaries that come in the way of Internet users across the globe. That was one of the main reason as to why have been working on expanding maps. The Hindi version of Google maps will help remove the language barrier for a huge section of people in India.”

Submitted by Indrajeet Bhuyan

With Buffer, you can share links and photos on multiple social media websites in one go. You can post stuff to Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook, App.net and Google Plus pages.Buffer not only makes it easy for you to post content, it also help you track the performance of your shared links.

Mighty Text

Facebook launches Save button to bookmark content

The deepest cuts ever in tech giant’s history, 1800 job slashes in Microsoft

MightyText lets you send and received SMS text messages directly from Gmail or Facebook on your computer. All you need to do is install the Mighty Text app on your Android phone. Mighty Text offers a chat style widget inside Gmail and here you can read through your existing text messages or write new

Clipular Clipular is a wonderful screen clipper for the web – you press Alt twice and capture anything on the current web page. Once a screenshot is captured, the image is automatically uploaded to your private Clipular dashboard along with the title and source link of the current page.

Disconnect Me

acebook has added a “Save” button to the news feed that lets users bookmark posts, photos, and other content for viewing later. The “Save” feature will be rolled out during the next few days for web users, as well as iOS and Android platforms. The ‘Save’ button in the news feed

creates a section of bookmarked sites on your profile that will help users to find specific content when they have more time. Facebook users can keep the saved items private or even share them with friends on social networking sites. The feature will entice users to spend even more time on the site

Government looks into unauthorized digital certificates issues

he Indian government stated in a release that it is looking into the unauthorized digital certificates issued by NIC. Technology giants Google and Microsoft had raised the issue of fake signatures last week on their security blog. The Controller of Certifying Authorities monitors Certifying Authorities, who issue digital certificates for electronic authentication of users. Digital certificate is like an electronic passport that allows a person, computer or organization to securely exchange information over the Internet. Digital certificates provides identifying information like the certificate holders name, a copy of his public keys,

5 Useful Google Chrome Apps Buffer

uman Resource Development Minister Smriti Irani has stated that every citizen of the country will have access to the contents of the National Electronic Library (NEL). HRD Minister Smriti Irani said in a written reply to the Lok Sabha, “The government of India has taken a decision to provide access to NEL to its citizens including students and teachers in schools, colleges and universities. Most resources in NEL would be available in open access to every citizen of India without any restrictions,” NEL is a digitised library that will be device independent according to the minister. “It can be accessed using a variety of devices, including desktops, laptops, tablets, smartphones and other devices,” added Irani.

Web Watch

a serial number and is forgery resistant. The unauthorized certificate could be used for eavesdropping on Google ser-

vices like Gmail or Google Docs. Currently only Windows users have been affected by this issue as the India CCA certificates are included for the Microsoft Root Store. In a blog post last week, Google said, “On Wednesday, July 2, we became aware of unauthorized digital certificates for several Google domains. The certificates were issued by NIC of India, which holds several intermediate CA certificates trusted by the Indian Controller of Certifying Authorities (India CCA).” Tech giant Microsoft added that it is aware of improperly issued SSL certificates that could be used for performing phishing attacks.

icrosoft is embarking on the deepest cuts to its workforce in its 39 year history, axing 18,000 jobs over the next year, as it absorbs its newly acquired Nokia phone business and takes out layers of management. The new boss of the US Company is cutting one in seven of the tech giant’s 127,000 global workforce as it attempts to integrate the Finnish business it acquired in April for $7.2bn. Satya Nadella, the firm’s chief executive for just five months, first hinted at job cuts last week when he outlined plans for a leaner business. That led to speculation about sweeping job cuts, but expectations underestimated the 18,000 job losses announced yesterday, which propelled the tech giant’s shares to their highest level since the dotcom boom in 2000, gaining 1.5% to $44.84. The cuts will mostly come from Nokia, which added 25% more staff to the Microsoft work force. Until now, the largest round of redundancies in Microsoft history was in 2009, when it cut 5,800 employees.

Online advertisers and Internet companies are tracking your activity on the Internet, not for the purpose of snooping but for serving you more personalized search results and more targeted advertising.Disconnect Me is a simple Chrome add-on that will automatically block advertising companies, analytics services and search engines from tracking you online. There’s no configuration required and as soon as you install the addon, the tracking is suspended.

Web Timer Web Timer is a Chrome extension that will help you keep track of how you’re using your time online. It tracks what websites you are visiting and how many minutes you spend looking at each of them. There’s some intelligence built in for more accurate data. The background timer is only activated when Google Chrome is in focus and your computer isn’t left in an idle state for more than 30 seconds. Indrajeet Bhuyan is a 16 year old tech blogger and security researcher. He is passionate about computers and believes in sharing knowledge and information . He uses his spare time helping people and companies secure themselves. fb.me/indrajeet.bhuyan

G PLUS JUN 26 - AUG 01, 2014

G-Talk

Should the spaces under fly overs be opened for parking? Kasturi Khataniar

Anjan Jyoti Gogoi

Dentist

POINT

he Guwahati Municipal Corporation (GMC) has decided to use spaces under the cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s flyovers to set up public toilets, shops and parking lots and they are having meetings with all city authorities to make the arrangements possible. Guwahati has a major problem in controlling the traffic and with the flyovers being made a no parking zone, the roads adjacent to the flyovers are mostly seen to be blocked by the vehicles because of unabated parking on the roads. Previously, vehicles were allowed to be parked under the flyovers, but after the 30th October 2008 serial blasts in Guwahati, and especially with the blast at the Ganeshguri flyover, authorities have restricted parking of vehicles under the flyovers. It is true that security is a concern but terror has travelled on wheels long and far enough for the spotlight to fall on spaces that allow the deadly vehicles to lie in wait undetected. It is not only flyovers but all the city lanes are somehow on target by the miscreants. But it doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t mean that people will stop parking their vehicles there. If the authorities are planning to restart parking under the flyovers again, I think that it is a good move to reduce the chaotic traffic of the city. There is always a long wait at the traffic points

under all the flyovers in the city, because as the flyovers are a no parking zone, the adjacent roads are used as places to park the vehicles. Security measures can be dealt with by installing CCTV cameras under the flyovers. The places now are used by people to loiter around and even by the homeless which will gradually give birth to various slums under the flyovers. The authorities may be planning multi-level parking lots across the city, but there are not enough parking places in the planned parking lots to accommodate all the city vehicles. Disorderly parking spaces only help troublemakers to take advantage of the chaos and plant explosives without being seen. So, in spite of making all the places narrower by unplanned parking, the parking lots and places under the flyovers can be utilised for parking which will ease the chaos and also keep a check on the miscreants with proper security measures. I feel government can also generate a lot of revenue by using the places under the flyovers as parking lots. The parking can be charged, which will also help keep a check on the vehicle owners and also bar people from parking their vehicles for a long period without any work.

Useless city foot-bridges

Employee, Gauhati High Court

COUNTERPOINT

do not think that it is a good idea to convert the spaces under the over bridges of the city into parking spaces. Earlier, free spaces under the Ganeshguri, Ulubari and other flyovers of the city were open for parking of vehicles. But later on, it was stopped citing security reasons and it is still the same till this day. There is no CCTV or any other such surveillance system put in place in Guwahati and various untoward incidents have been happening right under the noses of the authority. But, at the same time, it is technically not possible for the police administration to check each and every vehicle plying on the road or parked in the parking lots. Even if CCTV cameras are to be installed in the parking lots, it is not be possible to check the hidden explosives or any other such item stacked inside a vehicle. If someone intends to harm any structural damage to the over bridges, then he can effortlessly do it if once he gets easy access near to the flyovers. Better not talk about loss of lives in such incidents. Moreover, there is no such provision of parking under the over bridges in other parts of the country. If it is a feasible option to open up the spaces under the over bridges, so that traf-

fic congestion can be reduced, then other states would have adopted it. Apart from the security concerns, there is another reason for not extending my support to the idea of opening parking lots under the flyovers. That being, the lanes along the sides of the flyovers are not large enough. The existing lanes are very narrow and cannot even bear the present rush on the roads of the city. If the spaces under flyovers will be given out for parking purposes, it will worsen the traffic scenario even more in the city. Under these circumstances, I think multiple storey car parking facilities are much better options than using the spaces under flyovers for parking. Besides, elevator parking is another excellent option for parking which can be constructed in small spaces and are mostly being used in countries like Japan. This automated mechanical parking system can accommodate many vehicles under one roof, but, so far I have not witnessed such facilities anywhere in the county. I think that the authority should look for new and high end facilities for mitigating the traffic chaos of the city, instead of opening up parking lots under over bridges.

LETTERs TO THE EDITOR

Sir, While I go through your issues I have noticed readers writing articles about different issues prevailing in the city these days. I would like to bring forward a certain issue that has come to my notice. Many foot-bridges have been built in the city for the convenience of the pedestrians but I have hardly seen people utilising those footbridges. Most of the people I have seen take the pain of waiting for ten to fifteen minutes to cross the road instead of using the foot-bridges. Well it is understandable that in certain cases it must be tiring to climb up the stairs and then again climb down the stairs, but in order to maintain a smooth flow of traffic, the city residents need to take up the trouble and accept their social responsibility towards the city. The foot-bridges are now-a-days mostly used by teenage tuition- goers as a place to hang out. I would like to ask the authorities and the citizens of the city that was it worth it to invest such huge amount of money in constructing such foot-bridges which are not properly utilized?

Abdul Ahmed Hussain Lachit Nagar

Sluggish government office work process Dear Editor, I have been following your paper since long and I would like to get straight to the issue and express my view. Governmental processes in our country have become monumental tasks. Recently, I encountered the utter disorganization, disrespect and deficiency at the local registration office. I was appalled at the way citizens were treated. The employees themselves were uninterested in their own careers and could care less about the people they were working with. During my superfluous four hour wait, I observed that legal documents were being drafted by asinine, poorly educated people. It is imperative that these documents be drafted using accurate language, since these papers hold the utmost power. Not only did I notice the utter lack of propriety, I also noted that the heavier the envelope, the faster those particular clients were served. The blatancy of these bribes truly concerned and angered me. Ordinary citizens should not be subjected to such unfair, unstated rules. All in all, these institutions are run in a very unsatisfactory way. Places like these create blemishes in the greatness of our country. The only way we can grow as a nation is to rehabilitate the whole system.

Nishant Bhardwaj Fancy Bazaar

Send us your letters and feedback at editor@g-plus.in

G PLUS JUL 26 - AUG 01, 2014

Events

BMX Flatland Workshop Date: 14th, 15th, 16th July, Venue: South Point School

X-FACTOR Date: 20th July | Venue: Crest

The event was held at Crest, Guwahati. The idea behind the event was to encourage women safety through self-defence demostration which was conducted by Bidang MMA. Other highlights included B Boying and rapper J97.

G PLUS JUN 26 - AUG 01, 2014

Your weekly dose of HOROSCOPE

ARIES

You may blow situations out of proportion when dealing with the one you love. You are ready to blow up and your stress level has gone into over drive. Don’t make a move; your confusion has caused this dilemma and you are best to back away and reassess the situation. Be aware that you might be at fault as well. Your lucky day this week will be Thursday.

TAURUS

Changes in your residence will be favorable in the long haul. Don’t let others know about your private affairs. Delve a little deeper if you really want to know the score. Don’t overspend on friends or children. Your lucky day this week will be Thursday.

GEMINI

You may be fortunate while traveling. You will enjoy physical activities more than you think. Be cautious while traveling to foreign countries. You can meet friends who will let you know how valuable you are. Your lucky day this week will be Wednesday.

CANCER

Get into fitness programs to keep in shape. Your ambitious mood may not go over well with loved ones. Try to channel your energy into professional endeavors. Travel will initiate new friendships or love connections. Ask those in key positions to help you overcome the delays and to support your concerns in order to move on.

Your lucky day this week will be Saturday.

LEO

You will have original ideas for ways to make extra money. Real estate investments could be to your ad vantage. Get involved in a competitive sport that will bring the challenges you thrive on. Try to ease any disappointment by making amends. Your lucky day this week will be Thursday.

VIRGO

Those you work with may have little consideration for the underdog. You will be in the mood for entertainment. Do something together and you’ll be surprised how sweet a deal you can make. Take care of any medical problems if they’ve been troubling you. Your lucky day this week will be Wednesday.

LIBRA

You will not be able to contain your emotions this week. Do not expect others to do your work. You must deal with an emotional problem with your loved one that you have been avoiding for some time now. Romantic opportunities are evident if you get involved in large groups or organizations. Your lucky day this week will be Saturday.

SCORPIO

Don’t be too hard on your mate. Your health may suffer if you don’t control your present situation. Throw yourself into your profession. Don’t let your personal dilemmas

TIMEPASS interfere with your goals. Your lucky day this week will be Monday.

SAGITTARIUS

Don’t let opposition from those envious of your talents daunt your progress. Back off if you want to keep the relationship intact. Don’t overlook that fact that someone you care about may be hiding something. Encourage the youngsters in your family. Your lucky day this week will be Friday.

CAPRICORN

AQUARIUS

You can’t always have your own way. Use your high energy and dynamic approach to win favors from superiors. Relatives may not be telling you the whole truth about a family situation. Opportunities for romance may develop through dealing with groups that have a purpose. Your lucky day this week will be Sunday.

PISCES

Take time to find out all you can. Travel opportunities should be your first choice. You are best to put your efforts into redecorating or inviting friends over. You can learn a great deal if you listen to those who are older or more experienced. Your lucky day this week will be Thursday.

JUST FOR LAUGHs Two factory workers are talking. The woman says, “I can make the boss give me the day off.” The man replies, “And how would you do that?” The woman says, “Just wait and see.” She then hangs upside-down from the ceiling. The boss comes in and says, “What are you doing?”

SUDOKU

The woman replies, “I’m a light bulb.” The boss then says, “You’ve been working so much that you’ve gone crazy. I think you need to take the day off.” The man starts to follow her and the boss says, “Where are you going?” The man says, “I’m going home, too. I can’t work in the dark.”

Solutions (Last Issue)

Fun

G PLUS JUL 26 - AUG 01, 2014

NUMBERS Internet Service Providers EMERGENCY AMBULANCE G Plus will keep on publishing such relevant and useful information in this page in the coming issues.

Compiled by Mautapa Dhar

BSNL

AIRTEL

BSNL- C/O G M Telecom

Ulubari, Ghy– 7 Ph- 913612528078, 16004241600

BSNL Panbazar

Gate No.3 Maligaon, Guwahati, Ghy- 1

Bharat Sanchar Nigam Ltd

Head Office, Zoo Road - Rajgarh Tiniali Link Road, #12, Apurba Path, Ghy- 3, Ph- 9954196606, 8011000510

Airtel Gallery

Axom Net Broadband

Computer Arcade Guwahati

BSNL Ganeshguri

Ganeshguri, Ghy – 6 Ph- 03612260462, 16004241600

Jahan Latif Manzil,1st Flr, H B Rd,Fancy Bazar, Guwahati GPO, Ghy– 1 Ph- 9435043653, 03612549131

BSNL Kahilipara

Suvidha Communication

Kahilipara, Ghy– 19 Ph- 03612380000, 16004241600

BSNL Maligaon

Maligaon, Ghy– 11 Ph- 03612570801, 16004241600

BSNL Ambari

Ambari, Ghy– 1 Ph- 03612603012, 16004241600

Anjana Complex, Opp Reliance Call Center, Six Mile, Panjabari Road, Khanapara, Ghy– 22 Ph03612724462

Kamakhya Gate, Nursery, Bhoralumukh, Guwahati - 781005 Phtel:+913612572924

Tulip IT Services Pvt Ltd

House No 35, Kapur Singh Bhawan, Near N R L Petrol Pump, Jaya Nagar, 6 Mile, Khanapara, Ghy– 22 Phtel:+919854051525

Opp Directorate Of Sainik Welfare, Rajgarh Road, Ghy– 7 Ph03612468877

Trans Virtual PVT LTD

Guwahati Biotech Park Technology Complex IIT Guwahati, Ghy –1 Ph- 9823283428

Golden Woods, 1 St Floor, Sundarpur, R G Baruah Road, Ghy – 5 Ph- 03612209970

Trans Virtual PVT LTD

Ie Building, 1st Floor, Panbazar, Ghy – 1 Ph- 03612608805

Sify Enterprise Solutions

Guwahati, Ghy– 1 Ph- 03612637460, 19014253330

Railtel Corporation Of India LTD

1st Floor, House No.41, Dighali Pukhuri Par, Md. Tayebulla Road, Ghy– 1 Ph03612732487, 2609446

Infotech International

Ramprasad Complex, A T Road, Ghy– 1 Ph- 9864097833, 03612604749

Premier Validation

Cyber Info

Gauhati Club, Opp Bus Stop, Guwahati Gpo, Ghy – 1 Ph- 03612633034

Cyber Planet

76, M S Road, Athgaon, Guwahati Gpo, Ghy– 1 Ph- 03612600618

Softcrop

Near R Sycd Market, G S Road, Banghagarh, Ghy- 5 Ph- 9864271237

Shyam Infotech

N C Bharali Market, Near Vijaya Bank, At Road, Maligaon Chariali, Ghy – 11 Ph- 8474859703

Netlinks

Citylink

Rajat Bhawan,1st Floor, Housefed, Beltola Road, Dispur, Ghy– 6 Ph9706146532, 03612220132

Vinasol Enterprise

Infront Of Cda Office, Satgaon, Ghy– 71 Ph- 03612649094

Near Adabari Tiniali, Pandu Port Road, Pandu, Ghy –12 Ph- 9864792091, 03612679498 Opp Hanuman Mandir, Gs Road, Lachit Nagar, Ghy – 7 Ph- 03612459660

HOSPITALS Arya Hospital, Ulubari (2606888, 2606665) B Baruah Cancer Institute (2472364/66) Brahmaputra Hospital Ltd (2451634/678) Chatribari Christian Hospital 0361-2600051, 9207044374 Downtown Hospital 2331003, 9864079366, 9435012669 Guwahati Medical College (2529457, 2529561) Guwahati Medical College Emergency (2263444)

Blue Net Marketing

Wireless Internet Service Providers Catla I T & Engg Co Pvt Ltd

Arya Hospital, Ulubari 2606888, 2606665 Ganga Blood Bank 2454742, 2455029 Lion’s Club of Ghy Central 2546611 Marwari Yuva Manch 2546470, 2547251 Saharia’s Path Lab (24 hours) 2458594

Airtel Gallery

BSNL- Telemart Dispur

Noonmati, Ghy – 20 Ph- 03612550068

BLOOD BANK

Airtel Gallery

Christian Basti, Next To Car Ghar, Gs Road, Guwahati, Ghy - 1

Dispur Telephone Exchange Building Wireles, Ghy – 5 Ph- 03612221194, 16004241600

Ambulance 102 Arya Hospital, Ulubari 2606888, 2606665 Downtown Hospital 9864101111, 9435012669 GLP Social Circle 2737373 GGUMTA (Mirza) 03623-227109 Marowari Yuva Manch 2542074, 2547251

Slipukhuri, Opp Maharishi Vidya Mandir, Guwahati Gpo, Ghy -1

Telephone Exchange Complex, Panbazar, Ghy- 1 Ph- 913612631600, 16004241600

P Communication

Citypedia

International Hospital 0361-7135005 Mahendra Mohan Choudhury Hospital (2541477, 2543998) Marwari Hospital & Research Centre 0361-2602738/39 Marwari Maternity Hospital 0361-2541202/01 Nemcare Hospital 0361-2528587, 2455906, 2457344

Pratiksha Hospital 0361-2337260, 2337183/84 Basistha Military Hospital (2304617/0351) Railway Central Hospital Casuality (2671025) Redcross Hospital (2665114) Sri Sankardeva Netralaya 0361-2233444, 2228879, 2228921 TB Hospital (2540193) Wintrobe Hospital 0361-2519860, 98647-77986 GNRC Hospital 0361 2227702 GNRC Life First Ambulance 9401194011

24-HOUR PHARMACIES Arya Hospital, Ulubari (2606888, 2606665) DEAD BODY CARRYING VAN GLP Social Circle 2737373, 9435047046 Marowari Yuva Manch 2542074, 2547251 GGUMTA 98640-16740 ELECTRICITY SUPPLY Call Centre – 9678005171

OTHERS Fire Emergency 101 State Zoo 2201363 GMC Carcass Pickup 9435190720, 9864047222 LPG Emergency/Leakage 2385209, 2541118

RADIO TAXI SERVICES Prime Cabs 0361- 2222233 Green Cabs 0361-7151515 My Taxi 0361-2228888 Cherry Cabs 8876222288

Cinema Hall Anuradha Cineplex – 0361-2656968, 99545-44738 Fun Cinema (HUB)- 98648-00100, 98648-00200 Gold Cinema (Paltan Bazaar) – 98540-66166 Gold Cinema (Salasar) – 0361-2735367, 98540-77177 Gold Cinema (Narengi) – 88110-01898 police station SP, Kamrup District: Ph- 2540278 DGP Control Room: Ph- 2540242 SB Control Room: Ph-2261511 Police Control Room: Ph-2540138, 2540113 Azara PS: Ph2840287 Basista PS: Ph-2302158 Bharalumukh PS: Ph- 2540137, 2731199 Borjhar PS: Ph-2840351 Chandmari PS: Ph- 2660204 Chandrapur PS: Ph-2788237, 2785237 Dispur PS: Ph-2261510 Fancybazar PS: Ph- 2540285

Fatasil Ambari PS: Ph-2471412 Geetanagar PS: Ph-2417323 Hatigaon: Ph-2562383 Jalukbari PS: Ph-2570587 Jalukbari Out Post: Ph-2570522 Jorabat: Ph-2896853 Khanapara: Ph- 2281501 Khetri PS: Ph-2787699, 2787220 Latasil PS: Ph-2540136 Noonmati PS: Ph- 2550281 North Guwahati PS: Ph-2690255 Paltanbazar PS: Ph-2540126 Panbazar PS: Ph-2540106 Pragjyotishpur Ps: Ph-2785237 Women PS Panbazar: Ph-2524627

G PLUS JUN 26 - AUG 01, 2014

Catching Up

Scarlett Johansson Who’s she

Scarlett Johansson is an American actress, model, and singer. She made her film debut in North (1994). In 1996, she was nominated for the Independent Spirit Award for Best Female Lead for her performance in Manny & Lo, garnering further acclaim and prominence with roles in The Horse Whisperer (1998) and Ghost World (2001).

So what

Johansson is considered one of Hollywood’s modern sex symbols, and has frequently appeared in published lists of the sexiest women in the world, most notably when she was named the “Sexiest Woman Alive” by Esquire magazine in both 2006 and 2013 (the only woman to be chosen for the title twice), and the “Sexiest Celebrity” by Playboy magazine in 2007.

Now what

Scarlett Johansson and her fiancé Romain Dauriac reportedly will tie the knot in a few weeks. Johansson, 29, and Dauriac got engaged last September. The couple is now expecting their first child together.

India bags 7 gold medals on Day 1 of Commonwealth

ukhen Dey and K Sanjita Chanu stole the limelight by clinching a gold each in weightlifting, as India launched their campaign in the 20th Commonwealth Games with a flourish, winning seven medals in all on the opening day of the competitions at Glasgow. Judokas Navjot Chana and Shushila Likmabam had to be content with a silver medal each after they failed to clear

the final hurdle in the men’s 60kg and women’s 48kg events, respectively. There was a bronze for for another judoka, Kalpana Thoudam. In weightlifting, there was a silver medal for S Mirabai Chanu, while Ganaesh Mali bagged a bronze. The paddlers, shuttlers and squash players had easy outings on the first day, with both badminton and table teams posting convincing wins.

Gaza crisis: Palestinian death toll passes 700

ore than 700 Palestinians have been killed since the beginning of Operation Protective Edge 17 days ago. According to Palestinian medics 736 Palestinians have now died - more than 165 of these children. Israel has lost 32 soldiers and three civilians. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has condemned a decision by the United Nations Human Rights Council to launch an inquiry into whether war crimes had been committed during Israel’s latest military offensive. He vowed to continue to destroy tunnels created by Hamas.

Priyanka Chopra Who’s she

Priyanka is an Indian film actress and singer, and the winner of the Miss World pageant, 2000. Chopra has become one of Bollywood’s highest-paid actors and one of the most popular celebrities in India.

So what

Priyanka Chopra’s Don 2 was a major success, earning over `2.06 billion (US$34 million) worldwide. Don 2 was showcased at the 62nd Berlin International Film Festival and at the 2012 International Film Festival of Marrakech, in Morocco.

Pic of the week

Now what

The actress will be seen going bald in one specific sequence of her upcoming film Mary Kom. Priyanka admitted, “I am a rebel without a cause, a rebel all the time. I relate to this story because even I have come from a small place. And then it is all about breaking boundaries. Successful people are those who break it all.”

An electric poll bang in the middle of a road in the Rupnagar area of the city

The sky is safe no more

n Indian Air Force (IAF) helicopter crashed on Friday in Uttar Pradesh’s Sitapur district, killing all seven people on board, police said. The ALH Dhruv chopper had taken off from Bareilly.Earlier on Thursday, President François Hollande of France confirmed Friday that there were no survivors from Flight AH5017 that crashed carrying 116 people from Burkina Faso to Algiers. Whatever is the fate of the flight, the loss of contact is likely to add the jitters in the airline industry after a Malaysia Airlines plane was downed over Ukraine last week, a TransAsia Airways crashed off Taiwan during a thunderstorm on Wednesday and airlines cancelled flights into Tel Aviv due to the conflict in Gaza.

WHAT DID I JUST HEAR

day after a Goa minister ignited a controversy by his remark that India will develop as a Hindu nation under Narendra Modi, the state’s Deputy Chief Minister Francis D’Souza stoked it further, saying India is already a Hindu nation and will always remain so. “India is a Hindu nation. There is no doubt about it. It was a Hindu nation and always stay a Hindu nation,” D’Souza, a senior BJP leader said reacting to the controversy triggered by his cabinet colleague Dipak Dhavalikar.

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