Hi C'da: I will be short and just touch the 'Corruption' issue today.
>under its fingers is totally impotent about doing anything about it, to >establish accountability, to show deterrence; is it not likely to be >emulated by everyone down the ladder?
Yes, thats what you keep saying. But, why? Why it has to emulated by everyone? What happen to their 'nijottwo', their own values?
Just because somebody is dancing around on the street in Delhi, why should they do it in at their homeland, and that too at the cost of the breaking apart that homeland?
And I thought you are for us/them not to follow Delhi? Why is it okay to follow them on this matter? Or is it okay to follow them when there is a "need", like a lame excuse for their own doings?
>From: Chan Mahanta <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
>To: "Alpana Sarangapani" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>, <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
>Subject: Some Answers -1
>Date: Sun, 12 Jan 2003 14:09:41 -0600
>
>Hi A:
>
>
>Here I am, hopefully with some answers to your questions.
>
>
>First, about peace in Nagaland etc. You asked:
>
> >Also, is there a possibility that at least three NE sisters (Manipur,
> >Assam >and Arunachal) will get into an "argument" and even might
> >forget that they are >sisters, if the "demand for unification of Naga
> >inhabitated areas spread >across three States" is accepted?
>
>
>*** I am not trained in the predictive sciences, but my layman's guess is
>that IF a SEPARATE PEACE is foisted, WITHOUT the involvement of Manipur,
>Assam and Arunachal in forging it, together, it is not merely likely, but
>almost a certainty that it would neither be peace nor would it last.
>
>
>________________________________________________________________________________
>
>On the issue of Assam's troubles, I agree with your observations,
>generally. But you left out the most significant one: That of the unabated
>migration of people into Assam and the NE, not merely B'deshi illegals, but
>also the 'legal' desi one as well who have monopolized economic powers
>under a 'controlled' economy. I was not there, but I believe that was the
>single most significant factor that finally moved the people of Assam to
>rise. Wasn't that so? And tell me what you see as having been done for its
>abatement. Also look at the Sentinel's Editorial II on the subject today,
>where Delhi's role is discussed.
>
>I don't agree with some of the opinions . But it is dead right on Delhi's
>duplicity.
>
>________________________________________________________________________________
>
>You keep asking about independence, even though I answered this a number of
>times before, and will answer it again: I don't believe that independence
>alone will solve anything. However, independence COULD allow Assam to
>fashion its own destiny, by drastically changing the way of governing
>itself. But that could NOT happen if an independent Assam settles down to
>the same dysfunctional system that India has been groaning under. Look at
>Mizoram. After decades of insurgency, and hundreds of thousands of lives
>lost, they settled for peace. But has anything changed? From what I hear in
>Assam net, precious little has.
>Yes, their complaints DID register, India did relent on some issues. But
>they got to keep the same INFECTED Indian system, and they are sick again.
>
>
>On the other hand, if under a devolved system of powers,Assam is allowed to
>fashion its system of governance WITHIN the union, to break out of the
>broken Indian system, then there could be hope for change.
>
>________________________________________________________________________________
>
>Corruption:
>
>
>We have dealt with this time and again. I am sure you will agree that
>corruption is not a genetically ordained condition. We are not born
>corrupt. But in the Indian governance there is NO functioning system of
>exacting accountability. If your Minister of This or That helps herself to
>a sizable portion of the 60% taken off the top of development funds, and
>promptly settles down to conspicuous consumption, never mind even the
>impression of acquiring wealth grossly disproportionate to known source of
>income, what happens? How many central power figures have you seen held
>accountable? If the Center with ALL of the significant powers of state
>under its fingers is totally impotent about doing anything about it, to
>establish accountability, to show deterrence; is it not likely to be
>emulated by everyone down the ladder?
>
>
>Here is what Chandrababu Naidu told BBC's indophile correspondent Mark
>Tully ( in India Abroad, Jan 10):" I have been saying from the
>beginning--that the states should have more power. There will be coalition
>govts. in the center for some time now, so this is the time for
>decentralization, but nothing is happening. Even for small things we are
>dependent on Delhi and Delhi does nothing. We must decentralize at the
>national level, but we must also decentralize at the state level.
>-----------------------------------------"
>
>BTW, this is just one of many issues he talks about in this long article.
>
>In the same paper, Mark Tully's interview with Onkar Singh in reference to
>his book India in Slow Motion, Tully asks Singh about ABV's govt. and if he
>approves of it.
>
>Singh: The Vajpayee govt. is like any other govt. that has come to power in
>India. It has not set about achieving good governance. It has not made any
>major change in the style of functioning, in the sense that India is
>administered properly. The present govt. has not tried to re-establish the
>autonomy of the civil service so that there is a firm line between the
>politicians and the civil services.------------ There has been some
>progress on economic liberalization, but it is limited, because there is a
>fundamental flaw in it. THe govt. and the politicians do not want to
>release control over anything. It is by controlling things that they make
>money."
>
>
>We can go on and on for ever. How do you foresee any abatement to corruption?
>
>
>******************************************************************************
>
>Do share your thoughts, and tell us how you see Assam turning its
>corruption problems around. Do you think more of the same system will
>change things? If not HOW do you foresee change coming?
>
>
>More later.
>
>c-da
>
>********************************************************************************
>
>At 8:12 AM -0600 12/27/02, Chan Mahanta wrote:
> >Hi A:
> >
> >Thought C'da would
> >>find this interesting..and take a resolution for the new year - to face
> >>the reality in this regard, and stop saying: Dilli did this, Dilli
> >>did that, etc., :)
> >
> >
> >Also, coming back to reality, let me ask you the unanswered question again:
> >
> >>Do you think if Assam gets independence, major problems like flood will be
> >>gone? 'poisa khaai gupaat kora' officers/engineers will change overnight,
> >or
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >*** You did a good job of delineating some of Assam's problems as *you* see
> >them.
> >
> >But to respond to your observation and answer your question, we need to go
> >deeper yet. Let us see if we can go where things began, namely where and
> >how the independence demands were born.
> >
> >I am sure you will agree that there was a starting point of it, wouldn't
> >you? I mean all the smoldering resentments and disaffections finally caught
> >fire in the form of an insurgency. And if you do, what in your estimation
> >brought that on? What was the catalyst--the fuel--that lit the fire? Was
> >that a result of the reasons you list below, or was there MORE to it?
> >
> >If you could agree that therte was/were other issues yet and share your
> >thoughts on it/them, then perhaps we could go to your question and see if I
> >can put together an answer.
> >
> >Why I keep asking you, is to see if you can recognize them on your own. I
> >can suggest that to you, but given your disagreements with my views, it
> >will be counterproductive to begin with my viewpoint.
> >
> >
> >
> >c-da
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >At 1:07 AM -0600 12/26/02, Alpana Sarangapani wrote:
> >>> First tell me , in your own words what YOU see as Assam's biggest
> >>problems.
> >>> There are obviously many. But try to keep it to two or three of the most
> >>> pressing ones. And I will throw my two cents in, depending on how I view
> >>
> >>Hi C'da: Hope you had a nice Christmas dinner. :)
> >>
> >>IMHO, Assam does face a torrent of problems and have listed *all* that came
> >>to my mind (from a layman's point of view) - those that come out sticking
> >>like sore thumbs are (not in any order):
> >>
> >>1. Rampant corruption amongst the top echelons of the society. These include
> >>politicians, engineers, cops, administrators to name a few. There is
> >>corruption in the lower ranks too - but I guess to root out the problem, one
> >>has to start at the top.
> >>
> >>2. Militant/Insurgency problems. There are probably more than 50 such
> >>outfits - all wanting a piece of action and a piece of "xoonor Oxom". Go
> >>figure - in the end we may as many such outfits as there are people. Their
> >>general motto seems to be: "we will destroy the current setup or be destroy
> >>Oxom in the process"
> >>
> >>3. The age-old flood problem: Every year thousands of people loose their
> >>life/property and agriculture to this menace. The poor and the downtrodden
> >>are usually the ones to suffer.
> >>
> >>Yes! floods are a lot cast by providence, but it seems so uncanny that
> >>corrupt officials/contractors do not even have a place in their hearts to
> >>minimize the effects. There are, I presume newer/sophisticated techniques
> >>that are used in other parts of India - WHY are they not in place in Oxom?
> >>
> >>4. Economic development is stagnant - the reasons are not far to see.
> >>
> >>5. Unemployment: This is one of the most important basic needs. Oxom has to
> >>attract big industries - both in service and manufacturing sectors to solve
> >>this. Not all can be absorbed in the major cities where there are few large
> >>industries or in agriculture in villages which barely pay a living.
> >>
> >>6. "Step-motherly" treatment by Dilli. Today, this step-mother gets back
> >>unspent money from the state, why?
> >>
> >>India is a corrupt country, but every other state is careful in making sure
> >>that their state keeps up some semblance of economic development and
> >>accomplishment. Why not Oxom?
> >>
> >>Again - you can blame Dilli all you want, but the bottom line is this: In
> >>order for Oxom to move forward economically, "A business culture, which is
> >>safe must be created". Else Oxom's business community will always consist
> >>ONLY of TRADERS - usually of our Marowaari brothers. (Exception being oil
> >>producing/refining/tea/plywood - I am not sure these are doing well
> >>either!!).
> >>
> >>However big these traders are, they do very little for economic development.
> >>To attract heavy industries, manufacturing plants etc, Oxom must think first
> >>of creating a safer and attractive industrial climate.
> >>
> >>Once the above problems are at least solved partways, one can blame Delhi
> >>for any let or hindrance. Until then lets clean up our own mess. What say
> >>you?
> >>
> >>Now the ball is in your court. Now you can put a shiny "spin" on it. :)
> >>
> >>
> >>
> >>----- Original Message -----
> >>From: "Chan Mahanta" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
> >>To: "Alpana Sarangapani" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>;
> >><[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
> >>Sent: Wednesday, December 25, 2002 1:10 PM
> >>Subject: Dilli, DA and Assam's Problems
> >>
> >>
> >>> Hi A:
> >>>
> >>> >C'da. You tell me!..sounds like YOU are heading for some kind of solution
> >>> >here instead of keep complaining about Dilli.
> >>> >
> >>> >and the answers to the questions too, please!
> >>>
> >>>
> >>> *** I can't tell if I am or we are heading towards a solution. But I am
> >>> certain if we don't confront the MISSING issues from the DA's litany of
> >>> chrages against the Assamese people, as expressed by various netters in
> >>> various ways, then we will be running in place like gerbils at best.
> >>>
> >>>
> >>> Therefore, if you are really curiuos about what the MISSING issues might
> >>> be, we can embark on attempting to identify and analyze them.
> >>>
> >>> First tell me , in your own words what YOU see as Assam's biggest
> >>problems.
> >>> There are obviously many. But try to keep it to two or three of the most
> >>> pressing ones. And I will throw my two cents in, depending on how I view
> >>> the issues YOU hold to be important. Or present my own views if thgey are
> >>> not convergent with yours.
> >>>
> >>> Now let us not get bogged down on whether we are competent to judge them.
> >>> Let us just play ordinary Joe-Kharkhowa or Jane _tengakhowa on the street.
> >>>
> >>>
> >>> So go girl :-).
> >>>
> >>>
> >>> c-da
> >>>
> >>>
> >>>
> >>>
> >>>
> >>>
> >>>
> >>>
> >>>
> >>>
> >>> At 11:48 PM -0600 12/23/02, Alpana Sarangapani wrote:
> >>> >> of the truths, not all of it. Now if you tell us what some of those
> >>> >MISSING
> >>> >> truths are, as you see it, then I promise to answer your question to
> >>the
> >>> >> best of my abilities. I asked you to look at these earlier also, but
> >>you
> >>> >
> >>> >Not busy (thats the word for the sophisticated professionals who thinks
> >>> >others don't work but only him/herself does :)), but I just don't know,
> >>> >C'da. You tell me!..sounds like YOU are heading for some kind of solution
> >>> >here instead of keep complaining about Dilli.
> >>> >
> >>> >and the answers to the questions too, please!
> >>> >
> >>> >:)
> >>> >
> >>> >
> >>> >----- Original Message -----
> >>> >From: "Chan Mahanta" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
> >>> >To: "Alpana Sarangapani" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>;
> >>> ><[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
> >>> >Sent: Monday, December 23, 2002 8:46 PM
> >>> >Subject: Re: Flood control projects and CWC
> >>> >
> >>> >
> >>> >> At 12:03 AM -0600 12/23/02, Alpana Sarangapani wrote:
> >>> >> >Okay C'da:
> >>> >> >
> >>> >> >> YEs, it is a dramatization, but is that not what it substantially
> >>means
> >>> >?
> >>> >> >
> >>> >> >And quite a good one too! I am glad we have such a good
> >>(melo)dramatist
> >>> >> >amongst us. :)
> >>> >>
> >>> >>
> >>> >>
> >>> >> *** I knew you would be able to appreciate it A :-).
> >>> >>
> >>> >>
> >>> >>
> >>> >>
> >>> >> >Now, if you will stop being the DA, and simply tell us about your
> >>> >suggestion
> >>> >> >as to what we should do to change things around!
> >>> >> >
> >>> >> >Also, coming back to reality, let me ask you the unanswered question
> >>> >again:
> >>> >> >
> >>> >> >>Do you think if Assam gets independence, major problems like flood
> >>will
> >>> >be
> >>> >> >>gone? 'poisa khaai gupaat kora' officers/engineers will change
> >>> >overnight,
> >>> >> >or
> >>> >>
> >>> >>
> >>> >> *** That is a good question. But it should be answered ONLY in
> >>context.The
> >>> >> context here is the MISSING evidence in the DA's cgarge-sheet.
> >>> >>
> >>> >>
> >>> >> *** I would presume you agreed that the DA's charges dealt with only
> >>some
> >>> >> of the truths, not all of it. Now if you tell us what some of those
> >>> >MISSING
> >>> >> truths are, as you see it, then I promise to answer your question to
> >>the
> >>> >> best of my abilities. I asked you to look at these earlier also, but
> >>you
> >>> >> probably were too busy, we never heard from you any farther on that
> >>:-).
> >>> >>
> >>> >>
> >>> >> c-da
> >>> >>
> >>> >>
> >>> >>
> >>> >>
> >>> >>
> >>> >>
> >>> >>
> >>> >>
> >>> >>
> >>> >> >----- Original Message -----
> >>> >> >From: "Chan Mahanta" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
> >>> >> >To: "Alpana Sarangapani" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>;
> >>> >> ><[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
> >>> >> >Sent: Sunday, December 22, 2002 10:25 AM
> >>> >> >Subject: Re: Flood control projects and CWC
> >>> >> >
> >>> >> >
> >>> >> >> Alpana:
> >>> >> >>
> >>> >> >>
> >>> >> >> >Clearly, you understand, like you, I too have the best interests of
> >>> >Assam
> >>> >> >at
> >>> >> >> >heart. Why do you always try to portray me differently? In your
> >>case,
> >>> >you
> >>> >> >> >are just blinded by paternal love and will NEVER see anything
> >>wrong,
> >>> >and
> >>> >> >I
> >>> >> >> >am just being practical and pointing where fingers need to be
> >>pointed
> >>> >at.
> >>> >> >> >Are we vying for a political 'gadi' in Assam? FYI: I am not! :)
> >>> >> >>
> >>> >> >>
> >>> >> >> *** I never insinutated that you don't have Assam's best interest in
> >>> >mind.
> >>> >> >> And that goes for ALL who I spar with :-). It is the MEANS of
> >>achieving
> >>> >> >> what we all have our sights on--Assam's best interests--that we
> >>differ
> >>> >on.
> >>> >> >> And the causes.
> >>> >> >>
> >>> >> >>
> >>> >> >> Finger pointing is fine, as long as it is at the party or parties or
> >>> >> >causes
> >>> >> >> that are the the real sources of the problem.
> >>> >> >>
> >>> >> >>
> >>> >> >> Also pointing fingers is NOT ENOUGH. Anyone can point fingers. We
> >>also
> >>> >> >have
> >>> >> >> a responsibility to at least explore avenues of finding solutions,
> >>if
> >>> >not
> >>> >> >> the soultions themselves.
> >>> >> >>
> >>> >> >>
> >>> >> >> I didn't think you or others in our 'adda' who debate these issues
> >>have
> >>> >> >> their sights on the 'gaddi' or even the 'xwa-saang' or 'bor-peera'.
> >>> >Even I
> >>> >> >> don't. But never mind me. The accusations and insinuations that are
> >>> >> >> levelled at me, or the labels assigned to me, don't really bother
> >>me. I
> >>> >am
> >>> >> >> very secure in the knowledge of what I am and what I am not. They
> >>just
> >>> >> >> define the people who do :-).
> >>> >> >>
> >>> >> >>
> >>> >> >>
> >>> >> >>
> >>> >> >> >Why do you TRY to put words in my mouth? I meant no such things.
> >>From
> >>> >> >when
> >>> >> >> >did corrupt politicians and officials become the "whole" population
> >>of
> >>> >> >> >Assam?
> >>> >> >>
> >>> >> >> *** I have no trouble believing your intents A. But let me do a
> >>little
> >>> >> >role
> >>> >> >> playing here for a moment and look at things from another
> >>perspective:
> >>> >> >>
> >>> >> >> You wrote:
> >>> >> >>
> >>> >> >> >>>Thought C'da would
> >>> >> >> >>find this interesting..and take a resolution for the new year -
> >>to
> >>> >face
> >>> >> >> >>the reality in this regard, and stop saying: Dilli did this,
> >>Dilli
> >>> >> >> >>did that, etc., :). Isn't CWC in Delhi?
> >>> >> >>
> >>> >> >> ** It means Dilli had no role to play in this. Somebody else did.
> >>Who
> >>> >> >could
> >>> >> >> that be? Obviously the State of Assam, who had been given all the
> >>> >monies,
> >>> >> >> or at least a decent chunk of it, they needed to take care of their
> >>> >flood
> >>> >> >> problem.
> >>> >> >>
> >>> >> >>
> >>> >> >> Now WHO is the State of Assam in this context?
> >>> >> >> *It is the government of Assam.
> >>> >> >>
> >>> >> >> And who is that govt. composed of?
> >>> >> >> *It is the ELECTED representatives and the civil servants who
> >>> >administer
> >>> >> >> the system, as directed by the elected representatives of the
> >>people.
> >>> >> >>
> >>> >> >> If these are the folks who are at fault and are unable to discharge
> >>> >their
> >>> >> >> duties, then WHO should be held responsible for that?
> >>> >> >>
> >>> >> >> *1: The people who ELECTED these guys to govern them.
> >>> >> >> *2: The people who APPOINTED the civil servants.
> >>> >> >>
> >>> >> >> Now as the Advocate general of the Devil, let me ask the whininig,
> >>> >> >> complaining ne'er-do-good losers of Assam this: What seems to be the
> >>> >> >> gosh-darn problem with you idiots? WHY cannot you ELECT honest and
> >>> >> >> competent people to govern youselves? Why do you keep sending
> >>> >morons,thugs
> >>> >> >> and nitwits over and over again, who not only cannot use all these
> >>> >monies
> >>> >> >> we so generously send them, year after year; steal a lot of it;
> >>> >squander
> >>> >> >> some and ten RETURN huge chunks of it too--unused.
> >>> >> >>
> >>> >> >> How DARE you guys blame my client, the GoI ?
> >>> >> >>
> >>> >> >> How dare you guys besmirch the good name of the most benevolent seat
> >>of
> >>> >> >> power--Dilli?
> >>> >>
> >>>
> >>>>> ------------------------------------------------------------------------
> >>-
> >>> >-
> >>> >> >----
> >>> >> >>
> >>> >> >> BTW, *I* did NOT say the things in the above paragraphs.
> >>> >> >>
> >>> >> >> Guess who did :-)?
> >>> >> >>
> >>> >> >> YEs, it is a dramatization, but is that not what it substantially
> >>means
> >>> >?
> >>> >>
> >>>
> >>>>> ------------------------------------------------------------------------
> >>-
> >>> >-
> >>> >> >----
> >>> >> >>
> >>> >> >>
> >>> >> >> *** Reverting back to myself, I now ask you, is the above the WHOLE
> >>> >truth?
> >>> >> >> Or is something MISSING in the Devil's Advocate's charge-sheet? Is
> >>he
> >>> >> >being
> >>> >> >> totally forthcoming in presenting ALL of the evidence to judge the
> >>> >issues
> >>> >> >> fairly by?
> >>> >> >>
> >>> >> >> What is your answer here Alpana? Would you at least make an attempt
> >>to
> >>> >> >fill
> >>> >> >> in the blanks and tell us what the DA left out, if you believe he
> >>did?
> >>> >> >>
> >>> >> >> That will be a good place for us to start a meanigful discourse,
> >>> >wouldn't
> >>> >> >> you think? I would understand if you say you cannot see what is left
> >>> >out.
> >>> >> >I
> >>> >> >> will be pleased to point them out, like I have been doing for years
> >>in
> >>> >> >> Assam Net.
> >>> >> >>
> >>> >> >> :-)
> >>> >> >> c-da
> >>> >> >>
> >>> >> >>
> >>> >> >>
> >>> >> >>
> >>> >> >>
> >>> >> >>
> >>> >> >>
> >>> >> >>
> >>> >> >>
> >>> >> >> At 1:02 PM -0600 12/21/02, Alpana Sarangapani wrote:
> >>> >> >> >Hi C'da: Let me set things straight first:
> >>> >> >> >
> >>> >> >> >>thing. It does not mean that the Assamese PEOPLE are inept, or
> >>lazy,
> >>> >or
> >>> >> >> >>without industry or just apathetic, if that is what you are
> >>> >attempting
> >>> >> >to
> >>> >> >> >>portray.
> >>> >> >> >
> >>> >> >> >Clearly, you understand, like you, I too have the best interests of
> >>> >Assam
> >>> >> >at
> >>> >> >> >heart. Why do you always try to portray me differently? In your
> >>case,
> >>> >you
> >>> >> >> >are just blinded by paternal love and will NEVER see anything
> >>wrong,
> >>> >and
> >>> >> >I
> >>> >> >> >am just being practical and pointing where fingers need to be
> >>pointed
> >>> >at.
> >>> >> >> >Are we vying for a political 'gadi' in Assam? FYI: I am not! :)
> >>> >> >> >
> >>> >> >> >Why do you TRY to put words in my mouth? I meant no such things.
> >>From
> >>> >> >when
> >>> >> >> >did corrupt politicians and officials become the "whole" population
> >>of
> >>> >> >> >Assam?
> >>> >> >> >
> >>> >> >> >In case honestly you haven't understood what I always mean when
> >>> >talking
> >>> >> >> >about Assam, this is FYI:
> >>> >> >> >
> >>> >> >> >There are many intelligent, honest and hard-working people in
> >>Assam.
> >>> >> >> >Unfortunately, these are the people who are suffering from the
> >>corrupt
> >>> >> >and
> >>> >> >> >inept practices of these crooked politicians/officials. The way you
> >>> >are
> >>> >> >> >defending these crooks with your heart and soul, in turn, makes it
> >>> >look
> >>> >> >like
> >>> >> >> >you are doing a great disservice to the honest and hard-working
> >>people
> >>> >of
> >>> >> >> >Assam. You always shield them by finding some other casus belli,
> >>> >instead
> >>> >> >of
> >>> >> >> >putting the onus where it belongs.
> >>> >> >> >
> >>> >> >> >
> >>> >> >> >>Another point, more on the technical issue of embankment
> >>construction
> >>> >as
> >>> >> >> >>THE answer to Assam floods:
> >>> >> >> >
> >>> >> >> >>Does it seem like a reasonable solution to you, to build MORE
> >>> >> >embankments
> >>> >> >> >>as THE solution to the problem?
> >>> >> >> >
> >>> >> >> >I have no technical background about this, C'da, in case you didn't
> >>> >know!
> >>> >> >:)
> >>> >> >> >But my common sense tells me "something" needs to be done. And yes!
> >>> >> >dredging
> >>> >> >> >should be the number one solution, but the question is: why it has
> >>not
> >>> >> >been
> >>> >> >> >done? Moreover, it is the state govt. who is claiming that:
> >>> >> >> >
> >>> >> >> >"The Minister referring to
> >>> >> >> >>measures taken to control floods in Assam said the State
> >>Government
> >>> >has
> >>> >> >> >>constructed a 4454 km long embankments, 850 km long drainage
> >>channels
> >>> >> >and
> >>> >> >> >>660 town and village protection works so far as short term
> >>measures
> >>> >are
> >>> >> >> >>concerned."
> >>> >> >> >
> >>> >> >> >So how is it "my solution"? It is the minister who said that!
> >>> >> >> >
> >>> >> >> >Do you think if Assam gets independence, major problems like flood
> >>> >will
> >>> >> >be
> >>> >> >> >gone? 'poisa khaai gupaat kora' officers/engineers will change
> >>> >overnight,
> >>> >> >or
> >>> >> >> >even in the years to come? Or will it be simply "legal" to steal
> >>> >public
> >>> >> >> >money by the 'bahu-boli's in Assam? Thats what I am worried about!
> >>I
> >>> >> >don't
> >>> >> >> >want to see my folks (family and friends) suffer more from this -
> >>> >thats
> >>> >> >all.
> >>> >> >> >
> >>> >> >> >Happy holidays!! :)
> >>> >> >> >
> >>> >> >> >
> >>> >> >> >
> >>> >> >> >
> >>> >> >> >----- Original Message -----
> >>> >> >> >From: "Chan Mahanta" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
> >>> >> >> >To: "Alpana Sarangapani" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>;
> >>> >> >> ><[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
> >>> >> >> >Sent: Saturday, December 21, 2002 11:33 AM
> >>> >> >> >Subject: Re: Flood control projects and CWC
> >>> >> >> >
> >>> >> >> >
> >>> >> >> >Hi A:
> >>> >> >> >
> >>> >> >> >
> >>> >> >> >Sorry took so long to get back to you :-).
> >>> >> >> >
> >>> >> >> >
> >>> >> >> >
> >>> >> >> >First, just because Assam administrations failed to undertake any
> >>> >flood
> >>> >> >> >control project means ONLY that possibly the administration is/was
> >>> >inept,
> >>> >> >> >or without the technical abilities to put together a program or
> >>some
> >>> >such
> >>> >> >> >thing. It does not mean that the Assamese PEOPLE are inept, or
> >>lazy,
> >>> >or
> >>> >> >> >without industry or just apathetic, if that is what you are
> >>attempting
> >>> >to
> >>> >> >> >portray. It merely validates the idea that State Governance of
> >>Assam,
> >>> >> >> >modeled after and controlled by the Indian model and administration
> >>> >> >system
> >>> >> >> >is USELESS in resolving Assam's problems.
> >>> >> >> >
> >>> >> >> >
> >>> >> >> >Another point, more on the technical issue of embankment
> >>construction
> >>> >as
> >>> >> >> >THE answer to Assam floods:
> >>> >> >> >
> >>> >> >> >Imagine Assam flood prone areas as a large dish with a channel - a
> >>> >swale
> >>> >> >in
> >>> >> >> >our architectural jargon- that collects the water and takkes it out
> >>to
> >>> >> >the
> >>> >> >> >sea. All of the rains that fall on the foothills of Arunachal
> >>> >mountians,
> >>> >> >> >Naga Hills, K&J hills etc. get collected by rivers and taken into
> >>the
> >>> >> >swale
> >>> >> >> >that is the Brahmaputra. Due to the siliting of recent centuries
> >>the
> >>> >> >swale
> >>> >> >> >has become shallow, and it routinely breaks out over the
> >>embankments
> >>> >that
> >>> >> >> >were built to contain the swale's boundaries. When the river
> >>overflows
> >>> >or
> >>> >> >> >the embankments break, the overflowing waters do not have a ready
> >>> >means
> >>> >> >of
> >>> >> >> >returning to the receding swale. The flood waters get trapped
> >>behind
> >>> >the
> >>> >> >> >embankments and stay there wreakinh havoc among the people living
> >>> >their
> >>> >> >and
> >>> >> >> >destroying their crops.
> >>> >> >> >
> >>> >> >> >Does it seem like a reasonable solution to you, to build MORE
> >>> >embankments
> >>> >> >> >as THE solution to the problem?
> >>> >> >> >
> >>> >> >> >Assam flooding requires modern and radical ways to find ways to
> >>> >discharge
> >>> >> >> >the waters. One very very simple answer is to start dredging. It
> >>could
> >>> >> >not
> >>> >> >> >hurt. WHY is it not done ? Another is to build the means for
> >>> >overflowing
> >>> >> >> >waters to return to the river, immediately after the overflows.
> >>> >> >> >
> >>> >> >> >You have any thoughts on that? I mean other than the charge that
> >>the
> >>> >> >people
> >>> >> >> >of Assam are either inept or lazy? That is not a very bright answer
> >>> >> >really.
> >>> >> >> >If we present that as the answer, it COULD validate the perception
> >>> >among
> >>> >> >> >some that we are not very bright people :-).
> >>> >> >> >
> >>> >> >> >You ask about Dilli suggesting Dilli is not at fault. If you trace,
> >>> >step
> >>> >> >by
> >>> >> >> >step, the rungs of responsibility, you might be able to pinpoint
> >>where
> >>> >> >the
> >>> >> >> >problems lie. Care to attempt that exercise and see what could be
> >>> >learnt
> >>> >> >> >from it?
> >>> >> >> >
> >>> >> >> >
> >>> >> >> >c-da
> >>> >> >> >
> >>> >> >> >
> >>> >> >> >
> >>> >> >> >
> >>> >> >> >
> >>> >> >> >
> >>> >> >> >
> >>> >> >> >
> >>> >> >> >
> >>> >> >> >At 4:44 PM -0600 12/19/02, Alpana Sarangapani wrote:
> >>> >> >> >> http://www.assamtribune.com/dec1902/at05.html Thought C'da
> >>> >would
> >>> >> >> >>find this interesting..and take a resolution for the new year -
> >>to
> >>> >face
> >>> >> >> >>the reality in this regard, and stop saying: Dilli did this,
> >>Dilli
> >>> >> >> >>did that, etc., :). Isn't CWC in Delhi? BTW, for the 'sudden
> >>> >> >> >>wave-makers': the babus in Dilli are not related to me - by blood
> >>or
> >>> >by
> >>> >> >> >>marriage. In fact, most of the time, most of them, go against
> >>Dilli
> >>> >and
> >>> >> >> >>try to do what is best for their state. "The Minister
> >>referring
> >>> >to
> >>> >> >> >>measures taken to control floods in Assam said the State
> >>Government
> >>> >has
> >>> >> >> >>constructed a 4454 km long embankments, 850 km long drainage
> >>channels
> >>> >> >and
> >>> >> >> >>660 town and village protection works so far as short term
> >>measures
> >>> >are
> >>> >> >> >>concerned." They must have done this after this summer..so no
> >>> >flood
> >>> >> >in
> >>> >> >> >>those areas next year! For your convenience, the full text is
> >>> >pasted
> >>> >> >> >>here as well.. ---------- CWC scraps 15 State flood control
> >>> >projects
> >>> >> >> >>From Our Staff Correspondent
> >>> >> >> >> NEW DELHI, Dec 18 - In what could land Assam Government in an
> >>> >> >> >>embarassing position, Central Water Commission (CWC) has scrapped
> >>15
> >>> >> >flood
> >>> >> >> >>control projects of Assam because of non-response of the State
> >>> >> >Government
> >>> >> >> >>for over a year. The 15 proposals deleted by the CWC were part of
> >>> >the
> >>> >> >109
> >>> >> >> >>flood control proposals submitted by Assam Government since 1999.
> >>> >Out
> >>> >> >of
> >>> >> >> >>these, 47 projects have been techno-economically cleared, while
> >>31
> >>> >> >others
> >>> >> >> >>have been accorded investments clearance by the Planning
> >>Commission.
> >>> >> >> >>
> >>> >> >> >> Another 27 projects after being examined by the CWC have been
> >>> >returned
> >>> >> >> >>to the State Government by the CWC. This was revealed by Minister
> >>of
> >>> >> >> >>State for Home Affairs I D Swami in the Lok Sabha through a
> >>written
> >>> >> >> >>reply. The 15 projects deleted from the current list were due to
> >>> >either
> >>> >> >> >>non-response of the State Government over a year or enhanced
> >>powers
> >>> >of
> >>> >> >> >>the State Government for such clearances, the Minister added.
> >>> >> >> >>
> >>> >> >> >> The Minister referring to measures taken to control floods in
> >>Assam
> >>> >> >said
> >>> >> >> >>the State Government has constructed a 4454 km long embankments,
> >>850
> >>> >km
> >>> >> >> >>long drainage channels and 660 town and village protection works
> >>so
> >>> >far
> >>> >> >> >>as short term measures are concerned.
> >>> >> >> >>
> >>> >> >> >> Government of India has been extending Central Assistance to the
> >>> >State
> >>> >> >> >>Government for flood control schemes since 1974-75 in form of
> >>loan
> >>> >and
> >>> >> >> >>grants. Till March 2000, a total amount of Rs 401.03 crore has
> >>been
> >>> >> >> >>provided. The Planning Commission has further provided additional
> >>> >> >Central
> >>> >> >> >>assistance of Rs 10 crore to Assam during 2001-2002.
> >>> >> >>
> >>> >>
> >>>
