Dear Editor,
I being a Senior Citizen of Sikkim as well as a retired Government official beg to appraise that a newly developed coined phrase that “Sikkim the Green State of India” will follow another slogan that “ Sikkim the welfare state of India” in true spirit and action as per article 35 of Constitution of India 1950. The state is striving hard to promote the welfare of people of Sikkim by securing, protecting justice effectively in all economic and political sectors. Sikkim is committed to providing basic economic and security for its all citizens and down trodden, it pushes the idea of social welfare as “a mandatory responsibility” of a democratic government. It is good that the state is moving to that direction with rapid strides and it will elevate the status of Sikkim in the comity of other states of Indian union.
But one action sparks fear of wrong execution of government policies. When I was going through the SIKKIM EXPRESS headline dated 3rd August 2024, where the Hon’ble Chief Minister announces insurance policy for drivers (professionals of non-professional that Pollution Under Control (PUC) Certificate obtained paying Rs. 500 only and not Rs. 10,000.00 fine imposition in delaying its renewal. It is very goodwill gesture from the Hon’ble Chief Minister to call a spade a spade we became the victim of PUC fine imposition in recent time. I myself was on medication and returned to Gangtok after treatment and discovered a message in my mobile, saying that as per pollution control management I was supposed to pay Rs. 20,000 forthwith else my vehicle (not covering 1500 km even) would be towed and black listed. It was a shame for me inasmuch as I am associated with many pollution control organizations and writing articles on rising air pollution levels in various cities and towns and how to combat pollution. But the mistake was not deliberate in any sense neither the driver apprised nor I was alert since I was seriously ill. My and my wife (both are retired Government officials) humbly requested to defer the deadline of renewal but our prayer fell flat and we ate humble pie. However, we deposited the said amount Rs. 20,000 and complied with the government order.
But one astonishing point is on our mind that how hundreds and thousands vehicle, obtain PUC certificates with ease. An answer came from one of the officials “ONLINE” Adoption’ and verification. The certificates are obtained sitting at home and office. Such “modus operandi” is not intelligible. What are the strategies for pollution control by pollution control board? Obviously a team of experts and testing equipments are required. But such arrangement is missing. Save and except one at Deorali and another at Jalipool PUC machine is a scientific machine to examine that contents of exhaust gages by placing the sensor at the mouth of exhaust system of a vehicle. Unlike in other states no mobile testing arrangement is visible. The entire procedure is on papers only and the very purpose of controlling emission is defeated.
Life is precious we have to protect it. Climate change is now a reality in Sikkim and we are already facing the brunt of it.
Your’s etc,
DK Dass (Purkayastha)
Marchak, Sikkim
