Letter from the Editor-in-Chief
April 2015 | May 2015
“Connectivity enables transparency for better government, education, and health.” - Bill Gates
On the occasion of our 23rd anniversary we intend to highlight one of the chief hurdles on the way to growth and development in Northeast India. In this feature we focus on the sad plight of the entire transport system currently existing - be it roads, rails, air or waterways.
Any seminar or conference related to Northeast India identifies the lack of a proper networking system as a key factor for the backwardness of the states in terms of economic growth. And rightly so, the issue needs to be addressed and that too promptly. In a region vested with international trade prospects due to its geographical placement, the only air connectivity with the neighbouring South Asian countries is through Gauhati. Northeast is only marginally connected with the rest of the country sharing 98% of its borders with China, Myanmar, Bhutan, Bangladesh and Nepal. It is not just a lack of infrastructure but a serious lack of intent that keeps the pre-independence runways dormant.
The issue of connectivity or its lack thereof in the region, is dealt with like a cancer – an unwanted hindrance but with no real cure. By and large, the only means available is roadways with 11.63% of the National Highways existing in Northeast India. The vast potential of river navigation offered by the mighty Brahmaputra and its distributaries is yet to be tapped into. The only good news is that proper thought perspective in this regard seems to be emerging. Speaking to Eastern Panorama, the Commissioner of IWT Dhruba Hazarika and Executive Engineer Chandra Mahanta presented an encouraging picture of inland water channels in the near future.
The topography of the region does present a challenge in laying of tracks, however, intra-state railways is certainly something to think about. Railways have always been the choice of the masses. And for a region that inhabits roughly 4% of India’s population, the only connectivity to the mainland is again from the sole railway station at Gauhati, a legacy of British India.
Each of these means of communication need to be given due attention as each provides a sea of opportunities in terms of routing goods and propagating tourism. A comprehensive action plan taking into account the ground realities is the only way to boost the economy of the eight states comprising Northeast India.
The ‘Look East’ policy followed by the ‘Act East’ policy can be turned into reality only with a dedicated approach and timely implementation of progressive schemes. Empty talks with no sincere efforts is only going to vent more frustration. Simply counting the number of projects undertaken is not going to get us anywhere, literally. No matter how good the intention maybe, if not executed timely, it loses its impact and benefits.
Realising the need of the hour, we dedicate our anniversary special edition towards integration of northeast India with the rest of the world and the challenges existing therewith. With some analytical reports from our Senior Journalists Saswati Kaushik, Ratna Bharali Talukdar, Duing Barbarua, Dr. Kalidas Sarma and Dr. Narayan Chetry, I hope our readers will not only find it informative but also enjoy reading it.
Finally, I wish to thank all our readers, advertisers, authors and the entire family of Eastern Panorama without whose support this marvellous journey would not have been possible. I thank you all and hope that our association continues in the same amicable manner.
Cheers to Team Eastern Panorama!!!