Editorial
Jetty closure backlash
Couldn't it have been done after taking public view?
The incidents that took place over the closure of a jetty near the Sadarghat river terminal on Sunday call into question the way the whole thing was handled by the BIWTA authorities. The closure of the jetty, known as Simpson Ghat, a cross-river ferry terminal for boat users was resisted by the local businessmen and small traders as it came about without alternative arrangements having been made for ferrying passengers. The agitation soon took a violent turn when two launches were set ablaze and six others came under attack, adding a new dimension to violence. A number of people were injured when launch operators were pitted against the angry mob that could not accept the abrupt closure of the facility.
Whatever may be the rationale behind the BIWTA move for laying a pontoon bridge, it is pretty much obvious that the authorities started on a wrong foot by trying to impose their decision with scant regard shown to public convenience. The law enforcers finally had to convene a meeting with all the parties concerned and assure the aggrieved of keeping the jetty open until some alternate arrangements were made. The question is, why this step was not taken in the first place to avert the damage eventually wrought through a short-sighted action?
Such situations arise far too frequently in our context as the pros and cons of any administrative decision are not carefully weighed before it is actually enforced. In this particular instance, economic activities involving a huge number of people will be affected if the jetty is removed without suitable alternative arrangements being in place. After all, the jetty has been in use for nearly 150 years!
As for the locals, they had every right to ventilate their legitimate grievances, but setting launches on fire was a manifestation of mob psychology at its worst and it cannot be condoned.
The government has formed a three-member committee to investigate the matter. It is one of those routine moves we have gotten familiar with, only to see it evaporate with the dusts settling down. Let the findings of the committee be acted upon, for a change.
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