Editor,
I am writing this open letter to the health minister as a deeply concerned citizen regarding the acute and persistent road dust pollution in Naharlagun, particularly in the vicinity of Niba Hospital, caused by prolonged road construction and widening work that has continued for more than a decade.
While infrastructure development is necessary, the absence of adequate dust-control measures has created a serious public health hazard. The situation near Niba Hospital is especially alarming, as the area caters to newborn babies, pregnant women, elderly patients, and individuals with compromised immunity.
Continuous exposure to heavy dust poses grave health risks, including respiratory distress in newborns and infants; aggravation of asthma and bronchial conditions; increased risk of infections among post-operative and critical patients; and long-term lung and eye complications for residents and hospital staff.
It is distressing that patients seeking healing are instead being exposed to preventable health dangers. The silence around this issue has allowed the problem to persist, but public health cannot afford further neglect.
I respectfully urge the health minister’s office to immediately review the road construction activities near Niba Hospital; ensure regular water sprinkling and dust-suppression measures; install temporary barricades or green coverings to reduce the spreading of dust; expedite completion of road work in hospital-adjacent zones; and coordinate with the PWD and urban development authorities for strict compliance with health-safety norms.
Sir, the measure of development lies not only in roads built, but in lives protected. Newborn babies and patients deserve clean air and a safe environment – especially within the vicinity of a healthcare institution.
I hope your esteemed office will treat this matter with the urgency and compassion it deserves, in the larger interest of public health.
Bage Kamsi,
Naharlagun