CN 038; Heard

One wonders why it takes inordinately long for our decision makers to decide even the most basic issues. Take the case of the dividing road between Sector 34 and 35.

Traffic lights
One wonders why it takes inordinately long for our decision makers to decide even the most basic issues. Take the case of the dividing road between Sector 34 and 35. In the name of reducing traffic snarls, the opening between the two sectors on the dividing road was blocked. At that time, it was suggested by the local residents and businessmen that this measure would not have any utility. The idea of installing traffic lights was dismissed. The blockage did not lead to make traffic plying any smoother and on the contrary led to excruciatingly long vehicle queues on the roundabouts on either end of the road. This exacerbated the traffic snarl problem. The point is that the futility of this all was visible right from day one, but it took the administration over six months to realise its mistake, remove the blocking and install traffic lights. Relieved locals ended up distributing sweets on installation of these lights.

Keep standing
The over-officious bus conductors of the Haryana Roadways have a new bee in their bonnet. They have suddenly realised that it is inappropriate to allow common passengers to sit on the seats reserved for MP/MLAs. Now every bus has a couple of seats reserved for them, but one need not be blessed with enormous perspicacity to discern that the roadways buses are not the preferred mode of travel for our parliamentarians and legislators. But then the conductors would have none of it and they snub anyone occupying this 8216;reserved8217; seat. Those passengers who ignore them are then given a 8216;dire8217; warning that they would have to vacate the seat in case its 8216;rightful occupant8217; comes. Well, if that day comes, that our leaders start commuting in our ordinary creaky buses, the public would be so thrilled that they would deliberately leave their seats for the politicians. But as of now, the threat of MP/MLAs travelling standing is an empty one.

Better safe then sorry
The latest demolition drive run by the Chandigarh Housing Board CHB was a sight to behold. In CHB8217;s previous demolition a fortnight ago, the residents had turned violent, deflated the JCB8217;s tyre, had snatched the keys from the driver and even pelted the staff with stones. This time, where the drive entailed demolition of mere seven structures, the demolition team was protected by an SHO accompanied by a strong police force of 70. Also, no JCB was used as all the demolition was undertaken manually.

Towards excellence
8220;If his only demand is that we strive towards excellence, I can make a statement to this effect that we will certainly do that. Upon this the petition can be disposed of,8221; smiled a Punjab law officer reacting to a PIL filed by a local resident. Demanding improvement of education standards in rural schools, the petitioner had demanded that the Punjab government strive for excellence. 8220;Don8217;t worry, we are not going to dispose of the petition, file a reply, we know you always try to achieve excellence,8221; said the High Court Bench.

Unannounced visitor
There are times politicians get touchy. The recent visit of Kalpana Barua, a Joint Director-rank officer with the Union Health Ministry, to Punjab was one such instance which left Punjab Health Minister Laxmi Kanta Chawala fuming. Barua was here last week to take stock of the rising dengue cases in the state. What angered the minister most was that Barua reportedly did not inform the government prior to her visit. An upset Chawla rushed straight to Union Health Minister Ramadoss expressing her grouse.

Last of the Mohicans
His spiritual following apart, the Dalai Lama is famous for his razor-sharp wit. In a meeting with the media on Sunday in Dharamshala, he took a dig at the contemporary proclivities of the youth. 8220;I recently met a youngster from Tibet and he was sporting such an amazing hairstyle8221;. At this, His Holiness gesticulated, which suggested that he was referring to the Mohican hairstyle promoted by the likes of David Beckham and Kevin Pietersen and currently a rage amongst the youth. 8220;I told him that had I not been a monk, I would have loved to have hair like him. But then a man should not regret. I might not have fancy hair but whatever little I have, they are black. Look at Tibetan prime minister, who is several years younger to me, but his hair are all grey,8221; he laughed. Then he also said how Tibetan culture has derived itself from the Indian culture. 8220;The influence continues even today. Indian film music is quite popular with Tibetan youth,8221; chuckled the Dalai Lama.