Sir,

This refers to the news item “Institutional Social Responsibility (ISR) Initiative: JSS Science and Technology University signs MoU with NHAI” (SOM dated Sept. 7). Indeed, a very good initiative by JSS STU.

Universities across the country must start doing serious research and the Government of India should provide financial aid in support of the research. An MoU should be signed where any University receiving a grant from the Government, that any technology and patent developed by such Universities must be jointly owned by the Government in a 80:20 ratio in favour of the University and marketing and moving the technology to the production infrastructure must be managed by the University to fund further research and development.

While this initiative is for Highways, it is obvious this initiative is from the Civil Engineering Department. I request JSS STU to take up the cause of Heritage Buildings also — not just restoring but visualise new designs to take the heritage to new levels.

Recently models of two proposed Heritage Toilet buildings with the façade a carbon copy of existing structures were published in SOM. It just goes to show the lack of imagination or artistry to give structures, building etc., a new look with a trace of the Mysore heritage. Such new designs and structure may itself become a value-added tourist attraction.

A few more suggestions to the ISR Initiative of JSS STU is to provide gaps in the median to allow villages and towns on NH 275 in such a way that users need not have to drive or ride on the wrong side of the road to get to the other side.

Second, the initiative should also work out how the Highway authorities in co-operation with local bodies keep the Highway spotlessly clean and the median free of weeds.

Third, workout clean and hygienic Rest Stops with Safe Drinking Water (not bottled water), Clean and Hygienic Rest Rooms. Collaborate with Doctors and emergency medical technicians on the way, by way of prominently displaying Phone Numbers (of course the Government must set the rates for emergency services provided). I am sure JSS STU can do that as they have very high class Medical Colleges and Hospitals.

– George Rego, Mysuru, 8.9.2020

You can also mail us your views, opinions, and stories to [email protected]