Many of our Goan villages are like mini-towns. Like our age-old ‘Comunidades’, they are typical highlights of Goa. The high-rise buildings destroyed many of our pristine Comunidades, now the ‘highways’ threaten to destroy our villages.
There is no doubt that today the world needs highways. There are highways everywhere: we have scenic ‘autostradas’ in Italy uniting Milan to Naples and Bari to Rome. We have ‘autobahns’ in Germany, motorways in many English speaking countries and so on. The highways and the motorways unite the far-off parts of a country as well as the countries and the world itself.
In no country, however, do the highways pass through the villages; the villages are not destroyed because of the highways but the highways serve the villages.
The way things are moving in Goa, it seems that after some years the whole of Goa will be a Super-Highway corridor between Gujarat/Maharashtra and Kerala/Karnataka.
Goa is a small state with scarce land even for buildings, let alone highways. We need to widen some roads but not at the expense of our old villages. Build the highways where they are really needed but, for God’s sake, save our beautiful villages.
At a time when grave concerns are expressed about the safety of road users in Goa – pedestrians, cyclists, motorists and lorry drivers – such developments ought to be very carefully thought out maintaining the beauty of the state and the security of its people.
Almir de Sousa, Chorao
Legislators not serious on special status
None of our 40 MLAs representing citizens and Goan MPs representing Goa in Parliament are seriously interested in Goa getting special status. If I am wrong, at least sizable if not all of MLAs and MPs would go on hunger strike in front of secretariat and/or Parliament for having rejected their sacred Bill by Centre overwhelmingly passed in the Goa Assembly requesting Special Status for Goa.
If they were really serious about it they would detest and protest the rejection of special status.
Elvino Rodrigues, Navelim
‘Super efficiency’ at passport office
It was indeed an “unbelievable experience” at the Panjim Passport Office which we visited recently. In fact, what we found difficult was to get the application form processed on-line (our first experience), which we eventually got done through an agent in lieu of my return to Abu Dhabi very shortly. We got the appointment for the very next day which delighted us. The timing of the appointment couldn’t be more convenient as our son didn’t have to miss school to get his passport. We were required to be at the Passport Office at 2:45 pm; for a 3 pm appointment. We were just amazed at everything being so very well organized, all concerned staff being so very polite & courteous, not to forget “super efficient” security guard, the female staff at various stages actually processing the application, the Asst. Passport Officer, and finally the exit staff. Even the facilities available are really so very impressive. Our sincere appreciation and best wishes to the entire team.
Alwyn Philip Gracias, Dona Paula
Schemes justified
Criticism is very good for maintaining a healthy democracy. However, condemnation for the sake of it is downright silly. Parrikar has often been criticized for doling out numerous schemes for the people of our state. It can be understood that it is a heavy burden on the state and its taxpayers’ money but our CM is one of the most educated CM in the country and certainly has the knowledge to financially run our state without harming its financial system.
Moreover, it is the people’s money going directly to the people instead of some bank accounts in Switzerland or Cayman Island or worse squandering the same public fund on some wasteful development, which in most cases lands in the pockets of our politicians. In fact, it was the previous government who left the people to fend for themselves while busy filling their own coffers.
It is a big boost for the hard working common man who is finding difficult in making both ends meet in our fast-paced society. All the schemes launched for the citizens of this state should be considered as a step in the right direction.
Valent Mascarenhas, Calangute
Helmets required
The government has taken a wise decision for using helmets for both the rider and the pillion rider on National Highways. Although the national highway is not up to standards, helmet rule is welcome as it is in keeping with the safety of motorists. It is now up to the government to give a thought to the roads and make riding a pleasurable and safe experience.
M. Srikantha Rao, Margao
Maka Naka Mopa
The recent statements in Sindhudurg, Maharashtra by our CM indicate his love for Maharashtra at the cost of Goa. Since the CM has promised to discuss the Mopa airport with the people South Goa he should invite all the 40 MLAs along with the Fr. Eremito Rebello, Convenor of GFDO and prominent media channels should air the debate live in order to bring out the reality.
If this issue is not resolved soon it will have disastrous impact not just for South Goa but for the entire Goan economy and also for the government.
Matias Lobo, Oman
