It was very depressing to read about the desecration of yet another church in Delhi. This is the fifth church to be desecrated in recent months that too in Delhi. This time the tabernacle was broken open and the sacred Host thrown away as the photograph shows . Some time back in yet another church the grotto and a statue of Our Lady was smashed and the police downplayed the incident saying that it was the handiwork of a drunkard. It is not at all surprising that all of a sudden these so called ‘drunkards’ have started targetting our churches. Morepver, ever since the communal elements and their organisations in the country seem to feel that they can say or do whatever they want. Ghar Wapasi, anti-conversion row, etc means that they have only one agenda and that is to polarise the voters.
Napolean A.D’Souza, Saligao
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Stay on GCCDP not vacated
The Colva Civic and Consumer Forum is surprised to read reports stating that the NGT has vacated the stay on Goa Coastal Circuit Development Plan.
As the Secretary of the Colva Civic and Consumer Forum and as the applicant following the case before the National Green Tribunal I wish to inform that the Watch Tower/Viewing Tower a structure proposed in the CCCDP and which was shown to be within the 200 m HTL also known as the No Development Zone (NDZ) is what has been challenged. The NGT had only stayed this construction which had started without any permissions. The same continues to stand stayed till date. The Colva Civic and Consumer Forum did not have to object to vacating the stay as the stay has not been vacated.
Judith Almeida
Secretary, Colva Civic and Consumer Forum
Handcart hindrance
Handcarts are a common sight in the cities. Such handcarts are seen selling mostly vegetables and fruits. The problem with these mobile handcarts is that they can be parked anywhere as per the whims and fancies of the owner. This many a times, cause hindrance to the smooth flow of traffic. Since handcarts attract customers, accidents whereby people are hit by vehicles, are always a possibility if the handcarts are stationed by the roadside. Handcarts should be allowed to be parked only at a designated area in the city far from the crowded market place.
Adelmo Fernandes, Vasco
Political parties and RTI
The slew of allegations levelled on the AAP by Prime Minister Modi and the BJP yet again reaffirm the need to bring political parties under the decision of the Right to Information Act, 2005. It may be recalled that while the Central Information Commission gave a verdict to bring six national political parties under RTI some time back, most political parties had opposed it. As a former anti-corruption crusader, Kiran Bedi was for political parties being under RTI. Now with her entry in the BJP, has her opinion changed? She should clarify her position.
Dr. Brinda Singh, New Delhi
Take action on erring contractors
The work on Margao-Arlem road and Margao-Navelim road has been going on for more than one year now. It looks like the work on these roads will never end. After their work the contractors leave the road untarred. Government must make it mandatory for all contractors who take up works involving digging and excavating public roads, to put a sign board mentioning the date of the commencement and expected date of completion of works.
Rui Pereira, Navelim
