Translocate banyan
tree at Porvorim
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It is observed that collateral damage is being done to nature as the work for the elevated corridor project at Porvorim gathers pace. A massive banyan tree, which is centuries old and located along NH 66, is reportedly facing the axe. It may be recalled that the historic banyan tree at St. Inez had been a point of huge debate and controversy when the ‘Smart City’ officials uprooted it overnight in April this year, for the road and sewerage related works.
It was later translocated to Campal parade ground where it was once again uprooted to shift a little distance away. A few days back, the dry trunk of the 200-year-old banyan tree of this translocated tree sparked concerns about its survival. But experts have assured that this barren appearance is merely part of a natural shedding cycle and that the tree will soon renew itself with fresh leaves as the tree is rejuvenating.
According to environmentalists, close monitoring and diligent care is essential to support its growth. Road widening and building of flyovers has to happen in every city, but this should not come at the cost of losing green cover. The beautiful massive banyan tree at Porvorim which is centuries old needs to be saved at all cost or it should at least be translocated. Environmentalists and nature lovers need to raise their voice against the unbridled cutting of trees going on in Goa.
Adelmo Fernandes, Vasco
Rule of law should
be honoured
The Supreme Court has delivered a landmark judgement against the practice of “bulldozer justice,”. By emphasising that officials who engage in illegal demolitions, restore properties and pay damages will be a big relief for affected victims. The judgement is a response to the growing concern over arbitrary demolitions used as punitive measures, often targeting properties associated with individuals and especially the minorities accused of crimes. Moreover, the decision is laudable because it is tough on arbitrary demolitions, which often infringe on the right to shelter, impacting families and communities and safeguards citizens’ fundamental rights, emphasising that actions targeting individuals suspected of crimes must follow legal due process.
The ‘bulldozer raj’ had its origin in UP and subsequently governments in MP, Uttarakhand, Gujarat, and Rajasthan have followed suit. Doubtless, it is a good judgement but a judgment is only as good as its implementation. The challenge, of course, will be to implement the norms in true spirit. Until the rule of law is honoured not just in theory but in practice, India’s democracy risks becoming a playground for the powerful, where “justice” comes at the price of bulldozed homes and shattered lives
Gregory Fernandes, Mumbai
Supreme Court order
ends ‘bulldozer’ terror
Thanks to the Supreme Court for coming up strongly against some northern States, especially UP, of mercilessly bulldozing houses and private properties of persons just because they are ‘accused’ or ‘convicts’ in cases.
Such actions by the executive without judicial oversight certainly violate constitutional principles. This shows the class character of the ruling dispensation and its approach towards the poor and the minorities. Illegal constructions do take place on a large scale in the north where the urban rich are living.
Can the ruling BJP say that all these big constructions are taking place with strict rules and regulations? The SC’s ruling represents a significant measure to ensure that the States adhere strictly to legal standards and respect the rights of individuals, particularly those in vulnerable situations. It is incongruous and unlawful for the executive to play the role of the judiciary in performing the latter’s core functions. The inhuman bulldozing culture warrants for an independent committee to be constituted immediately, involving judicial and civil society representatives to review the legality of the proposed demolitions.
Ranganathan Sivakumar, Chennai
Children are true
wealth of a nation
Every year, Children’s Day is celebrated on November 14, which happens to be the birthday of India’s first Prime Minister, Pt. Jawaharlal Nehru. Known for his affection towards children, Nehru believed that children are the true wealth of a nation, and his legacy continues to inspire this special day dedicated to honouring the rights and well-being of children. However, it also becomes a poignant reminder of the responsibilities we have to ensure that every child in India has the opportunity to thrive.
Children’s Day is not just about festivities or giving children an extra dose of attention. The day has deep significance as it aims to highlight the importance of children in shaping the future of the country. The day is also a moment to reflect on the progress India has made in ensuring these rights are upheld, as well as the challenges that remain.
Jawaharlal Nehru always envisioned a progressive India to focus on the children as the future of the nation. He often referred to them as “the most precious resource” of the country. His birthday is celebrated as Children’s Day to affirm the commitment of the nation towards the betterment of the lives of its young citizens.
Jubel D’Cruz, Mumbai
Unified attack on terror
need of the hour
Strengthening the Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) and Special Task Force (STF) across the country has paid rich dividends in India’s fight against terror. Technology driven anti-terror mechanism has provided the cutting edge to India’s war against militancy that has largely been cushioned by a reasonable Centre-State cooperation.
The Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967 (UAPA) has stood the test of time in the Centre’s aggression against terror. However, the government cannot rest on its laurels in its missionary zeal in combating the menace.
Therefore, Home Minister Amit Shah’s announcement that a comprehensive National Counter- Terrorism Policy and Strategy (NCTPAS) would be in place soon to reinvigorate the country’s investigation agencies’ action against terror is most welcome.
These are the days of cyber terror, and the government’s thrust on cyber terror has not come a moment too late. Structural unified attack on terror and its network should be accorded the top priority in the new policy.
Ganapathi Bhat, Akola
Modi government
works in denial
This Modi government works in denial. When terrorist attacks are increasing by the day in J&K, we have senior ministers talking about the peace in Kashmir and statistically how terrorist activity has reduced there.
They do not seem to realise that statistics are unimportant and it is the surge of terrorist activity that needs to be tackled before the situation deteriorates further. The same applies to Railway accidents.
Day in, day out derailments are happening and we have an ex-Member – Traffic of the Railway Board saying how rail accidents have been reducing.
The same with Manipur. It is as if it is the Black Hole of India about which no one is bothered. It is more than 16 months now that the State has been in a situation akin to anarchy with no meaningful initiatives to bring the warring tribal groups to the negotiating table to sort out their differences and no effort made by the leaders in Delhi to intervene in the dispute though they claim that the North East is the way for India to look eastward towards South East Asia.
Time therefore that the Central government took a reality check and dealt with problems and situations on the ground rather than spin stories about peace and normalcy across all sectors in the country.
Srinivas Kamat, Mysore
