SATURDAY, APRIL 27, 2024
Why don’t motorists respect pedestrians?
In India, it becomes a risky and dangerous exercise to cross roads even at designated zebra markings. Most of the time, the motorists increase their speed or do not care to slow down as they are in a hurry to pass us even if we are standing or walking at zebra crossings. Even at traffic signals, some motorists would halt on or near the zebra lines and impede our progress. Motorists do not bother about the colour of the traffic lights and presence, if any, of traffic police and home guards who may remain as mute spectators. Youngsters may dart and zig-zag through the traffic but elderly persons, pregnant women, people with kids and persons with disabilities find it a challenging task to cross the roads and highways. The motorists forget that once they are out of their vehicles, they too are pedestrians. Ironically, when Indians drive abroad they tend to follow the laws to the ‘T,’ fearing the laws, stringent action by the cops and suspension/ cancellation of the driving licence.
Sridhar D’Iyer, Caranzalem
Betrayal of the first order
It is reported that Prime Minister Modi is going to visit Tamilnadu for the eighth time within a short span of two months to canvass votes for his party candidates in the general elections. One has to appreciate his 'stoicism' and 'I don't care!' attitude in visiting the state despite his adamant decision not to release even a single rupee to alleviate the sufferings of the people of Tamilnadu due to the unprecedented floods which devastated their livelihood, crops and dwelling places. This, despite repeated requests made to his government by the TN government which having lost all hopes of eking out humaneness from the saffron government has now decided to approach the Supreme Court for redressal.
It is now in the hands of the TN electorate to make the ruling dispensation at the Centre realise that they will not fall for the sugar-coated empty rhetorics of leaders like Modi who look at the non- BJP ruled states like TN with a Nelson's eye and betray the people of the state by denying to accede to even the most deserving demands of the respective state governments.
Tharcius S. Fernando, Chennai
Deal properly with rape cases
When we look at the number of assault cases reported against women in India on daily passing day should not be termed as a political tool. Politicians have, disgusted women with comments on rape. Even they have nor spared sports women who were victims of politicians over the years and it will continue in the Lok Sabha elections to garner sympathy votes by playing a victim
card . Women's bodies should not be reduced to battlefields for competitive politics during election campaigns. There cannot be a worse way to deal with the issue and the government need to not partial with their own party. It is also wrong to compare the number of rapes in different States run by different governments ruling or opposition.
Diomedes Pereira, Corlim
Some animals are more superior than others?
Thanks to rising inequality, which as per the recently published report by the World Inequality Lab has surpassed even during the time of the British Raj, the tentacles of VIP culture are spreading rapidly with each passing day. My local SBI branch has opened a special counter where customers can withdraw or deposit money with ease avoiding long queue at the general counter. Standing at the end of a serpentine queue of the general counter, an old man leaning on his stick asked if the special counter was for differently abled persons and senior citizens. Immediately, he was provided enlightenment with the information that the counter was only for the VIPs who would transact a minimum amount of Rs 50,000.
Sujit De, Kolkata
Translocation - A viable option to tree cutting
It is seen that road-widening is taking place at several locations across Goa for which several roadside trees are being cut. Road-widening may be necessary given the fact that there is an increase of traffic on these roads. But in all this, age-old trees have become the victims as they are being cut down with impunity. The recent cutting down of age-old heritage trees in Siolim by the authorities raised a hue and cry from concerned citizens. Development and a healthy environment can go hand in hand. Tree translocation is the answer. Tree translocation is not a new process by any means. The practice can reportedly be dated to as far back as 2000 BC in Egypt. The process has now gained acceptance even among several state governments. As the construction for the Hyderabad Metro Rail project started, a translocation company pitched in to translocate the trees falling on the proposed track. Though planting new trees is important, translocating is also a practical and viable practice as these trees regrow in just four or five years. Small trees will take decades to attain their full size, however transplanted trees are quick ready-made trees. The Goa government needs to consider the option of hiring the services of tree transplanting companies from other states instead of cutting down trees with impunity.
Adelmo Fernandes, Vasco
Kohli , Karthik build team's confidence
Virat Kohli (77) and Dinesh Karthik (28 n.o) fired RCB to a thrilling four-wicket victory in their IPL clash against Punjab Kings in Bengaluru. The two batters showcased their talent, hitting the ball with gay abandon. Impact player Mahipal Lomror also joined the party, clubbing an unbeaten 17 off only eight balls. PBKS pacers Harshal Patel, Sam Curran, and Arshdeep Singh ran out of steam towards the end as RCB coasted home with four balls to spare. One hopes the win will do wonders for the team's confidence.
N J Ravi Chander, Bengaluru
