MONDAY, MAY 06, 2024
Citizens must cooperate
It's noteworthy that winter is more dangerous for the spread of corona. In this scenario, it's a big responsibility for citizens to cooperate with government because it's now impossible to impose full lockdown again after economy had suffered badly in last lockdown. And there is no alternative to limiting movement to essential activities, wearing masks, maintaining physical distance and washing hands.
If these are ignored, restrictions will come into force with the great costs for the economy and livelihoods. More government too should do it's bit, increase wide testing to track cases and adequate infrastructure to save lives.
Delhi, both government and citizens, must especially be sensitive towards corona being more coldness there in this session of winter and cases being getting increased in great number.
Shahin Ahmed, Mumbai
Peoples’ liberation celebration
The Goa Government is set for a grand Goa Liberation Day Celebration, and if it is true that a sum of Rs 100 crores are in the taking, we wonder what kind of expenses would be incurred and to what public good and purpose. But then, “liberation” is a word that can be abused no end, it seems. What really is the CM wanting to celebrate this year? With almost every nook and corner of our State engaged in protests and revolution of some kind or another, is it fitting to call for celebrations?
Liberation from foreign rule would have indeed given cause for feasting and merry-making, but in the Goa of today, what we are really thirsting for is liberation from the evil rule of our governments, the State and the Centre. Only a CM who is totally blind would deny that our State is in tremendous turmoil right now.
The entire population is demanding that the clearly and obvious anti-people and anti-environment policies and practices of the government be stopped and ended immediately and that the loud voices of the people be heard and obeyed.
If the government chooses to refuse to give in to the demands of the people of Goa, then what celebration is it talking about? Rather than join in government empty and attention diverting tamasha, we, the people of Goa ought to have our own parallel PEOPLE’S LIBERATING CELEBRATION on the same day.
I fervently appeal to all protesting groups, whether it be Goyant Kollso Naka, or Goencho Ekvott, or Revolutionary Goans, Goencho Suraksha Manch, If We Do Not Rise, and all such groups and activists, to take part in our own big function unitedly and whole-heartedly. Can we come together on one stage and organise our own programme to mark the day of our liberation, not only from foreign rule, but now more so from our own despotic, dictatorial and corrupt tyranny that is seeking to stifle our legitimate protests and destroy us along with whatever is left of the environment of Goa.
Let us unite like never before, keeping egos and personal interests away. Let us have our own Liberation Day!
Zed Fernandes, Seraulim
Polluters should pay
After a round of physical verification at site done by the Goa State Pollution Control Board (GPSCB) at Cuncolim using ground penetration radar a lot of hanky panky being resorted to by industrial units in the area was unearthed. Several fish meal and other food processing units have been found to have sunk bore wells within the factory premises and have been illegally discharging their waste water and other effluents directly into the earth sans any treatment, in contravention of all state laws.
Anti-pollution guidelines stipulate that factories need to install ETPs (effluent treatment plants) to neutralize their waste water / reject before releasing it into designated municipal drains. Waste pumped directly into bore wells degrades the water table by injecting heavy metals like cadmium, arsenic, mercury and lead into the water table and underground aquifers.
People residing around these industrial units are more often than not directly dependent on below ground sources for their water needs since piped municipal supply is not widely available. By drawing and using this polluted water they endanger their own lives and invite death, disease and deformity. Stringent laws should be formulated to rein in such errant factory owners who make money off the land but in return release poison into the very earth which enriches them.
These miscreants get away by greasing the palms of the pollution control board officials and continue with their wayward ways. Poisoning of scarce ground water resources is a heinous crime and should be made a non bailable offence since thousands of lives are adversely impacted .May I request the authorities to inflict the harshest punishment upon such individuals which should include, but not limited to pecuniary penalties, shutting down of units and imprisonment.
Vinay Dwivedi, Benaulim
Develop beach playgrounds, parks
The government has proposed promoting sports tourism in a big way in order to bring more international tourists to Goa. This is a step in the right direction as several countries have given priority to sport tourism. Since Goa is blessed with a vast coastline which is dotted with several world famous beaches, it would be prudent to give a boost to beach sports. International events in beach football, beach volleyball, basket-ball and other beach sports need to be promoted on Goan beaches in a big way. This will promote quality tourism and not depict Goa as a haven for drugs, casinos, and a place where liquor flows freely.
Every beach needs to have a beach playground and a beach-park of it’s own. The local youth can use the beach playground on a regular basis and the beach park can be used for recreational purposes. The beach playground can have a mini stadium built around it to accommodate the spectators. These playgrounds can also be used to organize national sports like Kabaddi, Kho-Kho, etc. organizing national and international beach sports will also boost business activities along the beach front.
This will greatly benefit the locals and the hotel occupancy in the locality will also see an improvement. Goan beaches have a lot to offer to the tourists and not just as a place to have a dip in the sea water and enjoy the sea-breeze.
Adelmo Fernandes, Vasco
Watchdogs or guard dogs
The political establishment has systematically sidelined the office of Lokayukta and delayed the naming of a new Lokayukta citing lack of a "suitable" judge. Most lack basic infrastructure and adequate staff, let alone punitive powers. The Lokayukta does not have independent staff and functions from the state legislative complex. Lokayuktha yet to get prosecution wing. These bodies have been constrained in their effectiveness on account of limited powers and resources.
There is a widely held perception that Lokayuktas are not empowered enough and state governments try to weaken them. Corruption in India is a major issue that adversely affects its economy. No party will like to strengthen Lokayukta in states. Political parties use the name of the Lokayukta to gain votes, but forget to give it its due when they are in power. In India, the Administrative Reforms Commission (ARC) of 1966 headed by Morarji Desai first recommended the establishment of the Lokpal and the Lokayuktas.
To make the institution more powerful and effective, it must be given three instruments — independent investigation agency, independent enquiry agency and own prosecution.
K.G.Vilop, Chorao
