FRIDAY, APRIL 19, 2024
Sewerage system in rural Goa
It is learnt that the State cabinet has approved a proposal making house sewer connections mandatory across the State. As per 2011 census only 16 per cent of urban population is reportedly connected to a sewerage system which is lower than the all-India average of 31 per cent. The government has so far commissioned sewerage schemes at Panjim, Margao, Vasco, Ponda, Sankhali and Taleigao.
The government now intends to provide additional sewerage connections following partial commissioning of ongoing sewerage schemes at Margao, Mapusa, Porvorim, Colva, Navelim and coastal areas. An appropriate sewerage system is essential for improving public health and quality of life in urban areas and for luring tourists. The government could also think of reducing the fees for sewerage connection and the monthly sewerage charges for old houses and small hotels in the urban areas.
This will go a long way in more and more people opting for the sewerage connection. If sewer connections will be mandatory across the State then not only urban areas but also rural areas need to be provided with a proper sewerage system. There could be several old houses and ancestral homes in the villages that do not have proper sewerage as there may not be sufficient sewer connections in rural Goa. It would be desirable for the government to provide a proper sewerage system for houses in the villages as there could still be homes which discharge the sewerage in the open or in the water bodies which can lead to a huge health issue.
Adelmo Fernandes, Vasco
Status of Covid-19 cases in Goa
Where our Goa is heading for? Goans were surprised and shocked to hear the answer of Goa chief minister when he was asked by the media what he has to say about the increase in Covid cases in Goa. Our chief minister replied saying Covid-19 cases are on the increase all over India so obviously the cases will increase in Goa. He further adds that there are restrictions and ban on social, religious, sports, entertainment, educational, cultural, or any other form of gatherings. He also adds that any person contravening this order will be punished under Section 188.
On Wednesday 572 cases were reported and on Thursday 588 cases. Till now why there is no ban and restrictions on the entries of tourists from covid infected neighbouring states. Why local tourists who are coming to Goa are not checked at the borders? We all know that covid cases are on top in the state of Maharashtra and Karnataka too. Why can’t these borders cannot be under vigilance Even New Zealand prohibited entry of all those who comes to New Zealand from India by looking at the rate of increase in Covid cases in India. Is the same law not applicable to all those who come to Goa from covid infected neighbouring States? Goa Government please awake. Better late than never before it's too late.
Natividade Fernandes, Cavelossim
Developing an all-in-one vaccine
It may seem far-fetched, a remote possibility and a theoretical assumption, which will of course make it a costly proposition that most will not be able to afford unless mass produced. But an all-in-one vaccine that is effective across all variants is possible if all the permutations and combinations of the spike proteins generated can be simulated on a super computer so that all the 30,000-odd genome sequencing building blocks can be subjected to being able to be identified and then a master vaccine developed that will be all encompassing and a panacea against all forms of variants possible.
The possibility of a practical development can be definitely done in a big multi-national set-up with all facilities, but the time span may run in developing it into probably a decade. Would it be worthwhile to try and do such a massive exercise? Will it lead to other vaccines and cures even for cancer possible by adopting this strategy that does not leave anything to chance but addresses all the possible angles without doubt?
May be a group of researchers could try this method at least if to be awarded a Noble prize.
Elvidio Miranda, Panjim
Time to take the bull by its horns
The call for a strike by taxi unions protesting for the scrapping of 'Goa Miles' scheme met with a tepid response, passengers disembarking at airports and train stations could continue onwards to their destinations without much difficulty. That there is a taxi mafia operating in the State is hidden from no one, they threaten the government, extort money from tourists and make various unreasonable demands from time to time. They first refuse to ply by meters (for that would put a stop to them fleecing passengers) and then ask that the app-based services which are finding much traction with the public and tourists be done away with.
The high handedness and impunity with which they have operated all these years shows the political patronage they have enjoyed, particularly from a self appointed, self serving minister-for-everything. Politicians have in the past pandered to the taxi operators' unreasonable demands in exchange for votes with nary a thought for Goans and tourists convenience. It is commendable that this time around the government has stood its ground against the strong arm tactics employed by the mafia who have a single point agenda i.e. to monopolise the trade, operate at will and snuff out any form of competition.
They are not amenable to even the olive branch extended by the government i.e. free installation of meters unless Goa Miles is done away with. Taxis are almost an essential service and the ones who are threatening to disrupt operations should promptly be arrested and put behind bars. No more negotiations, now is the right time to take the bull by its horns; the errant taxiwallahs can't have their cake and eat it too.
Vinay Dwivedi, Benaulim
