Contradictory scenario
on water availability
Stating that Goa’s rivers and dams currently hold sufficient drinking water reserves, the government reiterated that the present water storage capacity can comfortably meet the state’s water needs for the next one-and-a-half to two months. The government has assured that the buffer extends beyond the anticipated arrival of the monsoon in June, ensuring no water shortage even in the absence of immediate rains.
The WRD Minister reassured that there is no need to worry. “Biupachi garaz na”. However the ground reality appears to be quite to the contrary. Salcete is reportedly reeling under a major water crisis. Several parts of the district faced a fresh spell of water shortage on Tuesday with taps running dry in several localities for hours. The unannounced disruption sparked public anger, with many locals reportedly stepping out in protest. The water shortage was acutely felt in places like Majorda, Betalbatim, Fatorda, Raia and Verna.
In Curtorim constituency, water tankers had to be deployed in order to ensure basic supply. There was no communication with regards the water shortage and citizens across Salcete were left anxious and inconvenienced as they waited for the complete restoration of water supply. If the state has enough water for two months then what is the reason for taps running dry and frequent restriction of water supply? How much water is present in the water reservoirs and rivers is irrelevant if continuous water does not flow through the taps of the consumers. The government needs to assure the general public that there will be no disruption of water supply in the coming days.
Adelmo Fernandes, Vasco
Say no to proposed
nuclear power plant
Union Minister for Power, Urban Development and Housing Manohar Lal Khattar during his visit in the state on Monday has said that the Centre has asked the State government to consider the possibility of establishing a nuclear power plant as a long-term measure for energy security and sustainability in Goa.
Goa is not a big state like Haryana, UP or Gujarat but is totally dependent on tourism. Now, if the Centre in collaboration with the state government does go ahead with the idea and sets up the proposed nuclear power plant, then tourism industry, which is the backbone of Goa's economy will definitely be doomed forever.
Goans should therefore take a very serious note of the above implications, come out in large numbers and say a big 'no' to the proposed idea of setting up a nuclear power plant in the state.
The State government has already destroyed Goa's sensitive eco system, has turned the state into a garbage dump and due to which tourists too have slowly stopped coming. It's therefore time to say 'enough is enough' for the misdeeds of the state government and to save what is still left of Goa.
Jerry Fernandes, Saligao
Weapons lab
for the world
Reports suggest, although it has been officially denied, that the Indian Air Force hit the nuclear missile storage facility in Pakistan and as a consequence of this, a special jet of the US Army, capable of nuclear fallout containment was seen in Pakistan.
Maybe that is the reason why US intervened, Pakistan agreed to a ceasefire and India too agreed double quick. The truth will remain hidden for years to come or maybe forever.
Nevertheless, for the entire world, this 'war' became a case study for many reasons. Nations across the world, especially those with a deep interest in defence tactical manoeuvres will take a detailed look at how the various weapon platforms performed, how military assets were deployed and who came out on top after the dust settled. This case study is at the expense of both India and Pakistan and the innocent people who died on both sides of the border.
We became a weapons laboratory for the world to learn from.
Rekha Sarin Trehan, Benaulim
The Vandhe Bharat trains are very popular. Such is their popularity that even the PM goes out of his way to flag off a new Vandhe Bharat train virtually every other week! These trains cater to about 10 percent of the population (140 million travellers).
Normally, these people would fly, but the Vandhe Bharat offers a cheaper alternative. At the other end of the spectrum, we have 60% of the poor population who can barely afford to travel by second class or general class. To placate them, the railways have introduced the Amrit Bharat trains. But it's mere lip service as there are currently only 2 such trains and they don't run every day. As against this, there are 136 Vandhe Bharat trains many more in the pipeline.
Unfortunately, no one exposes this blatant injustice. The rich are happy with their Vandhe Bharat, while the poor never complain as they are resigned to their lot in life. That's how the system works. I think that further production of Vandhe Bharat trains must be stopped and all resources be diverted to the mass production of Amrit Bharat trains for the poor. The rich can fly.
Robert Castellino, Calangute
Will BJP not do U-Turn
on nuke power plant?
Facing huge public opposition to the proposal of setting up a nuclear power plant in Goa, the Chief Minister immediately issued a clarification, that the
BJP government would not allow
such a plant in Goa!
However, going by the past credentials of the BJP, the ex CM’s particularly Late Manohar Parrikar clearly opposed double tracking for coal but the current CM is aggressively pursuing double tracking (for coal) even by passing legal frameworks/procedures ! So many Goans
are severely affected by the betrayal of the BJP!
The BJP earlier had even opposed casinos but now the stench of environmental destruction of Goa by land and water based casinos is there for all to see!
So can we be sure that the U-Turn specialist BJP party will not do the same and proceed aggressively on the nuclear power plant in Goa in the near future ?
Arwin Mesquita, Colva