Quality of water
used in eateries
A widely circulated social media video shows fish vendors drawing water from a storm water drain at Davorlim, transferring it into containers and using it to wash the fish. This has reportedly sparked public outrage with citizens demanding strict action against those responsible for endangering public health. These illegal fish vendors not only create a nuisance but also operate without any check on hygiene. It is common knowledge that fish is preserved in the market by using powdered ice.
Has a check been kept on the kind of water being used to make this ice? Use of unhygienic water to make ice can have a detrimental effect on the health of the general public. Be that as it may, it is learnt that the Food and Drugs Administration (FDA) has sealed nine food outlets in Bardez for operating in unhygienic conditions. It is learnt that several well-known restaurants and tea stalls were raided as part of the crackdown. Besides keeping a check on food being prepared in unhygienic conditions, the authorities concerned also need to monitor the quality of water that is being used for preparing the eatables.
It also seems necessary to keep an eye on the water that is used to wash the utensils, plates, glasses, cups, etc. With there being scarcity of water during the summer season, there is every possibility of roadside food-outlets using drain water to wash the plates and glasses. This can lead to spread of various water borne diseases. Keeping a check on the quality of water that is being used in food outlets is of vital importance.
Adelmo Fernandes, Vasco
Uphold minority
rights, integrity
The Wafq (Amendment) Bill passed by the Lok Sabha is nothing less than an invasion of Muslim Personal Law (Sharia) and an attempt to interfere with the religious and cultural autonomy of the community. The Bill represents more than a legal amendment; it signals an erosion of India’s secular framework. By diminishing minority rights and enabling majoritarian control, the Bill contradicts the constitutional principles of equality and religious freedom. Perhaps, the most contentious aspect of the bill is the change to ownership rules, and Muslim groups claim that this will put many historical dargahs and masjids at risk. The Wafq (Amendment) Bill is unconstitutional, undemocratic and unfair as it goes against the freedom of religion guaranteed by the constitution. The Union government must withdraw this Bill immediately and the judiciary must fulfill its duty to uphold minority rights
and integrity.
Ranganathan Sivakumar, Chennai
Youth need
jobs, not doles
For a large number of youths in the state, unemployment was the biggest factor. The libraries are full with job aspirants and most of them are becoming frustrated as they are crossing the age limit for government jobs.
Employment, specifically unemployment, is an issue that affects most nations, rich or poor, advanced or developing; only the magnitude of the problem changes. It should focus on jobs creation, not freebies. The government needs to realise that the best way to uplift people is to facilitate job creation.
Create jobs and incomes, the need for freebies will disappear. The Indian government has initiated various schemes like Skill India, Startup India, and Stand-up India, which represent a strategic investment in building a more resilient and innovative economy by equipping the youth with the skills, resources, and opportunities needed to succeed.
Youth think that, the way out of this life is to get a government job and get good benefits. That will also help them to get married and start a family. Moreover, the higher educated young people are more likely to be unemployed than those without any schooling.
K G Vilop, Chorao
Protest sends clear
message to offenders
This has reference to the report ‘Angry Gogol locals clean up drains…..’ (Herald April 2, 2025).
Desperate situations call for desperate action and that is apparently what the angry locals of Amrutnagar, Gogol did when they removed the garbage from the drains and dumped it in front of the housing societies responsible.
Nice form of protest which should send a clear message to offenders and the civic authorities to enforce the rules. Dumping garbage and littering anywhere and everywhere stems from the lack of basic civic responsibility of citizens. Indiscriminate dumping of garbage is rampant mostly in all cities, even villages, on beaches on the streets.
In short, the whole place is a dumping place even for the so-called educated literate class of society. Recalling my earlier working days, while getting off the bus a passenger just dropped the ticket on the street. When I brought it to his attention, he replied that it was just the bus ticket. I did reprimand him of course!
Melville X D'Souza, Mumbai
Boosting maritime
capacity
In hindsight, India is yet to fully realise its maritime potential. Every April 5 is observed as National Maritime day to defend, shield and preserve India's maritime zone. For a country with a long coastline of over 7,500 km, this only reflects a lack of robust political will. Maritime development can act as an engine of growth and development besides boosting a country's economic growth.
The "waterways trade", or the inland waterway, can supplement and ease the road and rail trade load. As of now, the seaports are important cargo carriers in India. No effort should be spared in linking seaports with road and rail.
It is not known whether the government's plan of doubling the port capacity by the end of 2025 will materialise. Similarly, the need to upgrade the existing ports should occupy its attention. There should also be important infrastructural changes at seaports. Ports should be able to embrace larger ships and must be in a position to host fresh terminals for vessel--occupancy.
Old and worn out ships must make way for newer ones. If the seaport capacity is enhanced, necessary changes will follow. Prudent utilisation of funds and effective implementation of decisions will go a long way in carrying our maritime strength to exalted levels apart from generating thousands of jobs.
Ganapathi Bhat, Akola