Govt needs to step in,
save hotel Mandovi
In a development that may have shocked many Goans, the era of the iconic Mandovi Hotel in Panaji, reputed to be Goa’s first star-rated hotel, could come to an end as the hotel is set to go under the hammer.
Following a prolonged financial dispute, the concerned bank has reportedly announced plans to auction the property. It is learnt that the hotel, once a thriving landmark located along the picturesque Mandovi River, has remained closed for several years due to ownership controversies and unresolved financial liabilities.
The hotel, which has hosted countless visitors and dignitaries over the decades, holds historical significance for Goa’s hospitality industry. Built in 1952, it is Goa's first hotel that matched international standards. It was a truly fine hotel, combining the Goan tradition of hospitality and convenience. The hotel was well equipped to take care of business meetings and conferences with their professional and experienced team that ensured appealing banquet presentation, quality food and reliable service. Now all this will be history. Probably very few Goans will be in a position to take part in the auction which reportedly starts with a base price of Rs 4 crores. The successful bidder could be a businessman from Delhi or any other state. The state government needs to step in and take over the hotel and save it from going to a non-Goan bidder as the hotel represents the true spirit of Goan hospitality.
Adelmo Fernandes, Vasco
Stop conversion
of paddy fields
Chief Minister Pramod Sawant while speaking after inaugurating the Multi-purpose Cyclone Centre by the Water Resources Department at Aquem-Margao on Saturday last week has asserted that his government will not allow any development in No Development Zones and low-lying fields in the state. He has also made a fervent plea to the people of Goa not to fill up their paddy fields to set up shops and scrapyards just to earn Rs 50,000 and destroy them for the next 100 years.
Well, today most Goans are seen casually filling their ancestral low-lying paddy fields, converting them into private commercial properties overnight by first planting a few trees to bluff people around and then slowly constructing illegal structures with the full backing of some panch members and then selling the converted properties to outsiders
The government should bring in strict laws at the very earliest to stop conversion and sale of paddy fields.
Jerry Fernandes, Saligao
Charity begins at home
There was a time in the not so distant past when India would periodically make big noises about deserving to have a permanent seat in the UNSC. Then there was bluff and bluster about being a 5 trillion dollar economy, a big hoo-haa about being a peacemaker and a wheeler-dealer at the international level. Being a member of Quad, G15, and an honorary member of G20 etc, the list of tall claims is an
endless one.
On the other hand, our scorecard on the ground is dismal to say the least. A young IAF pilot got killed in an ageing plane that crashed, he sacrificed his life by not bailing out so that the plane could go down in an unpopulated area. The Chief of Air Staff has complained publicly that his squadrons are atleast two generations behind and no new hi tech 5G ( China is on to 6G ) planes are in the pipeline. India has also gotten rid of the time tested traditional army recruitment by foisting the Agniveer sham. No one knows what the long term implications are, and no one seems to care ; or is too scared to voice their opinion.
You cannot have any kind of impact on the global front if you are not strong in anything, militarily or otherwise. After the initial years when Modi hollered about 'Atmnirbharta' ie self sufficiency, the notion was binned and India has been a net importer of everything that is crucial. For all that gas about us being a super power in information technology, India has not invented a single software product of our own, we are proud to work as cyber coolies for international technology companies. We must understand that as the most populous country in the world, it is best if we take care of ourselves first. We should solve our energy needs, achieve food security, housing needs, upgrade medical and education infrastructure, and jettison this absurd notion of becoming a Vishwaguru. As someone said, "charity begins at home."
Misha Sarin, Varca
Let us save the birds
Today, birds are facing a steady decline in their population around the world due to various factors, such as exposed electrical wires, mobile towers, and poor management by concerned authorities. In India, one of the primary reasons causing bird fatalities is exposed electrical wires. Additionally, mobile towers pose a significant threat to birds flying at high altitudes. Countries like Germany and the Netherlands have implemented underground electrical systems, significantly reducing the risk of harm to any living creature. India should learn from them.
Jubel D'Cruz, Mumbai
Explosion cannot
be treated lightly
The tragic blast at an illegal firecracker godown-cum-factory in Deesa GIDC, north Gujarat, which claimed the lives of 21 workers from Harda, Madhya Pradesh, has raised serious concerns about a deeper, possibly well-connected illegal network. The explosion cannot be treated as a mere tragic accident, but behind it there exists a larger nexus between the operators of the ill-fated Harda firecracker factory — where a similar explosion killed 13 and injured 200 in December last year.
Investigations have revealed a potential Ahmedabad connection in the illegal operation. According to sources close to the investigation, aluminium powder — a key component in firecracker production, was being supplied by an individual from Narol, Ahmedabad. This material was allegedly being used to manufacture firecrackers without any government authorization.
There must be strict penalties for violations, coupled with a robust legal framework that supports swift and decisive action against miscreants. This includes cracking down on the illegal sale and distribution of firecrackers and ensuring that those who flout the ban face significant consequences.
Ranganathan Sivakumar, Chennai