Tracking devices
in public vehicles
In 2018, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) had mandated all public service vehicles to have tracking devices and emergency buttons that would help to locate and respond during any emergencies.
The tracking device of AIS-140 standard must either be fixed by the vehicle manufacturer or a certified dealer. Now the Director of Transport (Goa) has set a deadline of November 30, on the request of the vehicle operators, for the public service vehicles to be fitted with these two contraptions.
It is really perplexing that even after six years, additional time has been given by the government. In the past, there were rules to install speed governors in public vehicles but this was not fully implemented and fixing of taxi metres which are hardly used by the drivers and kept covered, but several extensions in dates were given in both the cases. Similar to making it compulsory to have air bags fitted by the manufacturers, the MoRTH should instruct the same for tracking devices, emergency buttons, taxi metres (if applicable) and speed governors. The cost of vehicle may increase slightly but there will be no excuse for not having the fixtures nor any reasons to stretch the deadlines.
Sridhar D’Iyer, Caranzalem
Short term measures must to tackle water crisis
Minister for Water Resources Subhash Shirodkar has reportedly set an ambitious goal for Goa to eliminate water shortages by 2047 while outlining his vision to secure the state’s water resources and agriculture sectors. This is a welcome statement but at the same time, the year 2047, which will be the centennial year of India’s independence, is more than two decades away.
It is present day Goans who are looking for a solution to the water crisis. This year, the state experienced a record-breaking monsoon season. However, despite the heavy rainfall several areas of Goa such as Anjuna, experienced water crisis. The Indian government declared Goa to have a 100% piped water supply in 2020, but some residents complain of no pipes or lack of water despite pipes being laid.
Preserving Goa's natural ecosystems, particularly its forests, is paramount to water conservation efforts. It is learnt that one of the primary causes of the water crisis is the inability of the Assonora water treatment plant to meet the growing demand. Local residents of North Goa routinely face water shortages that they allege is due to the construction of the Mopa airport on the Barazan plateau.
The plateau, on account of its geology, supports sufficient groundwater recharge and springs that the local residents of Pernem access for water. Rapid and unplanned growth of real estate construction work is also a contributing factor for the water crisis in the state. Besides long term measures, Goa also needs short term efforts to tackle the water crisis.
Adelmo Fernandes, Vasco
Ratan Tata will live
in our hearts forever
The passing away of Ratan Naval Tata is a huge loss for the country, and the global business community as a whole. He was the driving force behind the Tata Group’s global expansion and transformation into a $100 billion conglomerate. Ratan Tata has left behind a void, which could hardly be filled in the heart of India Inc. Widely admired for his visionary leadership, his business acumen made a lasting impact on the global stage. His dedication to philanthropy and the development of society has touched the lives of millions. From education to healthcare, Tata’s initiatives have left an indelible mark in the society. Reinforcing all of this work was Tata's humility in every individual interaction. Tata’s vision, integrity, and commitment to social causes set him apart as a true leader. It is extremely tough to say “tata” to the “Ratan” of India, whose legacy will continue to inspire generations to come.
Ranganathan Sivakumar, Chennai
Our Lady of Pilar
pray for us
Our Lady of Pilar whose feast we celebrate on October 12 is the first apparition of Our Lady in Zaragoza Spain to St James the Apostle in 40AD when she was still living. Goa is blessed to have the village Pilar and churches in Pilar Seraulim and Neturlim named after her. She is the Patroness of Pilar Fathers and Pilar Sisters who have their headquarters in Goa and are spread all over the world and are doing excellent service to humanity in those areas where no one wants to go.
She is also the Patroness of the Missionaries. Let us throng to Pilar for her feast celebrations and thank her for her protection since 1615. Let us also pray the feast of Our Lady of Pilar may be celebrated as a diocesan feast in Goa at the earliest. Our Lady of Pilar Pray for us.
Avelino de Sa, Miramar
Nadal will be missed
One of tennis' all--time greats Rafael Nadal, has hung his boots. In his 23--year--long career, Nadal regaled tennis connoisseurs as only he can. The left--handed Spanish won 14 grand slam titles at Roland Garros, his favourite hunting surface where he won a mind-boggling 116 out of 142 matches.
Besides, 2 Wimbledon crowns, 4 US open titles, and 2 Australian open championship richly showcased Nadal's unbridled talent to place him along Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic as one of the all time greats if not the greatest of all time (GOAT). Also, the way the Spaniard consistently came back with a vengeance, after short setbacks, proved what a champion he was.
Nadal's recovery, after struggling with serious injuries, and surgeries, to repeatedly lift Grand Slams was unbelievable. Lesser mortals would have bid adieu to the game long back but not Nadal because modern tennis has not seen a more resilient player than him.
Always dominant and aggressive on the court, unlike his unassuming attitude and soft manners off it, Nadal's much acclaimed agility, speed and court coverage, forceful backhand volleys, and brilliant retrievals from nowhere, will not be easily forgotten.
Ganapathi Bhat, Akola
Let’s focus on
Goa’s No 1 crisis!
In the last few days, Goans were preoccupied with communal provocations (deliberately instigated in my view) and the protests/campaign against the destruction of environment, hill cutting, massive land conversions under 39/A and 17/2, land frauds etc took secondary focus!
I request Goans now to switch back to Goa's No.1 crisis and put all our efforts in addressing the government's destructive plans... They are all "too happy" for us to be disunited so as to pursue their sinister plans in alliance with land sharks and mega real estate companies (mainly) from outside Goa!
Arwin Mesquita, Colva
Stray cattle still a
nuisance on roads
Even as the Directorate of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services had announced that stray cattle will be impounded through an authorised agency, looks like the directives are only on paper.
Hunderds of bovines right from the National Highways and to the rural interiors of the State have made the roads their permanent homes. Stray cattle pose major problems to motorists as they are found either moving along the roadside or squat in the middle of the road and refuse to budge. Very often motorists fail to spot them in the pitch dark and this results in fatal accidents.
Neither the government nor the local bodies are concerned about this growing nuisance.
It is high time the authorities impound and send the strays to animal shelters before more lives are lost on the roads because of negligence.
Sabina de Sousa, Siolim