Conserve essence
of village life
Residents in the ecologically fragile twin-islands of Chorao and Divar have reportedly opposed the government’s proposal to designate Divar as a tourism village. The villagers have unanimously rejected the idea, along with plans for large housing projects, particularly those with more than 12 flats, including those with swimming pools. It is learnt that there are no ongoing mega and commercial projects in the village.
The villagers are against developments that will change the essence of the peaceful community. The villagers were worried that mega housing projects would increase the island’s population density, straining resources and changing the village character and cause harm to the environment. Tourism will cause potential damage to the lifestyle and natural beauty of the village.
Villagers have also disapproved of building a jetty for luxury yacht operations. In multiple resolutions the Goltim-Navelim gram sabha reportedly opposed all the major tourism related and mega housing projects for which the residents must be complimented. The villagers however reiterated that theirs was not a blanket opposition to tourism but objected to declaring the whole island a ‘tourism village’. Be that as it may, we need to conserve the essence of village life which is slowly but surely losing its peace.
Several villages in the state have now become like towns. If mega projects like the proposed Bhutani project in Sancoale are allowed, the demography of our villages will change forever. Villagers need to come together to save their respective villages from land sharks.
Adelmo Fernandes, Vasco
Bollywood stars are
being targeted
The attack on actor Saif Ali Khan at his Mumbai home has reignited concern about the threats faced by Indian Bollywood stars. This attack follows the murder of his close aide, politician Baba Siddiqui, by the Bishnoi gang in Mumbai. These incidents have sent shockwaves across the nation, prompting calls for stricter laws to ensure the safety of all. Famous people are being targeted. Some of Bollywood’s leading actors’ lives are in danger for various reasons including their nationality, the controversial films.
Bollywood superstars are constantly in the spotlight, and because of their prominence, popularity, and beliefs, they frequently encounter security threats. While most of the big names in the entertainment industry often have their own security and personal bodyguards, sometimes that's not enough and the government has to intervene by offering various security categories.
It is the responsibility of the government to provide an environment free from fear for artistes. Some renowned individuals prefer to employ their own personal security, whereas others depend on the safety offered by the government. Celebrities are increasingly facing security threats, so it is essential that the government take the required steps to guarantee their protection and shield them from harm.
K G Vilop, Chorao
Auto driver turns
Good Samaritan
We learn with a sense of great relief and satisfaction that the compassion and kindness and the timely help of Bhajan Singh, an auto driver has saved the life of Actor Saif Ali Khan who was attacked by an intruder in his apartment. When at the wee hours of the dawn, Bhajan Singh saw Saif's domestic aid Hari signalling him to stop his auto and he saw a man with him profusely bleeding, he didn't go away, fearing unnecessary problems but stopped the vehicle and helped the injured into his vehicle and rushed him to the hospital.
He himself confirmed later that, at that point in time his only thought was to take a short- cut road and reach hospital at the earliest so that the life of the injured person whose identity was unknown to him, could be saved. His kindness has been at the top when he has not asked for his auto fare as well after dropping them in the hospital.
Much later only, to his great surprise, he has come to know that the one whose life he has saved is none but Saif Ali Khan, the celebrated Bollywood actor.
It is heartening to note from the adorable gesture of the poor auto man that humanism has not been totally lost in our society which is sadly becoming self-centred and non-sensitive to such head going issues. What a difference it would make to the entire world if only people start emulating Bhajan Singh! May his tribe increase!
Tharcius S Fernando, Chennai
Judiciary is
our only hope!
To get the law to be followed in Goa or to address corruption, the only option for citizens seems to be to run to courts! The Goa government vigilance functions seems to have totally collapsed allegedly to help the violators and criminals!
When Goans ask for Special Status to preserve Goa's identity or some sort of jobs guarantee for Goans, politicians will quickly use the unconstitutional tactic to negate the request!
But when the government wants to introduce policies which could be in violation of the existing laws; there is no hesitation for it to proceed even when there are chances that these can be struck down by the law!
There are numerous examples which include legalisation of illegal settlements, TCP's controversial Section 39/A or 17/2 which allows mass conversions of Goa's land and encroachment by Railways on private land!
Looks like some politicians want to just tire the citizens from opposing its destructive policies.
Arwin Mesquita, Colva
FDA should visit
Mapusa fruit market
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) should visit the Mapusa wholesale fruit market and see to the alleged illegalities taking place here almost everyday.
Tonnes of green bananas and papayas turn yellow overnight after they are sprayed with chemicals. The fruits are then carted off to the market where consumers buy them. The yellow fruits are neither sweet nor sour but insipid. Why do the authorities allow these dealers to play with health? It is time the FDA clamps down on the wholesale vendors here and penalise them.
Marceline Albuquerque,
Siolim
Ceasefire marks new
chapter for peace
The ceasefire between Israel and Hamas raises hopes for a possible end to a devastating 15-month conflict. The ceasefire, agreed after a year of intensive mediation by the United States, Qatar and Egypt, is the first step in a long and fragile process aimed at winding down the 15-month war. Interestingly, Qatar, punching above its weight, has set itself up as the world’s leading mediator, which is probably because the West-Asian nation wants to establish its own security in an unstable region, analysts say.
Global relationships are key, and Qatar is known for its wide and varied network of contacts. Meanwhile, the ceasefire does mark the start of a new chapter for Palestinians, particularly those in Gaza, and Israelis. While ceasefires are not legally binding, they can perhaps best be thought of as a type of contract between warring parties.
Ranganathan Sivakumar, Chennai
Sleep deficiency
causes heath issues
Political executives who glorify overwork and sleep deprivation by saying that they work all the time and sleep only for 3 to 4 hours are inflicting as much harm on the people as the celebrities who advertise for pan masala consumption.
Overwork and lack of sleep are no less injurious to health than consumption of pan masala. While pan masala is a leading cause of oral cancer, sleep deficiency and overwork lead to many chronic health problems.
Sleep deprivation of drivers is responsible for many accidents in our country. Any promotion of unhealthy habits like overwork and sleep deprivation and unhealthy products like pan masala must be curbed.
Sujit De, Kolkata
Donald Trumps return
Donald Trump's second term as the President of the US will represent a pivotal time in American history, a new period beyond the world order created by the United States and its allies post-World War II.
It also presents hope for the future of a country returning to conservative social values and prioritizing the economic well-being of American citizens. But for millions of others on the left, his return is the dawning of a dark era — one more nativist, inward-looking and mean-spirited that could leave the marginalized more vulnerable than ever.
Jubel D'Cruz, Mumbai