High accident rate
remains a challenge
Goa has witnessed a worrying rise in road accidents in recent months. In September 2024 alone, the state recorded 195 accidents, resulting in 18 fatalities and several injuries, with two-wheeler riders being the most affected. The situation worsened in October 2024, with the number of accidents increasing to 260, leading to 17 deaths. These alarming figures highlight the growing safety concerns on Goa’s roads and the urgent need for stricter regulations and awareness initiatives. However in 2025 there has been no difference either, accidents still take place on a daily basis.
To address this issue, authorities in Goa have intensified traffic law enforcement. The Transport Directorate issued over 12,000 challans in September and more than 13,000 in October for various violations. Additionally, the Goa Police introduced motorcycle patrolling to monitor traffic infractions more effectively and ease congestion. Despite these measures, the high accident rate remains a major challenge, emphasising the need for sustained public awareness campaigns and stricter enforcement of road safety rules.
The general public in Goa should not wear helmets, seat belts and other safety precautions just to avoid the fines that have been implemented, however this mentality has to be changed and the public should be made aware even further on the importance of these safety measures, mainly because it is for the benefit of the public’s well being rather than the police.
Warren Pereira, Tivim
Swimming pools
are water guzzlers
Raising an alarm over water shortages in various parts of the state, the Aldona MLA has reportedly called on the government to ban new construction licenses for large apartment complexes and high-end bungalows with attached swimming pools.
It appears that swimming pools have now become more of a necessity than a luxury. It is a fact that people now want to live a luxurious life and are willing to pay for the amenities. However these swimming pools are putting a lot of pressure on the water availability for the locals for their daily use. Without a swimming pool cover, a lot of water in the pool is wasted due to evaporation. This loss of water is all the more during the hot summer season. Using a cover regularly reduces evaporation by 90 to 95%. Swimming pools are water guzzlers and lead to depletion of underground water. Recycling swimming pool water can be an environmentally friendly way to manage water usage and maintain pool hygiene. These pools must have a filtration system that circulates the water through filters to remove debris, dirt and contaminants. Periodically draining and refilling the pool can help manage water quality, but it's important to minimise this practice to conserve water. Chemicals like chlorine or bromine are added to sanitise the water, killing bacteria and preventing algae growth. Allowing swimming pools in apartment colonies and high end bungalows will have a lasting impact on water availability for Goans. Levying tax on swimming pools is a small consolation.
Adelmo Fernandes, Vasco
Nurture nature
back to health
The editorial ‘Nurture Nature back to health first’ (Herald March 21, 2025) is hard hitting. Yes, you've rightly stated, Nurture Nature back to health first, and I'm convinced everything else will fall in place. We all need to understand that climate change is for real, it is at our doorstep, it has entered our system. We need to come out of that ‘not in my backyard’ syndrome! Repeated signals from Nature seem to have been ignored not just in Goa but in other cities like Mumbai and in the rest of the country as well.
Here in Mumbai, there was a heat wave warning recently and then suddenly at night, there was a dip in the night temperatures. It is evident now, that the situation is going to be so erratic in the near future. The government and the health department have a huge task ahead of them. In the meanwhile, yes, ‘the Heat is on!!!’
Melville X D'Souza, Mumbai
Margao Council's
decision is unjust
The Margao Municipal Council's decision to bring Advocate chambers under the trade license net is unjust and goes against the legal principles of fraternity. The council should not carry out the decisions as per whims and fancies. Imposing trade license fees on Advocate chambers/office based on erroneous assumption that of commercial activity, as that the Advocates do not conduct any trade.
As the legal profession is considered a non-commercial activity. The purpose of Law in society is to maintain Order and preserve moral sanctity that holds the society. Lawyers are officers of the court and one of the most indispensable pillars of the justice delivery system.
Legal profession is a noble profession and absolutely distinct from business, commerce and trade. It's a professional service because it's very person specific and based on skill and knowledge of the person. Moreover Law Firms do not require registration if the lawyers have already been recognised by the Bar Council of India.
By the Rules framed by the BCI, the lawyers are prohibited from actively participating in any trade or profession. Therefore, the legal profession cannot be called as the commercial activity, trade or business. The lawyer’s activities are not commercial establishment as held by the Supreme Court and by various High Courts.
K G Vilop, Chorao
The great cricketing
extravaganza kicks off
The Indian Premier League (IPL) is known to showcase domestic cricket talent in a big way. It has been a stepping stone for plenty of young Indian cricketers hoping to make it big. From the initial leagues, to the upcoming 18th edition, it has metamorphosed into a tournament that has a keen eye for talent and skills. Along the way, the league has shed its early teething problems.
Despite a few inherent flaws, the IPL has groomed and encouraged players. Presence of senior Indian and foreign cricketers alongside, freedom to go for their natural game and a significant financial cushion have ensured that young names like Riyan Parag, Sai Sudarshan, Rinku Singh came to the forefront along with a lot of others.
Fearless and committed, sincere and ambitious, the young guns in the IPL editions of the IPL have paid scant respect for reputations. Their focus is more on the ball; bowlers are secondary. The confidence reposed by franchises on some players despite their lackadaisical form has made sure that they repay the trust reposed in them.
Numerous local cricket leagues modeled on the IPL are trying their best to hone talents. Fame and money are deceptive and dangerous companions; they need to be prioritised vis-a--vis duty and dedication.
Ganapathi Bhat, Akola