Timely protests can prevent illegal constructions
It is learnt that following the issuance of a stop work order to ex-Indian cricketer Ashish Nehra over construction of a road in No Development Zone (NDZ) by destroying sand dunes and vegetation, the village panchayat of Cavelossim has now reportedly ordered the cricketer to restore the eco-sensitive area that is owned by him in the village.
In another case activists are demanding the demolition of the illegal bungalow being built within the heritage precincts of Old Goa. These two issues have one thing in common.
The locals have reacted late. The bungalow at old Goa was not built overnight. So also the road at Cavelossim was not constructed overnight. Villagers need to be vigilant and proactive against any illegal activities in their locality, which can avoid a lot of problems and heartbreaks.
Locals need to raise their voice much before the construction activities commences. A fine example is the protest by the locals of Sancoale village against the mega project by Bhutani Infra. The villagers raised objections in time and halted the illegal construction. They have not given up, even though the Sancoale panchayat is not supporting their cause.
An ex-sarpanch of the village is now on an indefinite hunger strike, demanding that the panchayat revoke the license issued without obtaining necessary permissions. On the contrary, the hill at Reis Magos has already undergone massive destruction. It is said ‘a stitch in time saves nine’.
Adelmo Fernandes, Vasco
Exposition of St Francis’ body is not a political jamboree
This refers to “Plea to eliminate preferential seating arrangements for VVIPs at exposition”. The exposition of the body of St Francis is a spiritually event, not a political jamboree and hence all must be treated with equal respect.
Constitutional heads such as the Governor of the State and the Chief Minister may be accorded the respect due to them. Other than them all ministers, ex-ministers, MLAs and VIPs must be treated as equals. Such dignitaries must come to church in all humility and be seated on a first-come-first-serve basis.
The church has no reservations for Pharisees. All are equal. It is on this premise that the state (unjustly) denies the poorer sections among us, reservation benefits. The State and its ministers and officials must respect our equality in the eyes of God.
Robert Castellino, Calangute/Mumbai
Goa Govt's Land Grabbing Priority
The Goa Chief Minister stating that his Government was drafting rules to finalise the legal takeover of “no man’s lands” despite strong opposition from various quarters, only reinforces my view that the
Goa Government’s only priority is to grab/convert as much land as possible in small Goa! The other things that we prominently see are massive conversions under 39/A, 17/2; “real estate” projects pushed by IPB (Investment Promotion Board) under highly questionable objectives - e.g. 2 lakh square metre plot is planned to be given to a Pune-based private university at Tivim; allowing private forests to be destroyed for the benefit of outstation builders! The usually incompetent Goa government in being super efficient in all these land grabbing procedures/legislations/rules and approvals that are being granted!
There is nothing significant what the Goa government has/is actually doing for the preservation of scarce Goan land for posterity! The “unstated” objective seems to me to be to make as much as possible from real estate/land deals in the shortest possible time! Given the tainted/sinister record of the Goa Government, I suspect the "no man land" parcels have already been identified by the political powers and real estate entities for “their personal/business development” and hence the urgency to grab under the legal framework!
The need of the hour is for all these affected areas to unite and fight them together!
Arwin Mesquita, Colva
Cancellation of multiple sports in Commonwealth Games unfortunate
The Commonwealth Games will be held in the city of Glasgow in Scotland, in 2026. Interestingly, hockey, badminton, shooting, cricket, table tennis and wrestling have been removed from this competition. Also, the reason behind the removal of some sports in the competition is to control the huge expenses incurred for the competition.
In fact, taking some sports out of the competition is a matter of concern for India. India has more medals in the sports which have been withdrawn from the competition.
For the players, this is like taking away the opportunity to show their skills. It is surprising that a country like Scotland is so tight with money for the tournament. Movements should be made at the political level for this.
Due to this, the number of players will also decrease. There is a picture that these competitions will be held only for namesake. In fact, if a new sport was included, Scotland would have been thanked. But the situation is exactly opposite.
If the competition cannot be held properly, then the host country should pull out from organising the competition. Other countries in the Commonwealth should also protest and persuade Scotland not to cancel the sporting disciplines.
Shantaram Wagh Pune
Role of UN cannot
be belittled
Since 1948, the “United Nations Day” is observed among all member states on October 24. After the world was ravaged by World War-II, the necessity of a robust, and widely-accepted, peace-keeping body was felt by the global leaders.
From there, starting from 51 member states, the United Nations grew as only as it can to encompass 193 nations in its fold.
Promotion of peace and co--operation along with prevention of war are the key functions of the world peace body though climate changes, issue of refugees and migrants, justice to member nations, upholding democratic principles, wriggling out of global health crises, prevention of violence against children and women are all important agendas.
Ganapathi Bhat, Akola