Audit of storage facilities
for flammable material
It is learnt that two days after a major fire and explosion engulfed the gunpowder storage unit at Naqueri-Betul, the authorities on Saturday have reportedly sealed the unit as a precautionary measure.
The police have initiated its own inquiry into the incident. Be that as it may, in order to ensure safety and compliance, an audit of all flammable material storage facilities in the state should include a thorough inspection of storage areas, cabinets, containers, ventilation, and documentation, focusing on fire safety and hazard control. Gunpowder should be stored in a cool dry place.
The storage area should be free from any possible sources of excess heat and should be isolated from open flame, furnaces and heaters. There should be adequate natural ventilation or mechanical ventilation should be installed in order to remove flammable vapors. Fire extinguishers should be readily available in the storage area. Installing fire detection systems in areas where flammable materials are stored is also vital. There have been instances of explosions reported in storage facilities for fireworks besides factories manufacturing fireworks and even shops storing them. Fireworks should be stored away from direct sunlight and flames. Sheds, garages or containers specifically designed to store fireworks can all be the best options. They should be fire-resistant and have proper ventilation.
Adelmo Fernandes, Vasco
Protect heritage
sites for posterity
Hundreds of people (comprising of locals, members of Save Old Goa Action Committee (SOGAC), activists, environmentalists and others) gathered in Old Goa on Sunday to protest and call upon the State government to stop the ongoing work of the proposed mall project at the world heritage site near the Basilica of Bom Jesus and which is being developed by the Tourism department inspite of the fact that construction cannot be permitted within 100 metres of any heritage site.
On one hand, this government is heard talking of promoting spiritual tourism in the state and on the other is seen making all-out efforts to destroy/sell even such world famous historical holy sites to business-minded outsiders.
It would be prudent enough if this government respect religious sentiments of Goans, protect archaeological/ holy heritage sites in the State and preserve them for posterity.
Jerry Fernandes, Saligao
Stop stirring the
communal cauldron
It is sad that one Irfan Ansari, a 40-year-old poor welder by profession, who had left home for the Nagpur railway station to board a train to Itarsi succumbed to the grievous injuries inflicted on him by a group of fanatic criminals involved in the violence.
The conscience of those big men who are alleged to have triggered the violence, arson and murderous attacks should be pricking them if they have one in them. One really wonders how long the country has to face such unwarranted communal and religious flare ups that result in the death of many besides torching of houses and properties of innocent and poor people.
Tharcius S Fernando, Chennai
Lokayukta post
lies vacant
The inaction on the part of the state government in filling the post of Lokayukta, which has been vacant, has not only brought proceedings under its jurisdiction to a standstill, but also raised doubts over the delay in appointment. When the state is grappling with allegations like corruptions from top to bottom level, the institution serves as an alarming signal about the government's commitment to combat graft and restore public trust. Stung by several indictments by the Lokayukta in cases involving corruption by public functionaries, govt amended the act to severely dilute the powers of the institution.
The amendments omitted provisions enabling complaints against public functionaries on allegations of nepotism, lack of integrity, maladministration and improper or corrupt motives. Past the government, didn’t act on even one of the 21 reports that former Lokayukta Justice Misra submitted. He had also passed orders against two MLAs for disproportionate assets. Finding the system corroded and unable to take the findings to the logical conclusion, he reportedly said, “Only God can save the state. Why should public money be spent for nothing? If the Lokayukta Act is being thrown into the dustbin with such force, then it’s better to abolish the Lokayukta. The powers of Lokayuktas should be revised.
K G Vilop, Chorao