It is extremely important that we Goans keep ourselves updated on the subject of environmental awareness, as else we will pay a heavy price for our complacency in the near future. While we continue to make merry in a susegad attitude, politicians and their backers with deep pockets are selling us out, polluting our water, land and air. Already they are contributing to a potential water crisis in the near future by now planning the diversion of Tillari Waters (Originally meant for irrigation/drinking) to Mopa and the mammoth Golf Course at Tiracol.
How many of us know that Goa is going to lose a lot of its land via global warming and with the myophic policies coupled with the corrupt greed of our governing authorities, the actual negative fallout will be much more serious! By being aware of the severe environmental implications, local people can act as watchdogs on the actions of their respective politicians including Municipalities and Village Panchayats; to ensure the right development is taking place for the interest of the locals only and to be as environmentally friendly as possible.
Arwin Mesquita, Colva
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HIV awareness
Just recently a HIV/AIDS awareness program was conducted for the bus drivers of the state owned Kadamba Transport Corporation (KTC). Such awareness programs should also be held for the bus drivers of the private transport companies which operate on the inter-state routes.
It must be said the high-risk groups also include the truck drivers and those working on these trucks which move on inter-state routes. There are also many Goans who work as truck drivers. It seems necessary to have similar session on the awareness of HIV/AIDS for the truckers as well just as it is being held for the bus-drivers on a regular basis. We should use every possible means to arrest the spread of the dreaded virus.
Adelmo Fernandes, Vasco
Calangute shuttle service
The launching of a shuttle bus service from St Alex Church to Calangute beach, by the Calangute panchayat will help decongest traffic in the tourist hot spot. Tourist buses will not be allowed inside Calangute; they will be provided parking in the fields near St Alex church.
Tourist vehicles too, should be discouraged from parking in Calangute by hiking the parking charges at the beach and the football ground. Cars may be provided parking near St Alex Church at nominal parking rates.
The shuttle service must be point-to-point with no stops in between, else people going to or from the market area will misuse the service. Moreover the service should not be free. Tourists can afford to pay for parking and it is necessary to generate revenue to run the shuttle service efficiently and maintain cleanliness at the parking lot near the church.
If the scheme is to succeed it will be necessary to deploy additional contract buses during the evenings. Bus loads of tourists exit the beach at 7 pm . One bus will prove woefully inadequate to cater to the exiting tourists who will be greatly inconvenienced as they will have to walk to St Alex Church — a good half hours walk.
Prof Robert Castellino, Calangute
Women judges
Cases of sexual molestation should preferably be tried by women judges, to ensure sensitivity. The men who commit such gruesome acts are frustrated human beings. Rapists are like terrorists with a depraved mind. They have no religion. Also, in many cases, rape complaints are covered up by the police for various reasons.
Jubel D’Cruz, Mumbai
