Alternative to sand from construction debris
Rampant illegal sand mining is taking place in various parts of Goa along the river banks. This is an environmental issue as it is taking a huge toll on Goa’s marine ecosystem. Incidentally the sand mafia is taking complete control of these operations. Sand plays a crucial role in construction by providing bulk, strength, and stability to various materials such as asphalt, concrete, mortar and cement. It is one of the most used natural resources globally, with construction accounting for the largest portion of sand consumption. Natural sand is already getting scarce, making it crucial to find new alternatives. It is learnt that researchers at the Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru have reportedly developed a unique material that could replace natural sand in construction. It is an eco-friendly alternative that promises sustainability and reduces environmental impact. Scientists are exploring ways to store carbon dioxide from industrial gas in dug-up soil and construction debris, which could then serve as a partial replacement for natural sand. The amount of construction and demolition waste is on the rise. It is understood that about 150 million tons are generated annually in India and the recycling rate is only about 1%. Scientists have shown that replacing natural sand with carbon dioxide-treated construction waste in mortar and then curing it in a controlled, carbon dioxide-rich environment can speed up the development of the material’s properties.
Adelmo Fernandes, Vasco
Why is FM scared of entering poll fray?
Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitaraman has stated that she decided not to contest the election from Tamilnadu or Andhra Pradesh for two reasons; she has no such amount of money to spend for the election and also that she does not to possess any ‘winnable criteria’ in her to win the election in either of the two states.
Even a novice in the Indian election processes knows well that it is only the party that spends the maximum amount of money for their candidates and particularly for those holding tall positions like Sitaraman.
Moreover, the BJP, the party to which Sitaraman belongs, is the richest party in the world and has also amassed huge amounts through the electoral bonds and can afford to spend crores and crores of rupees for their candidates.
This being the case, Nirmala Sitaraman’s hesitation to enter the election fray is not out of paucity of funds but fear of losing even the deposit wherever she contests in the two states. This is mainly because of the arrogant manner in which she has treated and hurt the sentiments of the people in general and particularly those of Tamilnadu, with her most uncharitable, caustic and unwarranted comments for which she is known for! Her latest sarcastic quip terming the Rs 1000 paid by the Tamilnadu government to the deserving housewives every month, as ‘pitchai kasu’ is a case in point.
Tharcius S Fernando, Chennai
Security alert on new techniques by thieves
This is with reference to alert notice to all housing societies dated March 26 issued by V C Vohra Hony. secretary, on new techniques by thieves. As per the circular, visitors come to the house and society building with a stamp and letter head in the name Ministry of Home affairs, Ayushman scheme and use laptop to take photos, biometric fingerprints of family in order to commit theft. If the ministry of Home affairs and government is aware of this, then why there is no security on such happenings.
With advanced technology, why didn’t the government and cyber crime team detect and find culprits behind these crimes? Online frauds is a daily routine.
The cyber crime department and ministry should come with some methods to curb such activities. Giving notice will only serve to the extent of awareness and not prevent every day thefts. Every day someone falls trap to this kind of money transfers. It’s time for government to stop such activities and engage a special cyber crime team to trace such phone calls and identity cards used by them. It’s time for everyone to be alert as the government and ministry show that they are not able to catch and prevent such crimes. With latest technology and plastic money, Paytm, G pay, etc, one has to be careful with money transactions.
Raju Ramamurthy, Vasco
Prioritise tiger relocation
From January 2024, 39 tiger deaths have been reported in India out of which 22 occurred in tiger reserves and the rest in unprotected areas. That Madhya Pradesh accounted for 12 of the deaths does not augur well for its ” tiger state of India” tag. India can no longer claim to be the “safest” place for the big cat.
The same old story of tiger-habitat destruction due to urbanisation continues although some of the latest tiger casualties is attributed to territorial fight as 22 tigers succumbed inside the reserves. It is important to remember, however, any tiger death is attributed to poaching unless proved otherwise. The tiger also needs large space to overcome peer-competition.
Diseases also lead to their deaths. However, death outside the tiger reserves will always be a cause of concern. Tigers have lost lives when they have ventured out of their way in search of water or habitat. The big cats traverse through what are known as “tiger spots” on the highway because tigers need serious demarcation of territories, and crowded highways are impediments to tiger movement.
The need for overbridges and underpasses on highways is more pronounced now. Dedicated officers should be made incharge of tiger projects. Increased patrolling, camera traps and conviction rates to pin the poachers are vital. Safeguarding ecological sensitive areas, forest, water and grasslands cannot be overlooked. Tiger relocation also has to be prioritised.
Ganapathi Bhat, Akola
