Revival of
salt pans
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The Goa government will reportedly complete its ongoing survey of all salt pans across the state within six months and formulate a policy for their conservation and support. However, what comes as a shocker is that of hundreds of salt pans across the State only 20 remain operational. Obviously a more detailed survey seems necessary.
The ancient art of traditional salt production is fast dying in Goa as a result of industrialisation and a change in consumption habits. A lot needs to be done in Goa by the government to save this tradition. Produced the same way for over 1500 years, the salt was used for everything from cooking to disinfecting wells, healing a sore throat, bathing, cleaning, and even construction. Fisherfolk used the salt as cleansing and preservative agent in processing seafood. Dried prawns and mackerels, a Goan delicacy during the monsoon season, are preserved using this salt. It is believed that during the Portuguese regime, Goan salt rocketed into a global commodity and exported within India and to Southeast Asia, Africa and the Middle East. But now the salt pans have either been abandoned, littered with trash and debris or have been taken over by real estate developers.
It is a labour intensive process requiring toiling under the hot sun for hours and is no longer a viable source of income. Only steadfast support by the government can save this profession from extinction. The government needs to sell the traditional salt in packaged form through its outlets.
Adelmo Fernandes, Vasco
Assagao VP’s right
move on ferocious dogs
The Assagao panchayat has taken the right move on ferocious dogs in the area. The panchayat has taken the decision to punish the owners of Pitbulls and Rottweilers for leaving them unattended in public places. The move comes after a dog attacked a local a few days back. The panchayat has decided to punish those who leave such aggressive dogs unattended. There is a ban on Pitbull and Rottweiler breeds.
However, the panchayat has asked owners and those adopting such dogs to take caution and not to leave them in an open public place. The said move was required to prevent more incidents of dog attacks in the State.
The other panchayats should come out with such public notice to avoid such attacks in future and make pet owners responsible for the attack .
The Assagao panchayat’s action should be applauded.
Raju Ramamurthy, Vasco
Money down
the drain?
As per reports, the state government incurred an expenditure of Rs 3.2 crores over the past five years on legal fees related to the Mhadei water dispute and the declaration of the Mhadei Wildlife sanctuary as a tiger reserve. These expenses include the fees of legal counsels, senior lawyers and SC advocates.
The battery of high profile legal eagles was hired by the sarkar to fight it’s case in the High Courts and Supreme Court and get a favourable verdict. All the money spent has not yielded any results as Karnataka is going ahead with it’s plans to divert the Mhadei waters into the Malprabha basin. Goa has not been able to even get a stay by the courts regarding ongoing work by it’s neighboring state.
There is also no clarity whether the Mhadei sanctuary will be notified as a tiger sanctuary as ordered by the Apex Court, the state government is on a sticky wicket here. Perhaps the state should have hired lawyers who specialise in interstate disputes, we seem to be fighting a losing battle here.
Vinay Dwivedi, Benaulim
Idiosyncrasies of Trump
US President Donald Trump’s “America First” policies have had significant impact on global trade, immigration, and international relations. His trade wars with China and the imposition of tariffs on Canadian and Mexican goods have disrupted global supply chains and increased costs for businesses and consumers. Trump’s aggressive stance on immigration, including the deportation of Indians, has raised concerns about human rights and the treatment of immigrants. The increased scrutiny of H-1B visas has also affected many skilled workers and companies that rely on foreign talent. His polarising rhetoric and actions have contributed to tension and unpredictability during his tenure, further amplified by the recent assassination attempt on him.
The events surrounding the Capitol attack on January 6, 2021, were unprecedented and deeply troubling and his decision to pardon those involved has sparked controversy and raised questions about accountability and justice. Despite the gravity of the situation, he has managed to secure another term as President.
In this changing political landscape, the upcoming meeting between PM Modi and President Trump on February 13 will be significant. Discussions will likely cover a range of issues, including trade, defence cooperation, and strategic partnerships in the Indo-Pacific region.
PM Modi, known for being a catalyst for change, will address Trump’s concerns regarding the trade imbalance. He has threatened to impose higher tariffs on Indian goods if India does not adjust its tariff policies.
The allegations of the murder of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a Khalistani separatist, by India will likely be a significant topic of discussion. The Canadian Commission report found no definitive link between the killing and the Indian government, contradicting PM Trudeau’s earlier claims.
Everette Assis Telles, Margao
Trump’s vision for Gaza
is just not practical
US President Donald Trump’s proposal to forcibly relocate 2.3 million Palestinians from Gaza is not a peace plan—it is a call for ethnic cleansing. By suggesting the mass expulsion of Palestinians to neighbouring Arab countries and redeveloping Gaza into a luxury destination, Trump is disregarding history, human rights, and regional stability. First, Palestinians are not stateless wanderers but a people with deep historical and national ties to their land. They have already endured the 1948 Nakba and further displacement in 1967. Forcibly removing them again would be an unprecedented violation of their rights.
Second, Trump’s plan has been rejected outright by Arab nations, even those allied with the US. They understand that past forced expulsions have never been reversed and fear that accepting displaced Palestinians would legitimise Israel’s land grabs.
Gopalaswamy J,
Chennai
