Civic authorities and governance
It makes people frustrated and angry to read of yet another death of a 64-year-old man riding a two wheeler into an open drain in Mala , Panaji, authorities registering a case of natural death and no one taking any responsibility! In fact it is reported that the Panaji Smart City Development Ltd stated it is none of their responsibility as they have no ongoing work in that area!
Pertinent to note that the High Court has been constrained to remark to the government due rampant digging that Panaji is looking like a war zone. So who is responsible and why no resulting investigation? Why absolutely no accountability and people can suffer injuries and even die but have to suffer with no liabilities and consequences for those responsible in any government or individual or agencies? Why must we keep reading of such accidents/deaths again and again even after courts have admonished the government! Besides pedestrians, business, traffic, health hazards have been the lot of citizens for a considerable period and this is not smart and acceptable in the capital city of Goa! It is high time the High Court takes “suo motto” notice of this if the Panaji Minister, Mayor and CM do not act to ensure all those responsible face the consequences, compensation is paid to the victim’s family and every appropriate action is taken to ensure such accidents due civic apathy/neglect do not happen again!
John Eric Gomes, Porvorim
Zero tolerance towards tinted glass in cars
After action was demanded in the assembly the other day against the use of tinted glass by cars, it was said that strict action will be taken by the authorities against cars having tinted glass. It must be said that despite the ban and hefty fines of Rs 2,000 under Motor Vehicles Rule 1989, the use of tinted glasses continues unabated. It is important to note that strict regulations surround the usage of tinted glass in India. According to Indian laws, car windows must have a minimum visibility of 70 per cent for rear and front glasses and 50 per cent for side glasses. Tinted glass is banned on vehicle windows in India as these can easily be used for criminal activity due to excessive privacy. The use of dark glasses can also lead to a high number of road accidents. With tinted glass windows it is a little difficult to drive at night. Apart from adding style and making one’s vehicle unique, the major purpose of window tint is to act as protection from the hot summer sun. It protects the interior of the car from UV rays. It is pertinent to note that most cars come with tinted side window glasses from the car manufacturing unit itself. These tinted films are within permissible limits. However there should be zero tolerance towards heavily tinted glass windows in the state.
Adelmo Fernandes, Vasco
Tinted glass: Law should be equal for everyone
Recently there was a row over vehicles with tinted glasses moving around brazenly despite a ban on it. It is not common for cars to come with built-in tinted glass. However there is a craze among people to have it added to their vehicles for various reasons. Some do it for reducing heat, others for privacy while many do it for improving the presentation of the vehicle. In States like Karnataka, if tinted glass is found on vehicles, the police authorities immediately remove the same. The law enforcement agencies should see to it that every citizen respects the law in letter and spirit and penalise violators. Recently hoodlums came in a car with tinted glasses and made a futile bid to kidnap a fourth standard girl in North Goa. In Goa, it is a normal practice that when somebody violating trafic rules is caught by trafic cell, the driver or owner of the car immediately calls the minister to show his power and inluence and gets relieved from ine and action. Politicians should stop inluencing the investigation and let the police do their jobs as every person is equal in the eyes of law. Raju Ramamurthy, Vasco
Sincere, precise info needed
It was distressing to read of Chander Gupta’s ordeal about the delay in his train to his home town. Yes, this is the situation everywhere in our country be it a railway station or airport. This piece by piece announcements is something which needs to be looked into. What we need is sincere, precise information. It seems like Time has no value in our country. Public functions for instance, never begin on time.
And, by the way, this piece-by-piece thing is worrying. In Mumbai for instance, Aarey forest is being destroyed piece-by-piece. Every now and then, thousands of trees are being cut down for some project or the other or then encroachments take place over the years. Why not destroy all the forests completely once and for all and complete the suicide act, rather than perish piece-by-piece?
Melville X D’Souza, Mumbai
‘Alcohol-Tourism’ image must be deminished
The innovative move of the State government to enhance tourism in several categories such as nature/spiritual/cultural/wedding/medical/water sports etc will definitely attract quality tourists in Goa. It will also render a different message across the globe pertaining to vacationing in Goa. It’s not just about alcohol and entertainment, but also medical assistance, water sports or taking a walk in the pristine beauty of nature etc. However, Goa is blessed with beaches, wherein couples prefer to tie the knot, indulging in lavish open air events. Moreover, there are proficient doctors for medical assistance, with low cost, as far as international tourists are concerned. Collectively everything can work out for the benefit of the local populace.
Frequently, alcohol seems to be the prime attraction for tourists, who visit Goa. Nevertheless, they lack discipline once they are drunk and get involved in various atrocities across the State. Sadly, Goa has also been chosen for committing heinous crimes like murder, and wrapping it under the guise of accidental deaths.
Apparently, it’s necessary to diminish this image of ‘Alcohol-Tourism’ by enhancing Goa’s image on several other fronts.
Joseph Savio Desouza,
Candolim
