Redevelopment of slums in Goa
Dharavi in Mumbai happens to be the second largest slum in Asia and the third largest in the world. Adani Group, which won the Dharavi slum redevelopment project in open international bidding, will reportedly build tenements both housing and commercial.
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However the ownership of the 1,250 acre land of the Dharavi project will remain with government entities and not Adani Group. The $3 billion project promises to transform the lives of an estimated one million residents.
The eligible residents will reportedly get a 350 square-foot flat in the area once the project is completed while the ineligible residents will be rehoused elsewhere. When any disasters such as fire, storms, floods or diseases strike, it is the slums that bear the brunt of such calamities the most.
Hence its redevelopment is a necessity. Goa has several slum areas. These include those at Zuarinagar, Moti Dongor, Chimbel among others. Mormugao has the highest slum population accounting for 90 percent of the total slum population of the state with Ponda and Margao accounting for the remaining 10%.
Karaswada in Mapusa has had one of Goa’s largest concentrations of slum dwellers for several years now. The state’s slum population has increased steadily over the years. The Goa government needs to explore the possibility of redeveloping the slum areas in the state by approaching international business giants in an open international bidding just like the Dharavi slum is being redeveloped by the Adani Group.
Adelmo Fernandes, Vasco
Get back idle old leprosy hospital land for Curtorkars
Curtorim is grappling with a severe housing land shortage due to growing/expanding families and high land prices in prime areas. Many villagers are compelled to build homes in hazardous hillside area plots, while others are migrating to cities or foreign countries. To address this, the unused land of the old leprosy hospital presents a promising solution.
Originally donated by a local resident for healthcare purposes to government, this expansive property is now under the health department’s ownership. All local politicians should unitedly demand from authorities to get back this land for benefit of villagers, which should be made available to all the needy villagers as per merit at affordable rates for housing purposes.
Simultaneously, another part should be designated for development initiatives by attracting successful Curtorim natives, especially those living and working abroad and in other states. This could involve establishing small and medium businesses, schools, recreational spaces, playgrounds, garbage treatment and healthcare facilities, thereby generating employment and economic growth. Crucially, these endeavors must prioritize environmental and cultural sustainability.
By judiciously utilizing this idle old leprosy hospital land, we can enhance the lives of current villagers, attract investments, and stem the migration of our community members to UK. Postponing a decision under the guise of preserving land for future generations risks it falling in hands which could use it for unwanted projects.
Brian Dias, Curtorim
Waterlogging, a major issue
Due to very heavy rainfall, waterlogging is considered to be a major problem all over the country. To solve the problem, the government and the people should unite and come forward to contribute to the cause. Frequent cleaning of the drains plying in the city and constructing new drains in areas with no drainage system is an immediate step to be taken by the government.
Also, blockage of the drains is one of the primary reasons for the waterlogging. Efforts should also be made to curb the usage of single-use plastic bags as much as possible, and proper plastic disposal facilities should be made available in every area of the city. If the municipal corporation is successful in taking all the necessary actions and the general public is enlightened with all the consequences of their actions, then the artificial flood can be reduced to a great extent.
Jubel D’Cruz, Mumbai
75 deep and strong years for Knopfler
The deep, strong, straight and true music that Mark Knopfler and his rock band the Dire Straits have provided to the world is one of amazing quality, both with his singing, that is embellished with resplendent lyrics and also with his extraordinary guitar skills that has wowed the world for decades now.
Mark Knopfler who was awarded the Order of the British Empire in 2000 is celebrating his 75th birthday anniversary on 12th August this year which should be an occasion to eulogize his tremendous contribution to the world of music. The `Sultans of Swing’ which he penned for Dire Straits has now become a metaphor used in parlance from cricket to the political scenes.
One cannot forget `Money for Nothing’ which wowed music lovers with its popular lyrics. Amongst his best numbers it would be right to appreciate are ‘Love Over Gold’, ‘Telegraph Road’, ‘Industrial Disease’, ‘Skateaway’, ‘Darling Pretty’, ‘Once Upon a Time in the West’ ‘Romeo and Juliet’ as well as ‘Tunnel of Love’ which are all in their own right his stellar contribution to the music world of the none other than the music maestro of British rock and pop music. One should not forget his guitar plucking skills which were truly amazing and mind-boggling. A memorable milestone for Mark Knopfler.
Elvidio Miranda, Panjim
Safeguarding our elephants
Elephants are placed in schedule 1 of the Indian Wildlife Protection Act, 1972. There are 33 elephant reserves in 14 major elephant states. But as many as 500 elephants died of unnatural causes over the last five years in India. Electrocution has always been the leading cause of elephant deaths besides poisoning. The perennial “ train–elephant collision” has been studied for a very long time.
Proper track signals, loco pilot sensitisation, periodic review and maintenance of elephant corridors and a unique elephant detection system are steps towards safeguarding elephants. Overpasses and underpasses, solar powered fences and elephant proof trenches are vital to minimise deaths due to man–animal conflict.
Jumbos held captive in zoos and other places require particular attention. Shrinking elephant habitats is one of the root causes of the big mammals succumbing to different causes. More and more elephant corridors and enhanced budgetary provisions for ensuring elephants are in
the safe confines of their homes and hence away from human interference, cannot be overstressed.
Securing the elephants in a non–exploitative and sustainable environment cannot be stressed more when the World Elephant Day is round the corner.
Ganapathi Bhat, Akola
