Tourism at the cost of Goan citizens
Tourism has been a double edged sword for Goa. On one hand, it has been a major boost for the Goan economy, on the other it has brought several ills in its wake.
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The people of Fontainhas would definitely vouch for the flipside of tourism. Fontainhas, with it’s picturesque villas, quaint lanes and narrow streets, has been attracting tourists in droves. Many of these are not content with the mere joys of sight-seeing but seek photographic souvenirs of the place. When this desire for photographs becomes a mania, it puts a common citizen through great inconvenience. We’ve been told of tourists trespassing people’s properties while posing for photographs or even landing in people’s houses while posing against partially closed doors. Such occurrences can be stopped only if the concerned authorities take control of the problem and implement strict measures such as fines to prohibit photography close to private residences. Citizen’s complaints should be taken seriously. Sign boards warning of the consequences should be put up in the area.
Charlize Rangel, Bastora
More airlines fly away from Dabolim airport
In yet another blow to the Goa International Airport at Dabolim, Spicejet has stopped operations from this airport in South Goa. It is learnt that it has been six months since Spicejet had stopped operating from Dabolim Airport. As far as International flights are concerned, Oman Air and Air India have already shifted operations to Mopa Airport, while Qatar Airways will do so with effect from June 20. FLY91 India’s newest commuter airline’s commercial operations will begin on March 18 with it’s first commercial flight scheduled to take off from the Manohar International Airport, Mopa to Kempegowda International Airport in Bengaluru.
It is learnt that airlines are opting for the Mopa Airport because it is their business decision. Hence the government may have no say in it. Eventhough the state government has time and again reiterated that Dabolim Airport will not close down it must be said that an airport can operate only if there are flights arriving and departing from the airport.
Otherwise it will be a ghost Airport. It is learnt that lack of facilities and incentives are compelling airlines to shift operations from Dabolim to Mopa. If so the state government needs to concentrate on better facilities like hassle-free transportation from the airport, faster clearance, etc. Closure of Dabolim Airport will have dire consequences on the livelihood of several people from South Goa.
Adelmo Fernandes, Vasco
Is it right for judges to join politics?
It is well known that co-mingling of judges and politics will always harm the public perception of the judiciary as an institution that is supposed to be independent and non-partisan. The pestering question is whether it is right for a judge to join active politics, either after retirement or by resigning from judicial office.
Does not venturing into politics casts a doubt on the impartiality of the judge in politically sensitive areas? Does this not violate the tenets of judicial ethics and harm the institution of the judiciary as a whole? What will be one’s reaction if the CBI director, after his retirement, joins a big company, which was being subjected to investigation by the CBI? Will it not be foolish to believe that the Calcutta High Court judge, who recently joined the BJP, gave judgments that were unbiased and impartial while he was on the bench until very recently?
Ranganathan Sivakumar, Chennai
Protect rivers for posterity
Though rivers are national assets, there is little awareness among the people about ways to preserve their purity and utility. Besides being indispensable for day-to-day use, including agricultural purposes, they serve as a great inland mode of transportation that can bolster trade and commerce. Biodiversity would have been a thing of the past but for the rivers. The river system, of course, is earth’s highest biological diversity zone.
International Day of Action for Rivers aims at spreading awareness through campaigns on the importance of rivers and their protection. Only about ten percent of the river basins in the world are protected. Dams, encroachments and deforestation have threatened their very existence. Therefore, saving and celebrating rivers cannot be overstated.
Campaign against construction of dams is an integral part of “saving rivers” because preserving free-flowing rivers is the key. It is indisputable that ” water is for all”. That said, it is every citizen’s responsibility to keep the nation’s rivers clean and pollution-free devoid of dump and industrial wastage. A country’s rivers cannot be allowed to become sites for garbage and sewage disposal.
River management, river pollution and river conservation are three areas that have seized the attention of experts. More than thirty countries come together on the International Day of Action for Rivers to take stock of the international rivers, and ways to upkeep them.
Ganapathi Bhat, Akola
Will Panaji voters punish the govt?
It is well known that crores of rupees have been wasted on the Panaji Smart City project by the ruling party. Not to mention the severe inconvenience to the residents including deaths and fatalities! In the next centre and state elections, will the Panaji vters punish the ruling party? The actual results will speak volumes on the true of the Ponnjekars!
Arwin Mesquita, Colva
Gender violence must be flayed
Gender violence be it in Sandeshkhali, Hathras, Kathua, Unnao, Uttarakhand, Manipur or be it against Bilkis Bano or women wrestlers must be condemned by the people in general and by the media in particular irrespective of the political dispensation in power. A democratic institution must not take selective approach while dealing with such matters. While criticising the government of West Bengal over alleged atrocities on women, CPM politburo member Brinda Karat pointed out, “The (national) women’s commission was here (in Sandeshkhali) but it didn’t go to Manipur or Unnao in Uttar Pradesh.” If there is a doubt about the impartiality of an institution, how can it instil faith in the minds of the victims?
The opposition parties should highlight the misuse of power by the ruling party in a democratic country. But in the name of agitation fomenting hatred is totally unacceptable. Some BJP leaders allegedly called a turban-clad IPS officer a “Khalistani” in Sandeshkhali. The malicious comment directed at the police officer was as unwanted as the one made on the people who protested against the Citizenship Amendment Act that they could be identified by their clothes. India needs peace and harmony not divisive politics and hate speeches.
Sujit De, Kolkata
