Will an undertaking reduce accidents?
Whilst welcoming the idea behind signing an undertaking when renting a car or bike, I fail to see just how this will help in reducing accidents.
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Unless the hirer knows that there are severe penalties for breaking an undertaking there is nothing to actually deter hirers from ignoring them. All this seems to do is create another layer of bureaucratic paperwork. Those hiring out vehicles will have to keep copies for random inspection and collection and what will happen to the huge pile of collected signed documents six months after the event? Incidentally regarding the hire of bikes, there is no mention of the maximum number to be carried on the bike or the use of a cash helmet both of which contribute to accidents.
Dranreb Aclos, UK
Install high-tech cams on Mandovi bridge
Recently, a man lost his life after a rent cab driver hit an oncoming motorcycle while trying to overtake resulting in the man to fly off his motorcycle falling into the Mandovi river. Could it have been avoided? About a month prior to the incident had occurred, the RTO had put up traffic cones on the solid white line separating the traffic on Mandovi bridge which had actually made a huge impact in lane discipline. But soon they were piled up to the side as they were quickly damaged by strong winds and vehicles. These were then removed by the authorities as they were creating a hassle for the traffic.
But if the authorities had found a new way to barricade or implement strict lane discipline on the bridge, a life would have been saved. The authorities knew that the bridge is prone to dangerous overtaking by motorists. The old barricading should have been replaced by the new ones. High-tech cameras could be installed on the bridge to enforce strict lane discipline and impose fines. To stop similar incidents from happening again, the lanes should be divided by a thin metal barricade or fixed cones.
Arman Chopdekar, Betim
Only the Judiciary can save the country
This has reference to the Editorial ‘Keep Democracy as a means for people’s welfare’ (O Heraldo, March 14, 2024).
That was a hard hitting Editorial on the present state of our Democracy, giving an insight into various issues faced by citizens of the state and the country as a whole. Democracy, yes, as we know, is a “government of the people, for the people, by the people”. But what is today’s reality? Is there a need to specify? However, it seems like, only the people’s movement and the Judiciary can save our country.
We have so many important, burning, urgent issues in the country, but yet what do the authorities do to resolve these issues? They resort to destroy the environment, rename railway stations like in Mumbai. You have rightly stated, that politicians of the day need to look beyond their tenures and work for the welfare of the people and posterity of the state; and the entire country. By the way, do we need to redefine “welfare”?
Melville X D’Souza, Mumbai
High-stakes games for US elections
Apropos the news report ‘Biden, Trump set up election rematch after clinching nominations’ (March 14), the US election has always been closely watched by the rest of the world due to its implications on global politics and economic stability. Interestingly, incumbent president Joe Biden and his predecessor, Donald Trump are all set for a presidential election rematch.
A Trump re-election could mean a continuation of protectionist policies, volatile foreign relations, and unpredictable economic decisions while Biden’s second term presidency will have to deliver fully on the promises of multilateralism, diplomacy, and a more collaborative approach to global issues. The choice between these two paths will shape the future of international politics.
Gregory Fernandes, Mumbai
Ferocious dog breeds create havoc
In response to the Delhi High Court directives, the Central Government recommends ban of 23 dangerous breeds of dogs in India. Subsequently, Rottweiler, Pitbull, Terrier, Wolf dogs, Russian Shepherd, along with several other cross–breeds are finally under the scanner of the Government. Furthermore, sale, import and breeding of these ferocious breeds will be banned. However, some of these high profile pet dogs, who are ferocious in nature, have created havoc in certain parts of India, not forgetting the brutal attack which took place in Goa, last year. To make matters worse, domestication of such type of ferocious dog-breeds can be risky, if proper supervision is not implemented upon them. Hopefully, it’s a beacon of hope especially for those who had been victims and mauled by such type of ferocious breeds. The fabric of society ought to be guarded from such type of atrocities.
Joseph Savio Desouza, Candolim
Snakebites more common than dogbites
In a move to address the rising cases of aggressive dog attacks across the country, the central government has imposed a ban on 23 dangerous breeds of dogs in the country. This is a step in the right direction. However it seems that in Goa, snakebites are more common than dog bites. Even as a national action plan for prevention and control of snakebite has been launched by the central government, it is learnt that the South Goa District Hospital in Margao receives on an average fifteen cases of snakebite every month.
However it is understood that there has not been any snakebite-related death reported at the hospital in the last six months. Other health centers and private hospitals could also be treating snakebite victims. If Anti-Snake Venom (ASV) is administered in quick time, the life of a snakebite victim can be saved. It is understood that even a bite from a harmless snake can be serious, leading to an allergic reaction or an infection. A bite from a venomous snake can cause tissue damage, destruction of blood cells and nerve damage. Snakebites may result in the loss of a limb or other chronic problems and even death. Snakes are likely to approach residential areas when attracted by prey, such as rodents. Regular pest control can reduce the threat of snakes considerably.
Adelmo Fernandes, Vasco
CAA emerges as a symbol of tension
While the enforcement of the Citizenship Amendment Act aims to provide expedited citizenship to minorities from three countries of Pakistan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan, its use of religion as a criterion remains problematic from the constitutional perspective.
The implementation of the CAA has only led to apprehensions that with a nation-wide NRC, it will exclude Muslims and such a perception has amplified its divisive impact.
The Act has emerged as a symbol of the tensions underlying the current political discourse. In a pluralistic democracy like India, religious majoritarianism cannot be allowed to take precedence over constitutional morality.
An amiable and peaceable solution therefore would be that a policy should be drafted to accommodate diversity and provide a sense of security and belonging to all groups, especially of the vulnerable Muslim minority.
Ranganathan Sivakumar, Chennai
