Pollution of water bodies
River Sal is considered as the most polluted of rivers of Goa. The Water Resource Development Minister Subhash Shirodkar reportedly sounded the warning bells, stating that the situation at River Sal will get out of hand if the stakeholders do not come together to save the river from decay.
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He called upon the various stakeholders including various government departments and MLAs of Margao and Fatorda to set a target of December 2025 to rejuvenate and clean up the river.
It is important to complete the underground sewerage network in order to stop the discharge of raw sewage and waste into the mullahs which later finds its way into River Sal.
It must be said that besides River Sal, several water bodies in the State are in a pathetic state.
The water bodies are polluted due to various factors including discharge of industrial waste, agricultural waste, plastic waste, etc.
But the biggest contributor to the pollution is urban pollution and discharge of raw sewage into the drains which ultimately ends up into the water bodies.
The presence of faecal coliform confirms the discharge of raw sewage into the drains. Several hotels directly discharge the waste into the rivers and sea.
It is learnt that the Secretary Environment which heads the River Rejuvenation Committee, has reportedly sought a detailed report from the Imagine Panaji Smart City Development Limited (IPSCDL) on the status of steps initiated to disconnect the direct discharge of raw sewage into rivers and creeks as a pollution abatement measure of Mandovi River.
It is learnt that IPSCDL is working on the cleaning and desilting of St Inez creek. It is also essential is to address the issue of sewage lines discharging waste into the water.
Discharging waste into the water bodies can have a direct negative impact on the health of the citizens.
Strict action needs to be taken against those discharging sewage directly into the water bodies or the drains. We need to save our water bodies for future generations.
Adelmo Fernandes, Vasco
Carry out work properly and quickly
With reference to the photo caption titled ‘To Park or Not’ (Herald, 17 December) only employ reputed, honest, responsible, experienced and good contractors and supervisors who give a written guarantee for their work and use branded materials. The PWD should mandatorily shield off the work area, instead of foolishly and deliberately using wrong and misleading sign boards and remove debris away daily to recycling plants. In these ways contractors and supervisors must carry out work -properly and quickly.
Peter Castellino, Mumbai
Places of Worship Act should be upheld
The Supreme Court on Thursday last week, while hearing on a batch of pleas/cross pleas relating to the Places of Worship (Special Provisions) Act, 1991 has restrained all courts in the country from entertaining and passing any effective interim or final orders on any lawsuits seeking reliefs including survey of religious places under the 1991 law.
Well, the Places of Worship Act, 1991, prohibits conversion of any place of worship and provides for the maintenance of the religious character of any place of worship as it existed on August 15, 1947.
This Act was rightly passed by the Congress party in response to the tragic events following the demolition of the historical ancient monument called the ‘Babri Masjid’ in Ayodhya in the early nineties, with the goal of preventing similar communal tensions in the future.
Given the importance of preserving peace and communal harmony in India, it is crucial that the provisions of the Act remain upheld.
The Supreme Court should take into account the wider impact that any challenge to this law could have on national unity and harmony.
It would be in the best interest of the country to dismiss all petitions challenging the Places of Worship Act, 1991, in order to maintain the peaceful coexistence of all communities.
Jerry Fernandes, Saligao
US’ double standards
The US State Department releases a report annually, and in this report, Iran is labelled as a state sponsor of terrorism. For the past 39 years, the US has consistently included Iran in this report. It mentions that rebel and terrorist organisations like Hezbollah, Hamas, and the Houthis are supported by Iran.
However, Pakistan’s name has not been included in the ‘Country Reports of Terrorism’ which is USA’s Annual Global Terrorism Report.
This is a matter of great surprise. Pakistan has already launched many terrorist attacks on India. USA’s list of terrorists has many Pakistani terrorists who have not been arrested yet. This once again exposes the US’ double standards. This stance by the US is shocking for India.
India should forever remain alert about this duality of the USA.
Sagar Shirodkar, by email
Christmas memories
Christmas is a festival that is celebrated through love, peace and joy. Millions of people all over the world celebrate this festival in memory of the birth of Jesus Christ. People decorate their homes with beautiful lights and colours to celebrate this festival.
The mere mention of the word ‘Christmas’ evokes a vivid imagery of a magical season filled with warmth, cheer, and an all-encompassing sense of joy.
It is a time when families come together to celebrate the love and bond they share, while the aroma of freshly baked treats and the twinkling lights of the Christmas tree fill the air. The exchange of gifts further enhance the festive spirit.
Beyond the materialistic pleasures, this time of the year also provides an opportunity for introspection, gratitude, and spiritual reflection.
Jubel D’Cruz, Mumbai
