Need for standard speed breakers
Many accidents that take place on Goan roads can be attributed to over-speeding. Hence speed breakers are put up along the road to force the vehicles to slow down. Speeding is against the traffic rules. But what is the use if the mechanism used to save lives by preventing speeding, is the same mechanism that claims the lives? Speed breakers need to be as per scientific standards which is not the case. There should be installation of notice boards indicating their presence and adequate lighting. One should be placed at least 40 metres before the road hump and the other one next to the hump.
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Non-compliant speed breakers can cause vehicular damage and serious health issues such as spinal injuries and back pain. Two-wheeler riders are particularly vulnerable to accidents caused by poorly constructed speed breakers. They ensure safer driving conditions near schools, hospitals, residential zones, or where speed limits need to be enforced. The Indian Roads Congress has suggested that speed-breakers should have a rounded hump of 3.7 metre width and 0.10 metre height.
Rumbler strips, which are a collection of small humps, can be used on city roads. They can be effective on side roads, unmanned level crossings, or near schools, hospitals, etc. It is observed that along the road at Sancoale in Goa there are four sets of rumbler strips placed barely 20 metres apart. Makes one wonder of their utility.
Adelmo Fernandes, Vasco
Power consumers caught off-guard
Lately, the Electricity Department has been sending notices to many single-phase domestic users regarding an increase in their connected load. For example, one consumer (small family) supposedly exceeded the approved limit of 1.6 kW. This notice has caught consumers off guard, appearing to be a ploy by the Electricity Department to generate revenue.
It’s worth noting that these consumers are not newcomers to the system; for years, there has been no such notice issued. It’s grossly unfair to burden consumers with the task of preparing and submitting documents to the Electricity Department for scrutiny.
Moreover, the threat of disconnection looms if the required documentation is not submitted within a specified timeframe. In response, it’s only reasonable to demand that if there’s any suspicion of unapproved electrical load, the Electricity Dept should bear the responsibility of verifying these connections at their own expense and time.
This disrespectful treatment of consumers must cease immediately, and a more transparent and equitable approach must be adopted by the Electricity Department.
Augustus Alphonso, Vasco
Curbing climate change!
Climatic change is rapidly increasing and is a matter of major concern worldwide. Its effects can be observed globally wherein we have to deal with severe heat.
There was an insurmountable delay of snowfall in the Himalayan Kingdom and lack of rainfall in certain parts of the region. However, it’s the need of the hour that the governments should tackle this issue by implementing projects of sustainable development.
In contrast, we perceive that in ‘development’ only a particular section of people are benefited. As far as ‘sustainable development’ is concerned, the resources are utilised wisely, in such a way that it benefits everyone. The government, citizens and the future generation receive the share of benefits in ‘sustainable development’.
The current set-up of Goa Government pertaining to achieving climatic goals with ‘Blended Finance Facility’ in partnership with the World Bank is a stepping stone for such ‘sustainable development’. This is definitely going to benefit Goa. Great Work! Really needs appreciation!
Joseph Savio Desouza, Candolim
RIP radio star, Ameen Sayani
For most of us, Ameen Sayani’s radio journey started with Binaca Geetmala for Radio Ceylon in 1952, which is certainly when his voice and his show became an instant rage. His golden voice on the airwaves had a charm and warmth that endeared him to people across generations. Through his work, he played an important role in revolutionising Indian broadcasting and nurtured a very special bond with his listeners.
He showcased songs featured in Hindi movies for more than 42 years, helping establish a place for film music in India’s popular culture.
Condolences to his family, admirers and all radio lovers across the globe. May his soul rest in peace.
Jubel D’Cruz, Mumbai
Governors need to maintain dignity
On February 15, the Lt Governor V K Saxena of New Delhi in his address to the House on the first day of the budget session, highlighted the AAP govt’s achievements. He said that the govt is working with dedication.
The points in the speech are provided by the governments and the governors read them out or they can tweak them, since they are generally from the opposition party. It was magnanimous of the Lt. Governor to have retained the dignity of the office and read the speech without any fuss. This was despite him being at loggerheads with CM Arvind Kejriwal.
This was in contrast to the behaviour of TN Governor R N Ravi, who twice walked away without properly addressing the assembly, the recent being when he spoke (not from the speech given to him) for three minutes and went away without even waiting for the national anthem to be played. Whatever differences he had with the CM M K Stalin, should not have been reflected in the assembly and being an ex-bureaucrat he should have respected the national flag and anthem. Governors come and go but the seriousness of the constitutional post needs to be maintained (when they are enjoying the perks of the job), especially if they and CMs are from different political parties.
Sridhar D’Iyer, Caranzalem
