Global flights at Dabolim airport
It is a matter of concern that almost all international flights to Goa have announced shifting their operations from Dabolim Airport to Mopa Airport. While progress and development are vital, it is equally important to address the needs and concerns of the community. Dabolim Airport has long served as a convenient gateway for both tourists and residents in the region. Its central location makes it easily accessible, reducing travel time and costs for many. The reduction in flight operations could impact local businesses and the livelihoods of many who depend on the tourism sector.
Rather than giving us false assurances that Dabolim will not close down, I urge the government and relevant authorities to consider maintaining at least some international flight operations at Dabolim Airport.
Airlines that operate three or more weekly flights could be requested to operate at least one flight to Dabolim. This would ensure that the convenience and accessibility that passengers have enjoyed for years are not entirely lost. A balanced approach, with flights operating from both Dabolim and Mopa, would cater to a wider range of passengers and preserve the economic benefits associated with both airports. I hope the authorities will strive for a solution that benefits all stakeholders.
Gabriel Crasto, Navelim
Need to revitalise Kaavi Art
Claiming that ‘Kaavi Art’ originates from the coastal state, the opposition on Friday asked the government to obtain the Geographical Indication (GI) tag for it. Concern was also voiced about the government of Karnataka planning to obtain the GI tag for ‘Kaavi Art’.
Incidentally this art form is Goa’s exclusive traditional native painting technique. It is an enchanting form of mural creation thriving in the Konkan region, notably gracing the temples of Goa. With its intricate reddish-brown murals, this art form is a testament to the rich history of the region.
According to one theory, Kaavi art was introduced to Goa approximately 600 years ago by Saraswats who migrated to Goa. The art is a laborious undertaking, demanding patience and skill to craft intricate art-work that withstood the test of time and nature’s unpredictability. Traditionally, Kaavi art was used to decorate walls, columns and ceilings in temples and homes. The destruction and renovation of buildings and temples coupled with the forced migration of communities have hidden many of these masterpieces.
Today one sees the absolute neglect of these creations on buildings in Goa. Kaavi art found in many small temples across Goa is often severely defaced. The good news is that this form of art is experiencing a resurgence which is credited to a renewed interest and support from historians and architects. The government needs to take concrete measures to revitalize this art form.
Adelmo Fernandes, Vasco
Silver jubilee of Kargil war victory
On July 26, India commemorated the 25th anniversary of its military victory in the 1999 Kargil War. Twenty five years ago on this day, the Indian Army successfully repelled the intruders for over two months, albeit at the cost of over 500 brave soldiers.
The victory highlighted our army’s capability to overcome formidable odds, demonstrating that every soldier, regardless of their background, was prepared to defend the nation at any cost. The silver jubilee of the war victory stands as a testament to the resilience and strategic prowess of the Indian military and serves as a solemn tribute to the fallen soldiers, and an opportunity to reflect on the enduring impact of their courage.
The military triumph at Kargil not only drew global attention to the cross-border terrorism practiced by Pakistan since the early 1990s, but also showcased India’s ability to defend its borders with restraint while imposing significant military and political costs on the enemy. Though the country lost many fearless young officers and soldiers in challenging conditions, the war was a pivotal moment in India’s journey towards becoming a developed nation.
Ranganathan Sivakumar, Chennai
Herculean task to protect big cats
“Call for action” is a succinct theme for the “International Tiger Day, 2024”. Fight against wildlife crime and strengthening protected areas are two critical areas that warranty immediate action. The number of tigers in India stood at 3167 in 2023 as compared to 2967 in 2018. 628 tigers succumbed to poaching or natural causes over the last five years. With seventy five percent of the tiger population, India is seen as the “safest” place for the big cat.
But 628 tigers succumbed to poaching or natural causes over the last five years according to National Tiger Conservation Authority(NTCA). Peer-competition, diseases, electrocution and accidents add to the animal’s misery. National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) under ‘Project Tiger’ is seized of the herculean task of tiger protection.
Construction of overbridges and underpasses on highways should be hastened. The big cats traverse through “tiger spots” on the highway because they need serious demarcation of territories, and crowded highways are impediments to tiger movement.
The lacunae in the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972 lead to the refined Wild Life Protection (Amendment) Act, 2006 that has clear provisions on tiger conservation. Better conviction rates, increased patrolling, more camera traps, villager-tiger coexistence–are all important.
Ganapathi Bhat, Akola
Budgetary allocations for political survival
The main reason for the disparity shown in the distribution of funds among different states in the Budget is that the government in power considers the exchequer as their own party treasure.This is the reason why we find in the present budget, generous allocation of projects and funds mainly to Andhra Pradesh and Bihar, the two allies of the NDA dispensation without whose support their government cannot survive. Of course, this is a blatant and glaring partiality shamelessly shown to the saviours of their government, at the cost of other states.
What is more tragic is the arrogance with which a remorseless Prime Minister, the Finance Minister and other leaders of the saffron party are trying to justify the allocation of funds in a budget. Thinking of the past record of the BJP, it is not a surprise that they have stooped down to such a level this time by misusing the Budgetary allocations for their survival.
Tharcius S Fernando, Chennai
