God alone save the Mandovi river
The Goa government has now reportedly given the all clear signal for water sports activity in the Mandovi river, in the name of boosting monsoon and river tourism in Goa. Well, it looks like this government has really lost it, due to which it seems to be coming up with such hasty/nasty decisions in Goa.
Hey, when the Mandovi river is already congested with a number of huge casino ships, small boats, ferry boats etc at the moment, how can the government decide to add more chaos by introducing such water sports activities in this particular river, and that too in the monsoons during the ongoing marine life breeding season? Isn’t the government getting enough revenue by allowing similar type of recreational activities in river Sal, river Chapora, river Zuari, Dona Paula Bay, Nerul river and Sinquerim already? Then why does it want to allow such stupid activities in the river Mandovi and somehow disturb its peaceful environment?
Now, where are all the so-called ‘activists’, NGOs, environmentalists etc (who are otherwise known for making a big noise on unimportant issues in the state) gone and why are they not seen raising any objections to this most disgusting decision of the present government in Goa? Or have they all (just like the fishes who are in the breeding season) gone into hibernation just like teddy bears during the ongoing monsoons in Goa? God alone save the Mandovi river.
Jerry Fernandes, Saligao
Power woes—take the bull by the horns
This has reference to the newstory ‘Power Dept workers held ‘hostage’’( O Heraldo, July 4). Two days without electricity, many days of erratic supply and damaged appliances because of high voltage is an absolutely pathetic state of affairs. One can understand Shelpe-Shingne villagers’ frustration over this continuing affair.
But was it fair to target the linesmen who have to risk attending to these problems without adequate safety gear and equipment, and with hardly any empathy/appreciation from consumers?
If the power supply problems are due to non-replacement of insulators and conductors as in South Goa ( O Heraldo June 16), should not the ire of all citizens affected by poor electricity supply, be directed at those who scrutinize and approve tenders and order supplies? Sadly, our instant-gratification mentality causes us to react rather than be proactive. Once supply is restored for a few days, we go back into our slumber. No wonder the problem persists.
Juliet DeSouza, Bastora
Panjim’s pothole ridden roads remain a hazard
The recent spell of rains have only further deteriorated the condition of the city roads with several potholes. Citizens in Panjim has to face the brunt of vast potholes and bumps on the roads due to the lack of responsibility by the authorities. This is acting as a hazard for several motorists and other vehicle drivers. Meanwhile, expressing shock towards the grave conditions of the roads, netizens have also taken to social media to create memes over the potholes in Panjim. Panjim roads are the worst in the country. Driving in Panjim has become a nightmare for the motorists as they have to deal with scores of potholes and slush on various important roads owing to the heavy rainfall. Even though a lot of pothole/road accidents are taking place, the awareness about the issue is very less and the roads are continuing to remain in a bad shape. Bad roads of Panjim will be remembered by the voters during assembly elections. These potholes are a piece of art gifted to the citizens by the honourable politicians they so eagerly voted for. The government should spend money for the public good and do something about potholes on roads across the city.
K G Vilop, Chorao
Tomatoes at reduced prices
A shortage of tomato stocks has led to a surge in prices at the wholesale market in Belagavi with retail prices in Goa likely to touch as high as Rs 150 per kilo. Tomato prices have witnessed a sharp increase across the country, leaving consumers grappling with the soaring costs of this essential kitchen staple. Delayed monsoon, inadequate production and extreme heat have been cited as key reasons behind the increase in tomato prices across the country. While the tomato market is grappling with the current price surge, consumers hope for stabilization and relief in the coming days as the weather conditions improve. It is learnt that seeking to offset the soaring price of tomatoes, the Tamil Nadu government on Tuesday launched the sale of the commodity at Rs 60 to Rs 82 a kilo through fair-price shops. The Goa government needs to do likewise and make tomatoes available at a reduced price through the Goa Horticulture Corporation stalls.
Adelmo Fernandes, Vasco
Tomato a red bomb in India
In India, tomato and onion are regarded as bulb bombs enough to shake governments. The Janata party government of Delhi in the 1990s is still considered victims of onion bomb. This year yet again we saw tomato prices exploding and skyrocketing to a record of Rs 155 per kg in Kolkata promoting jokes like ‘tomato rings giving diamond rings a run for their money’. The skyrocketing prices doesn’t give glory to the farmers who sell his produce at always a low price whatever the situation to the traders cartel as he does not have enough storage facility at his disposal. Thus the skyrocketing prices of tomatoes or even onions benefit the traders as they bask in glory after making huge profit in the present scenario. I feel the business tycoons of India are also involved in hoarding and as usual no action by the government. The farmers producing the tomato crop is a beggar and penniless hence the government has to bridge the gap and purchase from the farmers by giving them a good price so that the farmers can bask in glory as they are the one who toil hard in the fields and not traders and hoarders.
Diomedes Pereira, Corlim
Let’s grow vegetables around our houses
According to the vegetable traders in the market of Goa the prices of various vegetables such as tomatoes and onions have gone up due to heavy rains and this is the reason and excuse we will get during every rainy season. So whether it is raining or rains are delayed, the suppliers gets a chance to increase their products rate’s every year and this is the biggest racket where they loot people and make money. Poor hard working farmers don’t get much money by selling their vegetables products to the suppliers/ agents. It is the traders and sellers in the markets who earn a lot. The people should be wise enough and should stop eating vegetables when the prices are raised, until the rate comes down. The people of Goa should grow vegetables on their open lands or in the area surrounding their houses, so that they can eat fresh vegetables from their home garden.
Ronnie Dsouza, Chandor
