Covid precautions must continue
Although there seems to be a lull in Covid infections presently precautions must continue. We cannot afford to let down our guard. There are added threats from the Delta Version, Dengue, Bird Flu and Zica Viruses. Health and hygiene are thus important.
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Let’s say you buy an ice-cream cone. You stand under the cool shade of a tree to eat it. Just then you get a phone call. When you return to your ice-cream you find an added topping. Watch out! It could be bird droppings. A potential source of toxic contamination. On second thoughts it may be better to stay of ice-creams, cold drinks and other foods that could lower your resistance.
Vinay Rodrigues, Margao
Let us be careful, Covid has not gone
The second wave of Covid 19 which spread at a faster pace a few months ago and created so much panic and casualty has slowed down a bit. Definitely vaccination has done a vital role in slowing down the infection and the fatality rate has also decreased giving everybody some hope that the deadly infection can be harnessed provided the precautions we followed all these months are adhered to faithfully.
However, the Health ministry and the departments of the various States have cautioned to be more careful especially during these festive days as there is a chance for family get together and crowd gathering. The authority along with the public should unite and take responsibilities to maintain and improve the present condition and avoid negligence as carelessness in any way can cause devastations.
We have already witnessed in the past when lockdowns came to an end and strict prohibitions and orders were lifted the public began to flout the norms to be followed. What followed was a heavy surge in Covid cases in the months of May, June and July in many States. Let us realise that the vaccination drive can help shield us from Covid but an overconfident sense of safety and security with an attitude “if the remedy is ready why fear the fatal malady?” can unfortunately take us back to square one.
Last year the protocol during religious festivals and congregation’s were simply flouted in order to appease the religious sentiments of the people. This however caused in heavy spread of Covid later. Let us understand that what we sow we reap. It’s in our hands to decide to take control and harness this deadly pandemic.
M Pradyu, Kannur
Bridge to Divar island needed
It is learnt that residents of Divar will have to suffer for two months as the River Navigation Department (RND) has reportedly suspended the Old-Goa ferry route services. This is being done in order to carry out repairs of the ferry ramp at Old Goa. During this period, three ferryboats will ply along the Ribandar-Divar route.
It may be recalled that on an earlier occasion the Ribandar-Divar ferry route was closed for three months. It is pertinent to note that this is a busy route and long queues of vehicles are witnessed waiting to board the ferry. In another notice the RND has reportedly informed that the Dhauji route in Old Goa will be suspended for three months in order to repair the ferry ramp at Dhauji.
People have to suffer a lot in order to cross from Divar to the mainland since the ferry boat is the only route available. At peak hours serpentine queues of vehicles are seen along the main road at Ribandar ferry-point leading to traffic chaos. It is pertinent to note that during the novenas leading to the feast of St Francis Xavier the traffic along the route will increase manifold.
A permanent solution to the problem would be building a bridge connecting the Divar island to the mainland. In Goa there are three bridges across Mandovi River and a second bridge across Zuari river is coming up. What is urgently required is a bridge connecting Divar island to the mainland.
Adelmo Fernandes, Vasco
Manufactured crisis?
With a looming power crisis owing to shortage of coal feedstock, we are in for uncertain days ahead; conflicting statements emanating from various government sources is not doing anything to alleviate consumer anxiety. Unscheduled power cuts of @ 5 hours duration are already in place in many States including Punjab which is the grain bowl of India.
Many industries requiring continuous process like steel, smelting, refineries, cement and plastic have shut down in the country. As is the Centre’s wont the coal crisis was first outrightly denied by the Union power minister and when matters reached a head, firefighting measures are being resorted to.
The shortage is surprising since Coal India Limited, a profitable public sector undertaking is one of the largest producers of coal in the world with its captive coalfields having proven reserves of 65 billion tonnes. Most probably this is an artificial scarcity created by the sarkar to bring into the coal supply chain a particular private player (and one of the Centre’s blue eyed boys) who has just commenced mining operations in Australia. After skyrocketing gas, diesel and petrol prices expect a quantum jump in electricity rates. Dark days ahead literally and figuratively for the aam aadmi.
Vinay Dwivedi, Benaulim
Battle against plastic, a serious concern
This has reference to the Editorial ‘Will the battle against plastic have no end?’ (Herald, October 12, 2021). That was indeed a desperate question posed by your Editorial. It seems like the battle against plastic, not just in Goa, but across the country, may never end, just like the war against corruption in our country. Are we seeing any change anywhere in the country?
The issue of plastic is a serious issue as it affects the entire planet. The Goa government may have banned plastics just as other States like Maharashtra. In the initial stages, there is a great deal of awareness about the use of single use plastic bags example, but somewhere down the line, the campaign loses steam and we are back to square one!
This is what has happened in Mumbai. Today, plastics, especially the single use plastic bags have made their appearance in a big way. Who is responsible for this, one may ask? According to the Editorial, the state must promote alternatives like jute/cloth bags, etc. I think it is also our responsibility to promote the use of eco-friendly items. Do we not have jute or cloth bags at home? Then why do we accept or sometimes even demand plastic bags from the vendors?
We all need to understand that the Earth is the only planet which has life and if we have to live, we must allow the earth to breathe. The State can only pass laws, it is up to us to enforce the laws.
Melville X D’Souza, Mumbai
How your MLA sees you?
Ever wondered how your MLA perceives you? He is elected by you to protect your rights. By voting him to power you put your trust in him.
The BJP MLA and party workers planted saplings along the illegal road to the beach in Caranzalem. When questioned by AAP, they replied they were rectifying a wrong! They expect the voters to believe this. What does this show you? That your MLA and Party workers think that you are a dumb ass? Or that you are dispensable? Your vote can be bought? You have no say as once you voted them, they can do what they want?
How do you see the MLA? Isn’t it obvious that the illegal road was built with their blessing and that nothing comes free? Did the TMC say anything? No, they are new and not aware of the problems faced by locals. Then, should not they wait a few years doing groundwork to gain people’s trust before throwing their hat for the elections? Yet, they want to stand for elections knowing they will split votes. How do you see them?
R Fernandes, Margao
