Damage to underground gas pipelines
The Gas Authority of India Limited (GAIL) which has laid underground natural gas supply pipelines in Goa recently has issued a public notice warning against encroachment of overlying land raising public safety concerns in some quarters.
It is pertinent to note that there have been several instances of underground water pipelines rupturing and underground electricity cables being damaged due to digging activities along the road in the state.
The pipelines supplying gas are carrying highly inflammable and hazardous natural gas. Rupturing of these gas pipelines due to digging activities can have greater disastrous consequences as compared to damage to water pipelines or underground electric cables.
Hence extreme caution needs to be taken while carrying out digging activities. The gas which escapes due to damage to the pipeline can catch fire with disastrous consequences. It would hence be prudent to carry out mapping of the underground pipeline carrying natural gas and installation of signage. Digging activities being carried out for unauthorized illegal construction could be the biggest threat of damage to underground pipelines carrying natural gas. There could be a lot of encroachment of land taking place which is being used for building purposes. This land which has been encroached could be passing over a pipeline supplying natural gas. Extreme precaution also needs to be taken by the concerned department while digging roads for sewerage and other works.
Adelmo Fernandes,
Vasco
No room for lies and deceit
Chief Minister Pramod Sawant’s statement that there will be no Covid curbs till January 2 in view of the festive season is preposterous.
Is holding of the Sunburn festival and besides allowing dance bars to make merry a priority for this government? Can Pramod Sawant fathom the devastation and health hazard that these super spreaders can inflict?
How could the Chief Minister do something contrary to the Central Government’s directive to the States to remain alert and ensure Covid appropriate behaviour in view of the prevailing situation? The Union Government’s advisory must have come only after having credible data of another impending Covid wave.
Pramod Sawant’s statement that the decision on Covid restrictions will be taken only on 3rd January clearly establishes that this government does not care for the health, safety and lives of its citizens. It should come as no surprise if in January the government uses the Covid situation as a convenient shield to further curtail the session of the Goa Legislative Assembly scheduled in mid Jan.
We have all witnessed the Covid-19 pandemic where hundreds of precious lives were just snuffed away. Now Pramod Sawant by his recklessness is possibly steering Goa into another nightmare, this time Covid-23.
The current tragic Covid wave unfolding in Beijing while affecting the lives of millions and paralyzing its healthcare services should serve as an urgent alarm and an eye opener to us all to take immediate precautions. Goa needs to see some real statesmanship, truthfulness and honesty in the acts and deeds of the leaders.
Aires Rodrigues, Ribandar
Mopa Airport for whom?
I do not believe Mopa Airport was required only because the existing Dabolim Airport has it its limitations for night landing and for larger aircrafts . In fact, the limitations of Dabolim Airport was a blessing in disguise to protect the unique socio-cultural and natural heritage of Goa that influenced the way of life of the local communities in villages and small towns of Goa. More importantly, the peaceful and safe Goa attracted quality tourists from India and Abroad in the past.
Goans returning to their homeland from foreign countries and foreign tourists who were looking forward to spend their holidays in a relaxed environment in Goa did not mind spending one night at Bombay / Mumbai or any other airport in India due to lack of late night flight connectivity to Goa.
I am also of the opinion that tourists who have visited and travelled in Goa more than once after arrival at Dabolim Airport or even the Railway Stations or Bus stands would have contacted the same taxi or rickshaw driver or motorcycle pilot who had provided them great experience on their previous visit/visits.
Do we need Mopa Airport to encourage tourists to visit Goa to enjoy activities linked to sex, drugs, gambling and loud music? Do we need Mopa Airport to provide job opportunities to taxi drivers and taxi associations from the neighbouring states so that the anti-social activities of the unwanted tourists are protected ?
Wesley Edward Pereira, Raia
Step in the right direction
The Karnataka government urging people to mask up and making Covid test a must for all Influenza Like Illness (ILI) and Severe Acute Respiratory Illness (SARI) cases is the right step.
Masks have been made mandatory in spaces with air-conditioners as well. The government has also asked district hospitals to reserve beds for Covid-19 patients as a precaution. The moves come on the back of the sudden surge in Covid-19 cases in China, Japan, the US and South Korea.
N J Ravi Chander, Bengaluru
Calling for Covid care
In view of the rising Covid cases globally, Health Minister Mansukh Mandviya convened a meeting of senior officials in the government and the National COVID-19 taskforce to assess the situation in India.
The officials stated that the spike in China did not imply a grave threat to India; but it is advised that people adhere to Covid-appropriate behaviour, get vaccinated and states increase genomic surveillance. Some states have also suggested they would increase random testing of passengers at airports.
India has witnessed a steady decline in cases, with about 158 daily new cases being reported in the week ending December 19.
Globally however, there has been a rise in the daily averages in the past six weeks, with about 6 lakh instances being reported each week. Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya held a meeting with health ministers of states and Union territories over rising COVID-19 cases in some parts of the world. It is a right step in the right direction and the Covid care in India is by far the best.
C K Subramaniam, Navi Mumbai
The festival of Christmas
Festivals and celebrations are meant to infuse hope and new life in struggling humanity. Still, it is true that most of us who have undergone deep sorrow and pain on the loss of our near and dear ones feel unable to participate in the mainstream celebrations of any major festival. While we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ on December 25, we celebrate the love of God for man.
Christmas is a celebration of love, peace and joy. However, this season of spiritual happiness has over the years been overtaken by superficial celebration, be it with fancy greeting cards, decorations, gifts, decking up, feasting, in a phrase an occasion for the rich and fashionable. The birth of Jesus Christ in Bethlehem ushered in an era of salvation. Only when every individual experiences this salvation, Christmas becomes a meaningful celebration.
Jubel D’Cruz, Mumbai
