DGP’s statement
in poor taste
Recently I read in the newspaper that our DGP says “no written complaint, no inquiry”. This is one of the poorest statements by a respected man in uniform who is appointed to guard the citizens’ rights and the constitution of the country. The same cops will take verbal orders from the politicians and act to torment he poor citizens, while the Supreme Court or any courts or commissions take note of the media clippings to force action when these officials turn a blind eye when there is violations of human rights or property. It’s shameful that an attack on the Headquarters at Panjim police station caught live on the electronic media remains in abeyance when we have such cops who get fat salaries and tips at the cost of the exchequer hard money.
Gregory E D’Souza, Siolim
Goa govt’s bizarre reason on solar ferry
This has reference to the report ‘No manpower to run Goa’s first solar ferry boat’ (O Heraldo, February 27, 2023).
Sounds strange, a solar ferry boat has been ready for operation since last October and it is still not in operation. The reason is bizarre – no manpower to run the ferry boat! This only goes to show the apparent lack of planning while undertaking such Infrastructure projects.
Similarly, in certain projects elsewhere, the initial work begins, the projects is mid-way through, but it cannot be completed because of illegal encroachments along the route. The project is therefore stalled, perhaps for years. Sounds familiar?
One wonders, however, that there is a single person in Goa or elsewhere, who has the know how to operate a solar powered ferry boat since the past four months. And it’s not just that, since it is only meant for passengers, they say, they are still analysing how to generate revenue atleast for the manpower that would be required to operate the ferry boat. Needless to say, the authorities must get into action or else the ferry boat would go to ruins. It’s like building a castle but there is nobody to live in that castle resulting in the castle crumbling down in the years to come.
Melville X D’Souza, Mumbai
Putin’s misadventure in Ukraine turning costly
With the continuing Ukraine war, Putin is weakening Russia. He is exposing the vulnerabilities of the Russian military apparatus. This will be costly for him and his country in the long run. With the anniversary of the war behind him and no tangible signs of victory being seen, Putin is indirectly building another power centre within the countries that can be seen to be under the influence of Russia. With the West led by the US arming Ukraine, the country will emerge as a rallying point for those countries that are inimical to Russia in their region. With glasnost having dismantled the old USSR, the Ukraine war may be the next turning point for the demise of Russia as a world power.
Biden’s sudden visit to Ukraine last week is also a slap in the face for Russian intelligence and to its leadership. Cosmetic gestures like pulling out of the nuclear treaties by Russia are only seen as petulant and have no real meaning. In the eyes of the world, Putin should realise that Russia has lost the Ukraine war, the faster he understands that it is good for him and the world.
Srinivas Kamat, Alto St Cruz
Stores, supermarkets
need stringent check
Supermarkets and shopkeepers often sell expired or about to expire food at cheaper prices. Greedy shopkeepers play with the health of the consumers but Food Safety Officers are nowhere visible and have given free hand to such greedy shopkeepers. They sometimes even set up buy-one-get-one offers to clear such stock and minimize their loss. Many grocery stores and suppliers are not strictly following cold chain regulations.
This apart, a majority of bakeries have been manufacturing certain products on their own. Not a single pack has the date of manufacture and expiry. Such products pose a substantial health risk to the consumer. Customers should check and buy the expiry dates and old items before buying from shopkeepers.
The authorities should take on the shopkeepers and supermarkets who sell the old and expiry products. The shopkeepers are selling spoilt fruits and vegetables. Fruits are artificially ripened using products like carbide or other chemicals. The authorities should inspect and instruct fruit and vegetable sellers to ensure that the product is fit for consumption and not artificially-ripened. The FDA should increase random checking of shops selling food items and ensure that safe, clean and fresh food items are sold by the shopkeepers, supermarkets and hypermarkets.
K G Vilop, Chorao
The height of cruelty
I was shocked to read what Antonio Vas, the MLA of Cortalim had to say about the hardships faced by the people of Velsao-Pale-Issorcim vis-a-vis the double tracking issue.
Neither Vas nor anyone from the Government of Goa has shown any empathy with the people, to protect their homes and land from work forcibly carried out by the Rail Vikas Nigam Limited (RVNL). To top it all, he said he is “willing” to settle the issue if the villagers approach him! He also added that he has no powers to direct the Deputy Collector or the police, and also alleged that their agitation was an attempt by INC’s Olencio Simoes to misguide and instigate the villagers to revive his political fortunes. Similar to the statement made by a minister from the Government when he described the Sankhali rally to save Madhei as an “Opposition-sponsored movement”, when it was actually a rally conceived and led by social activists, with the support of Goa’s opposition parties.
It is pertinent to note that no one is opposed to the idea of development, but there has to be a humane way of carrying out a project, not to mention having all the stakeholders on board and also obtaining all the necessary clearances before commencing the work. Moreover, the work in question is being carried out on private lands, not on lands owned or acquired by the Railways. By forcibly bulldozing their way onto private lands, under the careful watch of the local police, the powers that be have created a law and order problem. There has to be an end to this cruelty. Development is important, but so is listening to the people and addressing their grievances.
David Fernandes, Margao
Right to access to water denied by building owner
Life becomes a hell for some flat owners in Goa and especially for seniors due to harassment by building owner.
Having been a registered flat owner at Marcel for the past 15 years, the building owner disconnected my water pipes from the main tank for reasons best known to him depriving me of water.
The matter was brought to the notice of the jurisdictional police station where I was advised to get NOC from the Village Panchayat for separate water connection. Based on the NOC, I applied for a separate water meter which was duly approved by the office of JE, PWD, Banastrim. However, the building owner stopped the PWD workers from installing the meter and water pipes by stating the new pipe connection is passing through his property and threatening them with legal action.
The owner is determined not to provide water to me at any cost and sometimes turn violent. Apart from money and time, I lost my good health and was forced to return to Mumbai. Seeking help and justice from the high authorities did not solve the matter. Access to safe drinking water and sanitation are internationally recognized human rights which I believe the Goa Government adhere to.
Gregory Fernandes, Marcel
