Honest citizens suffer
for no fault of theirs
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This has reference to the report ‘Citizens’ group slams Goa’s toothless response to SC ruling on illegal constructions’ (Herald, December 28, 2024).
Sometimes I begin to wonder, what are illegal or unauthorised structures? They get their utility services, including water, so when do these structures become illegal or unauthorised? And then, we have demolitions because they are found to be illegal or unauthorised after a number of years. Well, this is a common sight in many cities like Mumbai also, where even an entire complex is demolished.
At the end of the day, who suffers, but unsuspecting honest citizens, while those who are responsible for permitting such illegal/unauthorised structures go scot free. It is these people who need to be pulled up and prosecuted.
Melville D’Souza, Mumbai
Nature‘s vagaries
cannot be contested
After the severe cold wave of 2013 and 2017, people of north India especially that of Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR), experienced bone chilling cold wave in 2019. Even 2020, 2022 and 2023 were not spared. 2024–25 seems no different as north and central India are experiencing severe cold conditions and dense fog.
Two western disturbances impacting the western Himalyan region and the adjoining planes have caused early cold waves in north India. Long dry weather in some states, and the resultant reduction of soil moisture, has also contributed their mite.
Additionally, a strong subtropical jet stream was prevalent for a week in the northern part of India that has partly been attributed to the current cold wave. Nature’s vagaries cannot be contested; they can only be alleviated. So, anticipation and patience become the key words in such exigencies.
Arranging shelters and clothes for the destitutes, taking care of animals tottering from the shivering weather, safeguarding energy, agriculture, health, power and transport sectors that are critical for a common man should be authorities’ top priority.
Ganapathi Bhat, Akola
Cheap food and
low budget tourists
The Food and Drugs Administration (FDA) has reportedly taken action against stalls selling biryani illegally in open and unhygienic areas in Calangute. It is learnt that biryani was being sold without the permission of FDA. Small stalls were reportedly being operated in front of luxury hotels and the areas around the stalls were dirty. It is understood that biryani was being sold at only Rs 100 per plate. It must be said that cheap roadside food stalls cater to the needs of low budget tourists. These tourists either have cheap food at roadside stalls or cook their own food by the wayside. They are obviously of nuisance value as they litter the surrounding areas. If we are to discourage these low-budget tourists from coming to Goa, then the authorities concerned need to act against cooking food by the wayside and availability of cheap food. These tourists do not bring revenue to the state as most of them sleep either under the night sky in open areas, on the beach sand or in their own vehicles. There is a difference between cheap food and street food.
Street food vendors operate after obtaining proper permission and are enjoyed by all people including locals. On the contrary, food like biryani is available in the hotels and restaurants and sale of such food in shanty stalls should be banned. Luxury hotels should act against these food stalls operating in front of their premises. If Goa is to attract quality tourists then food should be available only in hotels and restaurants.
Adelmo Fernandes, Vasco
Dr Manmohan Singh
will live in our hearts
You have been the best example of a humble and simple leader for our present day politicians. No one can compare Dr Singh’s achievements even today where we have inefficient finance ministers ruling our country. Hope they can emulate your achievements and learn to be humble and magnanimous in their dealings especially in the Parliament.
Matias Lobo, Tivim
Goa is promoting
concrete jungle
Goa was called Rome of the East because of its green fields and pristine beaches which provide clean air but of late we are destroying the greenery by mercilessly cutting down trees and hills.
In the name of development, concrete jungles are coming up in Goa and we are destroying the cultural heritage instead of protecting it.
It is the fundamental birth right of every person to breathe clean air and the onus lies on each one of us to save the environment from pollution.
Despite the civic bodies collecting door-to door garbage, some senseless people continue to dump waste in every available open space. Stiff penalties imposed on violators doesn’t deter them from committing the wrong again. Stray dogs, cows and other scavengers then feast on the roadside waste and often carry the trash from one place to another littering the area and polluting the environment.
By embracing sustainable farming practices, we can transform our lifestyles to create a healthier environment.
Diomedes Pereira,
Corlim
A rare gem
of a person
It is really painful to know the demise of our former Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singhji. He was highly respected and history would remember him for his innovative schemes to help the middle class and poor section of society with his own liberalized economic policies, popularly known as Manmohanomics. No doubt, he was a silent Prime Minister, but yet, made louder pronouncements be it Economic policy or Nuclear policy. A rare Gem of a political man of utmost honesty and humility. Above all, he had no enemies. Pray God to bless his noble soul to rest in peace.
N. Mahadevan, Chennai
Commercialised Christmas
I appreciate the write-up on your daily dated December 27 with quotes from Fr Aleixo Menezes. Father really spoke my mind.
Christmas is being commercialised now and I am missing my childhood celebrations. The neighbours would help each other preparing Christmas sweets. Now most of us buy readymade sweets. I would wait for that one dress my mother would stitch for me during Christmas but now with a click of a finger, we can order multiple dresses online. There would be one white star put up in the garden tree, now many colourful stars and dazzling lights adorn our homes. The simplicity and purity of Jesus is lost in this noisy world today.
May the peace of Jesus reign in our hearts always.
Maria Gracias,
Agacaim
