Stiff traffic fines; make roads motorable
The much delayed fines for traffic violations are finely enforced. The Govt will add much needed boost to their dwindling coffers. Deterrents like gallows have never stooped crimes of most heinous nature and hence death sentence even is now abolished. In USA life sentence extends to period beyond average life span, thus incarceration criminals in perpetual confinement.
In India life sentence is 14 years. Stiff punishment of amputations for drug traffickers in Gulf has not deterred at all and stopped drug trafficking. The Government first must improve the motorable conditions of roads, provide lighting, paint regularly speed breakers, clear overhanging branches, cut dangerous trees, display sign boards , prevent flooding broaden roads, use road taxes to do it. If the purpose is to avoid roads accidents and fatalities stiff fines is a bonanza to police, who in the past have been accused of duplicate fine books and were forced with daily quota of generating fines.
Alternatively, command them to render social service, impose temporary prison term, suspend licence for various periods, and finally cancel driving licence for repeated dangerous violations which are more painful ways to deter.
Does increased fuel costs deter any owners in using public transport? The vehicle in use if confiscated will not recover the costs of fines, then what? Any measure must be proportionate to the nature of crime. The measures adopted by RTO, and ways to bypass and even get fitness certificate, driving licence and fee commanded for post is an open secret. Where does the rot lie? Wearing of seat belts, helmets, speed regulations, fitness certificates are in best interest of the owner or rider and ludicrous enforcement from outside, hence education even in schools will conscientise users.
Nelson Lopes, Chinchinim
Partial de-escalation of troops welcome
The partial de-escalation of the Russian invasion of Ukraine is a welcome development. Russia declared it would scale back attacks near Kyiv and Chernihiv. Ukraine’s military acknowledged the withdrawals. The two sides have held several rounds of negotiations so far but in vain
Moscow’s move comes amidst reports that Russian troops have become bogged down in the face of stiff Ukrainian resistance. Thousands have perished in the month-long war, which also displaced 10 million Ukrainians.
N J Ravi Chander, Bengaluru
First-time legislators need orientation
The 40-member Goa Legislative Assembly has as many as 19 MLAs who are first-time legislators. Fresh faces have emerged from across parties, including eight from the Congress, five from the BJP, two from the AAP, two Independents and one from the RGP. Obviously these legislators have tasted success in the elections as a result of the social-work they have been doing as well as their connection with the citizens of their constituency.
However, having now entered the august House of the Goa legislative assembly their task carries more responsibility that can have a bearing on the entire State and not just their constituency. These first-time legislators belong to various professional backgrounds which include a medical practitioner, lawyers, architects, engineers, etc. Being first-timers they may not be in the know of the finer nuances on how to conduct oneself effectively in the assembly.
Here is where the new legislators’ orientation training programme assumes significance. The tips given during the orientation programme are imperative for the legislators to master so that they become effective representatives of the people in the assembly. Some of the points that first-time legislators could familiarise themselves with may include value based ethics, the art of legislative negotiation, public speaking, maintaining relations with the media and social media management, etc. The objective of the Orientation Programme is to familiarise the members with the working of the legislature and to promote profound knowledge and appreciation of the Legislature’s constitutional role, and its position as the supreme representative institution.
Adelmo Fernandes, Vasco
More to it than meets the eye
The prestigious Atal Setu, showcasing the best of India’s engineering and construction prowess has been beset with problems from day one. The 3.1 km long cable stayed bridge built by one of India’s biggest and best construction companies develops potholes with every bout of rain and is in need of constant repairs. It is pertinent to note that GSIDC had overseen the whole design and execution process of the structure but all that supervision has come to zilch; the State government has now roped in IIT Madras to study the defects and suggest remedial measures which in a way is admission of guilt.
The technical team has already conducted bonding and stress tests to determine the bond shear/adhesion between the bitumen and underlying asphalt coating. 43 core samples of the asphalt surface have also been drilled for conducting tests in the laboratory to determine why the bitumen fails to adhere to the sub surface. Even a person with rudimentary knowledge of road construction can tell you that factors like high rainfall, humidity, salinity and temperature variations which are unique to Goa’s climate have not been factored in the design process.
GSIDC officials are now offering poor excuses and blaming the imported adhesion bonding chemical and inadequate waterproofing layer for the fiasco. The fact of the matter is that there has been wilful neglect of the project management aspect. This supposed showpiece of the State and a purported engineering marvel is like a chronically sick person who is in continual need of medical care. An independent court monitored investigation team should also be appointed to get to the bottom of the matter and determine the lapses on part of GSIDC and the contracted agency to fix accountability and to ensure the same are not repeated for other civil construction projects presently underway ; there is more to it than meets the eye.
Vinay Dwivedi, Benaulim
Green railway stations
Indian Railways hopes to become the world’s first “green railways” by 2030. Tackling global warming and climate change through international standards are its aims. Lot needs to be done if the Railways has to achieve its high ambition but it is already on its way electrification of trains, augmenting energy efficiency, more bio-toilets, switch to renewable sources of energy, green certification to stations.
Apart from these, small initiatives can help the Railways fulfil its aim. Dirt and waste on the platforms welcome passengers as they make their way into the portals of several stations, especially the smaller ones and the ones in rural India.
The “scene” on the Railway tracks is nauseating. Solid waste, plastic and what not, litter all around. True, as you sow, so shall you reap. But, the mindless acts of a few cannot heap misery on the rest. There have been many smart initiatives on the part of the Railways for some time to change the picture on the Railway stations. Many schemes have come a cropper, some have clicked. Many echo friendly stations that have already been developed are, no doubt, spick and span. But more have to be added. Echo-smart tag is no joke; neither is the project impossible. Strict environmental standards have to be adhered to while waiting for the ISO-14001 certificate.
This is in order with the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) for which ten important yardsticks are prescribed. Stations’ cleanliness, with frequent watering and sweeping, is a crucial parameter.
Ganapathi Bhat, Akola
