CCitizens need many facilities, which may be short term or log term. The government has been given the mandate to do just that. It does not however mean that the government can ride roughshod in believing what is best for the public without gauging their pulse. The arrogance of being in power, unanswerable, care two hoots, I know everything and what is best attitude, is not justifiable in a democracy. That is why in a democracy a vigilant opposition is essential to keep the treasury benches in check and control, unfortunately both at the centre and in some States, the opposition is badly mauled – they are not a force to reckon with.
The case in point is about necessity of a bridge at Shiroda and another airport at Mopa. Shiroda residents need better connectivity with places in the State, saving time and money to reach their destinations. The bitter objections make no sense. Politicians need controversies as their essential diet to remain alive and relevant.
Are the bridges at Talpona and Galgibaga etc given the preference they deserve in fast pacing their age old requirements? Is the second Mandovi Bridge a burning necessity, when Zuari Bridge is almost crumbling and likely to disrupt a vital link between North and South?
The government is hell bent on pushing through Mopa airport, when there is massive outbursts and opposition from all quarters. It may be a long time need and the experts rather than layman are best suited to decide whether it should be built or not.
Nelson Lopes, Chinchinim
Bad logic, Mr Chief Officer
Murmugao Municipal Council Chief Officer Megnath Porob says that a man who was earning Rs 5000 twenty years back is earning Rs 25,000, today, so, can afford to pay fees for birth certificate. But, what about those who are working in shops and other places for hardly Rs 4000 a month, Mr Chief Officer? Further, since the validity of a birth or death certificate is only for six months, shouldn’t the fee be reduced to Rs 50 for subsequent issuance of them, Mr Chief Officer? Mr Chief Officer, why are you hesitant to recover the dues from defaulters to raise the revenue instead of penalizing the common man? The people of Vasco should not rest in peace till the fees are reduced to Rs 15.
White Rose, Carmona
In time for the feast
The North Goa Collector razed around 49 illegal structures at Old Goa (October 31 edition of Herald). Why now, not before? Because it is an eyesore and would have been seen by the world during the Exposition of St Xavier’s body? But strangely, the local sarpanch questions as to why the affected are not given alternate places. Come on, the structures were illegal and should have been razed much before. Conversely, should not a case of negligence of duty be filed against the North Goa Collector?
The constant ‘legalising’ of illegal constructions points to the fact that the government is encouraging illegal constructions.
R Fernandes
Keep all exits open
Indian Super League has received a very encouraging response from the Football lovers in Goa. So far two Indian Super League matches were played at Fatorda Stadium. The crowd unbelievably thronged in large numbers. The matches were entertaining. No doubt the players gave their best on the ground, but the finishing was poor. The organisers also did a good job in managing well in and around the stadium except on the West stand. There are so many exits to the South, North and East stands, but unfortunately there is only one exit for the ordinary spectators on the West stand and which is very narrow. On October 23, after the match, it was impossible for the thousands of spectators from west stand to move out of the stadium as all the exits were closed and only one exit was kept opened. Many spectators climbed over the chairs and pushed others in order to get out of the stadium. Children, women and physically challenged people come to watch the matches and if there is only one exit which is very narrow, there could be stampede and the situation may go out of control. Therefore the organisers must look into this matter seriously and rectify the problem in order to avoid untoward incident in future.
Rui Pereira, Navelim
