The chief minister of Goa has recently said that more than 99% of hotels in Tiracol are illegal. What is he doing about it? Isn’t it shameful and pathetic that our chief minister knows about certain illegalities, is sitting tight about it and to top it all, using it to justify other illegalities?
He also says that he has taken money for land conversion for the golf course and he can’t go back. Why didn’t he take the people of Tiracol into consideration before taking such decisions? He must remember that he is a minister elected by the people to represent them and not the sole authority who can do whatever he wants and whatever he thinks is right.
Tiracol is a beautiful village and should be promoted as a tourist spot for what it already has; pristine beaches, a beautiful fort that can be reached using our charming ferries (which I believe has been stopped), an agricultural village etc.
Our government seems to be losing sight of why Goa became such a famous tourist destination in the first place. Goa didn’t become famous for its casinos, five star hotels and golf courses. Goa is famous for its pristine beaches, the mountains, the local food and most importantly the people and their culture!
The government needs to start focusing on promoting what we already have; like our festivals, our cuisine, rivers, beaches, forts, mountains etc. These need to be promoted with eco-tourism. This is what will help boost tourism in our state and attract the right kind of tourists, those who provide revenue to the state and make the least ecological impact.
Antoinette Viegas, Navelim
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Baina demolition
It was sad to see the front page picture in your daily dated 21 June. The scene of homeless children and their families will haunt us for a long time to come. The State administration may have several reasons for their action. There is no justification for leaving poor people at the mercy of the inclement weather on a day when Goa experienced it’s wettest day. It is sad that we have stooped to this inhuman level.
Hazel and Peter Fernandes, by email
Incredible response
The incredible response from people of all walks of life to the call of International Yoga Day celebrations was simply overwhelming. Never ever has India witnessed such mass participation for an event that cut across boundaries of caste, colour, religion and nationality. This only shows that people are turning to Yoga and discovering its immense potential.
India obviously stole a march over the other countries with people turning up in droves in the big cities and even Army personnel at Siachen Glacier joining in the celebration.
The mega event at Rajpath where Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the gathering and diplomats from 152 foreign missions congregated witnessed a record turnout and obviously should find a place in the Guinness Book of World Records. One hopes that the impetus provided by the International Day of Yoga will give a leg-up to this healthy way of life and encourage the authorities to set up more yoga centres equipped with qualified yoga practitioners so that more people reap the benefits of this ancient wisdom and priceless technique.
N J Ravi Chander, Bengaluru
Yoga and beef ban
On world Yoga Day the world practices Yoga. There is a difference in those practicing Yoga abroad and Indians practicing Yoga. Those practicing Yoga abroad can go home and enjoy a beef burger. Now does the world know that many of us cannot do the same after practicing Yoga. Does the international community know while they have the freedom of choice to practice Yoga and have beef and some of us don’t?
Should we not have an International day of freedom for beef eaters! Many would ask what is the connection between beef and Yoga? Simple, one should be free to make an informed choice what one should eat and what fitness regime one should choose.
DC Dias, Taleigao
Surya Namaskar
With the advent of the World Yoga Day there has been a lot of discussion about ‘Surya Namaskar’ or worship of the sun. The proponents of ‘Surya Namaskar’ must remember that before worshipping the sun we must also respect the earth on which we live and all that exists on this planet including its people.
A small example of exploitation of our mother earth and its people is what is happening in our own Tiracol.
The only silver lining in an otherwise overcast sky is the High Court decision to lift the stay on NGT and impose a fine of Rs 25,000 on Leading Hotels which is not just an affirmation of the issues taken up by Goa Foundation and the people of Tiracol but also a tight slap on the face of the biggest rogue in this whole issue; the Govt. and CM of Goa.
Matias Lobo, Oman
Racism taunts Obama
The recent shootings in USA have given Obama sleepless nights the world’s peaceful democratic country turning into a insecure place for all citizens.There have been attacks from everywhere schools, colleges, churches, malls have become the targets no place is safe any more in USA.
The memories of civil war are once again haunting the US president who made a speech to Indians on religion and civil society a few months back holds no ground as it’s very own citizens are turning against each other on the basis of colour. The weak gun law in US have paid a heavy price and took innocent lives.
The world’s most powerful military cannot save their own people in their own land. God bless America.
Dixon Vaz, Fatorda
