Goa needs better public transport
Better times might be in store for us in the near future, but let’s change the current situation which is in the hands of the authorities concerned; pertaining to Goa’s transport system, which desperately needs a push. However, the State has approximately 1,900 buses plying, of which 520 belong to KTC.(Kadamba). In fact, the frequency of buses in certain rural areas is still very low as compared to well connected major towns. Moreover, after 7 pm, the frequency of the public transport system is highly questionable. Sadly, the issue has been plaguing office goers, who encounter an overwhelming rush during the peak hours. Probably, there might have been some policies in the past, but unfortunately, it has languished in cold storage. In keeping a balance and human approach towards this issue, there need to be at least 800 buses.
Evidently, Goa is a tourist destination across the globe, and public transport is like a major backbone. Furthermore, Goa is also visited by low budget tourists, who prefer public transport over highly-equipped sophisticated transportation.
Eventually, taking into consideration the current scenario, the State government ought to come out with certain stringent measures as far as the public transport system is concerned, along with its extension for the evening hours.
Joseph Savio Desouza, Rajasthan
Nip bomb threats on flights
Bomb threats on flights are being reported at a frightening frequency, and these may almost become a norm if remedial measures are not undertaken right away. Earlier, phone calls to the airport authorities used to be the culprits’ modus operandi.
Of late, notes scribbled in the toilets of the airports and the flights seem to be the common method of the vicious minds.
Although every such bomb threat has turned out to be fake and the stakeholders cannot take chances. The agenda of the evil minds is to gain vicious pleasure by disrupting the smooth schedule of fliers and spreading panic.
Most bomb threat perpetrators have an axe to grind, personal or otherwise. While it may be impossible for the authorities to prevent people making fake calls, measures can indeed be put in place to identify the ‘toilet scribblers’, and CCTV cameras near the airport toilets and cameras on flights can help.
Flights that have landed or ready to take off could be the favourites for the fear mongers, who scribble on flight toilets’ commodes and walls. Experts have suggested obtaining the handwriting samples of passengers to nail the culprits. Besides, there may be habitual offenders, who need to be identified and booked.
Ganapathi Bhat, Akola
Drone tech in agriculture must be made use of
Several famers in the State are facing the issue of their transplanted paddy being damaged after being inundated following the recent rains.
It is learnt that drone technology can come to the rescue of the farmers by reviving the damaged crop. This method was effectively used at the Tolleband water body at Benaulim, on Friday, to revive the damaged paddy, which was transplanted recently. The drone technology was reportedly used to undertake special spraying of urea over the fields to revive the damaged paddy.
This method also controls the weeds present in the fields after the rains. The programme has reportedly been supported by Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) in terms of equipment and financial assistance and could be a model to revive paddy fields across the State.
It must be said that despite the increasing importance of agriculture, the sector lags behind in technological advancements. Drones are poised to play a big role in agriculture, especially in areas including improvement in crop yield, and pest control. Drones can be used to spray fertilisers and pesticides. Every successful farmer needs to possess a drone which can be used to improve the yield. However, the cost of drones seems prohibitive. The government needs to increase the subsidy on purchase of drones for agricultural purposes, which will go a long way in bringing the Goan youth back to farming activities in the State in a big way.
Adelmo Fernandes, Vasco
Radicalism in religious context is dangerous
Radicalism is intuitive and poses many questions at a time when a large section of society has become almost blind, and supports every move of any political party in India. Radicalisation in any religious context is dangerous, and equally causes disruption in a progressive society like ours.
India is a home to the largest youth power compared to any other country. But it is disheartening to see the majority of our youth being distracted by a handful of people, while the rest of youth of our country are busy shaping their future or struggling to support their families due to job satisfaction and other various reasons.
Diomedes Pereira, Corlim
Why different yardsticks for same heinous act?
While condemning the cruel manner in which the trainee woman doctor was raped and murdered in the R G Kar Medical College and Hospital in West Bengal and referring to the immediate action initiated by the government to arrest the accused, the former woman employee of the Raj Bhavan, who had accused Governor C V Ananda Bose of sexually harassing her and filed a complaint against him at the Raj Bhavan police station, has raised a pertinent question as to why no action has been initiated against him till date.
While one is able to appreciate the anguish of the victim and sympathise with her on her pathetic plight, it is unfortunate that some Governors allegedly commit such misdemeanours knowing that they can escape from the long arms of law due to the immunity available to them due to the gubernatorial positions they hold!
The one and the only person, who can do justice to the affected women like Raj the Bhavan employee, is the President of our country. The Governors can continue in their seats only until they enjoy the pleasure of the President. As such, one really wonders why our President, who is also the representative of not only men, but also women, is silent without withdrawing her pleasure enjoyed by Governors like Anada Babu, who are accused of committing such heinous crimes against women. This is more so, when we are proud that we have a woman as our honourable President.
Tharcius S Fernando,
Chennai