Goa could face water crisis this summer
In July 2019, the Goa government had reportedly ensured that all projects will be completed before 2025, which will enable the state to move forward to achieve the water summit of 24x7 water supply to all. The government has now admitted that it is not possible to provide water 24X7 but has plans to ensure water supply for four hours a day to every household.
Will the water be supplied after midnight? It is learnt that infrastructure development for this will be completed by the end of 2026. It needs to be noted that the end of 2026, is several months away but very close to the 2027 assembly elections. Will citizens have to endure the water shortage for so many months?
It is learnt that despite stringent directives from Goa Human Rights Commission (GHRC) and repeated assurance from the government residents of Majorda-Utorda-Calata village panchayats continue to grapple with severe water shortage. Around 80 households in Bethoda in Ponda are facing a severe water crisis with most taps running dry for the past week. The villagers have blamed the mushrooming residential buildings for the water crisis. This is the situation in several other villages.
The state may have received back-to-back years of surplus rains in 2023 and 2024 but myopic planning and rampant over development have ensured that people are consistently denied sufficient water-supply to their homes. We are already into the summer season and things could only get worse in the next couple of months. Will a separate 'Department of Drinking Water' resolve the issue? One will have to wait and see.
Adelmo Fernandes, Vasco
How strong is the US economy?
The United States, by far the largest economy in the world, has glaring chinks in its economic armour. With $ 36 trillion as its debt, both internal and external, the chasm that the US economy is faced with is a cause for alarm. Also, the US which has the highest gold reserves in the world at 8,133 tonnes the worth of which is less than a trillion dollars denotes that with a budgetary allocation of about $ 6.8 trillion is probably not keeping it in solid footing.
At least three countries like China, its northern and southern neighbours Canada and Mexico respectively have huge surplus exports to the US. Most of the $ 50 trillion which is the total market capitalisation of its stock market is in the hands of private companies with Nvidia and Apple having a market capitalization of $ 3.1 trillion and $3.0 trillion respectively.
It is now to be seen if with the formation of the department of government efficiency (DOGE), a face-lift to the economy can take shape without also affecting the cordial relations with Americans as well as foreign countries which is required for America to maintain its influence world-wide through USAID.
It is a fact that United States has the best quality of technologies but will this be sufficient to ensure that the US remains competitive in world trade. Elon Musk, the richest man in the world with a net worth of $ 400 billion is tasked with the onerous duty of making the US slim, trim and efficient. With diligence the task can be achieved in a methodical manner, but without losing the goodwill of the people.
Elvidio Miranda, Panjim
Landmark judgement in prolonged legal battle
In a significant legal development, the Sessions Court in Goa on February 14, convicted Vikat Bhagat for the rape and murder of Danielle McLaughlin, a 28-year-old Irish woman who was backpacking in India. Her body was found in a field in Canacona in March 2017. The court found Bhagat guilty under IPC sections 302 (murder), 376 (rape) and 201 (causing disappearance of evidence).
The legal proceedings were initially presided over by Judge Sayanora Telles Laad and later overseen by three other session court judges. Throughout the trial, Bhagat’s behaviour behind bars raised concerns, prompting the court to order him to be handcuffed during transport for hearings.
Reacting to the conviction, the family of Danielle expressed gratitude to the policemen, lawyers and the court for finally bringing justice to her.
The prosecution demanded a maximum sentence for Bhagat, with the judge stating that she would pronounce the quantum of sentence on February 17, 2025. The maximum sentence in such a case is capital punishment.
The verdict marks a landmark judgment in a state where more acquittals than prosecutions have been witnessed.
Everette Assis Telles, Margao
Accord approval for panchayat ghar
The villagers, the Village Development Committees (VDCs) and gram sabha members of Village Panchayat of Chinchinim-Deussua, keep on highlighting pending approval issue of panchayat ghar cum multipurpose project at every meeting. Thanks to Ex MLA and Hon'able Minister Filipe Neri Rodrigues, who managed to acquire about 10,000 sq mts for the said project about 17 years back. Over the past years, the initial plans of panchayat ghar cum market complex were changed and new plans for a panchayat ghar cum multipurpose complex, including swimming pool were prepared. GSIDC is the agency to execute this work.
The present VP body along with MLA is making all out efforts to get this project approved by leading many delegations to the chief minister who is holding the finance. We are happy to learn that the CM and Panchayat Minister has given assurances to approve the said project, which is not yet accorded financial approval. Recently our neighbouring VP Assolna and VP Bogmalo-Chicolna laid the foundation stones for new panchayat ghars. We earnestly request our CM to accorded financial approval before the financial year end and fulfill the promises in this year of hope, so that we could have a modern panchayat ghar to conduct various activities benefiting all sections, under one roof.
Rosario D Rebelo, Chinchinim
A bond of respect
US President Donald Trump has lauded Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, calling him a “tough negotiator” and commending the courtesies extended during his visits to India. Trump highlighted Modi’s diplomatic acumen and strong leadership while referring to him as a “good friend,” underscoring the mutual respect and camaraderie shared between the two leaders. This acknowledgment reflects the deepening partnership between the two nations during their tenure, marked by significant strides in trade, defense, and strategic ties. The statement further cements Modi’s global image as a formidable leader and emphasizes the importance of India-US relations on the world stage.
Gopalaswamy J, Chennai