Reference to the Edit “Curchorem’s tragedy produced some brave hearts ” (May 20). After my maiden visit to Goa recently and falling in love with this State’s geography, culture and ethos, the moment I heard of the tragedy in the Quepem part, I spent a sleepless night concerned with then a single casualty and missing persons. Hopefully, the dead has been contained to three, for which all credit must go to the official agencies and most importantly to name two brave hearts Amar Sanvordekar and Suleman Gori among some many who sacrificed for the greater cause. Situations of disaster unite people and mankind much more than in normal times and in this instant incidence this has been brought out. The Government of Goa must honour sincerely those who saved human lives. To the families of the three victims there can be no words of consolation.
With 46 similar footbridges in existence as mentioned, the government must demolish all such structures to prevent occurrence of disasters. In future people should care for personal and collective protection and desist from going there; the elders have to motivate younger people to avoid such death traps. There is no harm in taking risks in life to further one’s cause but one has to be aware and careful not to play with antiquated structures behind Mother Nature. The more one is connected with Nature and pays obeisance, there can be no harm to one’s precious life.
Rivers and the sea become violent in no time and both local people and tourists have to be on guard every moment. Younger people have to exhibit daring and bravery elsewhere. It is not only a lesson to the people of the two opposite villages of Curchorem and Sanvordem along the banks of the Zuari River but must serve lessons in other parts of Goa with rivers, sea, forests and mountains that makes this part of India full of natural bounties. Without any casual attitude and delay the authorities have to end all such wooden footbridges and counsel local people and visitors to take all precautions and safety measures not to have future occurrences. RIP, the souls of the unfortunate. We fight over petty issues with narrowness of mind but instances are many all over when forgetting all differences people struggle for human unity. This is one’s conscience and the voice of God. Better to be humble and through humility one attains wholesomeness, which we must all imitate in this distressed world. Amar, Suleman and many other nameless makes us proud.
