PANJIM: The practice of setting fire in the fields in Taleigao has become an annual phenomena. The residents near the fields have to suffer heat and unbearable smoke during the summer. Do you think the Taleigao MLA has failed to address and resolve the issue effectively, leaving the people to endure the consequences year after year?
The Taleigao MLA has been completely missing. In the last 10 days Taleigao fields have seen fire thrice. Not once did we see the Taleigao MLA anywhere around. Not once did we see the panchayat members anywhere around. My open letter published in the press and social media asks whether she is interested, whether she cares or if she wants to do anything about this issue.
Francis Coelho, Political Leader
The fire lit in the Taleigao fields is not only dangerous to the reptiles that live in the fields, but it is also dangerous for human life. The other day how the fire brigade personnel rushed up and brought that child out. She could have suffocated from the smoke. For that matter it can harm so many, especially senior citizens. Any every time were hear the forest minister say a probe has been ordered. When will all this stop?
Trajano D'Mello, Political Commentator
By looking at the past, these fires do not take place by themselves. These fires are lit. They prepare a ‘vision document’ to grab the land and start construction. We have seen this in the Forest Minister’s constituency and in other constituencies. The fires occur where there are large tracts of land. These are not small fires, it is like an inferno. I don’t think she has anything much in her hands, because Babush Monserrate is the superpower above her. Then there is also the mayor, their son. So is this a tripartite agreement?
Anthony D'Silva, Social Activist
This is an old issue where in the olden days the farmers used to set the fire, remain there and put off the fire and go. Now the issue is whether the local MLA is involved or the elected panchayat members are involved? Now there are buildings come around the fields and sewage is flowing into the fields and tall grass is growing. So who is to blame? So who is responsible for putting up these buildings? Is this not done by the elected representatives?
Mariano Ferrao, Social Activist