IPL vs drought
The drought problem has been festering in Maharashtra over decades and the government has done very little to DRESS this problem and take measures to augment the needs of irrigation and farmers. In fact there has been public outcry about crores having been siphoned off as loot and personal gain.
The IPL became a platform to highlight drought and sensitize people about the drought situation. But why make IPL the culprit of government propaganda and a martyr of drought situation? The government has failed by micromanaging drought solution over decades with each new government transferring the blame to the other side. Has any attempt been made to put restrictions on consumption and using portable water for non-drinking purposes? The sudden unexpected shifting of venues is a strain on administration, arrangements, and movement of players and the annoying cricket lovers.The court decision appears compassionate, but not a practical one.
IPL is an Indian brand that is increasingly becoming popular, spotting and promoting new talent, who would otherwise left out unnoticed. It also enriches the state economy. Shifting outside India may not be in the best interest of our own economy and entertainment.
Post IPL will the interest and focus on drought be sustained to find meaningful permanent solution to this long overdue problem and contain farmers suicides?
Nelson Lopes, Chinchinim
Pay everyone back
Now that the person behind the Kamaxi scam has surrendered to the police, many Goans will be waiting for their money back, but the journey ahead is not going to be easy. Raikar will have not surrendered without ensuring that a lot of the money is safely stashed somewhere. This is how con men work. It is without doubt that he will claim to not have a lot of money and many people will only get a small amount back from what they lost. The court must sell off his assets and ensure that he pays whatever he has back to the people while giving him a lengthy prison sentence too. This is perhaps the only way to assure the people of justice done but also set a precedent for the future, so that aspiring con men are deterred from trying stunts like this.
Insia Mendonca, Fatorda
Plan and implement
The CCP’s pay and park scheme is just a ploy to extract more money from the common man. Why has no one questioned them as to the supposed multi-storey parking structure neat the Patto bridge? If that and the already existing space in Patto is kept for parking, a large percentage of space within Panaji will be left open. There has to be better solutions than just suddenly enforcing pay parking schemes. A proper plan must be introduced and the people should also be consulted. If they have to go ahead then residents of Panaji must either get a discounted permanent pass or be allowed to park free during certain hours. There is also a need to charge more during festivals etc so as to discourage more people from driving to the city separately. However, there will be disciplinary issues and the CCP must be able to deal with them.
Sanjay Naik, Mapusa
