Save the world
There is a difference between natural catastrophes--those extreme events in nature,such as earthquakes that cause widespread damage and man-made environmental catastrophes, for which we human beings, are responsible. The floods in Chennai is a prime example of this. Man-made disasters pollute huge areas and cause extensive damage to animals, plants and even to human beings. Examples includes oil and chemical spills, accidents in nuclear power plants, overfishing in seas and large scale destruction of forests. We need to live close to nature. Animals, plants, soil and water are all important for our well-being. Despite this, we keep destroying the gifts of nature with pesticides, garbage and even through tourism. We must seek ways to protect nature. For instance, we should adopt 'ecological agriculture' to produce grains and vegetables and should use alternative eco-friendly form of energy. Each one of us can contribute towards saving the environment by avoiding food grown with the help of pesticides and choosing fuel efficient means of transport. In fact we can better protect environment by not buying things made of plastic. We should go for shopping taking our own bags and should buy unpacked things, in this way, less garbage will be generated. All countries must come together to save the climate.
Satyajit Prabhudessai, Benaulim
Commercial billboards
The legislation on the issue dissuades, prohibits display on NH within state, requiring a distance of 40 meters. This provision is observed more in breach, with authorities turning a blind eye, These commercial advertisement boards are not only an eyesore , disfiguring the sky line, but also distracts the motorists, blocking their vision leading to avoidable serious accidents,. Very often the advertisers, owners do not even have mandatory licence from concerned authorities in the Panchayat and municipal limits, requiring payment of fees from the licencee, These violators need not be warned, but the display boards be confiscated, taken down and fined for the costs involved The advertisers do not also confirm to restrictions on heights, advertisers name , period and licence details
In most of the western countries this nuisance is not permitted so blatantly, but advertisers resort to newspapers for publicity. At least the existing regulations be enforced rigorously and defaulters made to feel the pain with stiff penalties, which will be a discouragement to such vision obstructing, dangerous vandalizing of sky line.
Nelson Lopes, Chinchinim
Let off easy
Salman Khan’s acquittal by the court has shocked a lot of us. Without casting aspersions on the decision by the judiciary, we cannot help but question the way the case was handled by the lawyers and the police. Surely statements by Khan’s former bodyguard should have been included, as well as Kamaal Khan’s statements. There is other logical evidence that wasn’t included. So, was this a travesty of justice? Perhaps, considering it’s easy to change things to your benefit when you are as rich as Salman Khan. The man was drunk, drove over people and killed them. He should have gone to jail for this and for the black buck shooting case. But, Khan has been let off scot free. It’s a sad day for India.
Amey Kurtakar, Margao
