Mobile towers
Whenever a mobile company tries to put up a cell-phone tower in the vicinity of residential areas in the state, it is invariably met with stiff resistance from the locals. Many a times the mobile companies have to do away with the plans of putting up the mobile phone tower due to the objections raised by the people living in the vicinity of the proposed site. Mobile phone towers are a necessary evil. In order to get better mobile connectivity it is essential that the towers are set up. The Indian government has banned mobile phone towers in school and hospital premises and has directed cellular firms to take permission from resident welfare associations before setting up base stations in residential areas, in an effort to limit harmful effects of electromagnetic radiation exposure. However it is pertinent to note that people are exposed to various levels of radiation even without the cell phone tower in the vicinity. The Wi Fi system in the house, the television set, the desk-top and the lap-top and even the omnipresent mobile telephones all emit various levels of radiations. The Goa government needs to come up with clear guidelines for cellular companies on how and where these cell phone towers should be put up keeping in mind the well-being of the citizens.
Adelmo Fernandes, Vasco
Start a library
The village of Adpai in Ponda has been awaiting progress in various fields. One urgent necessity at this location is provision of a library where the local youths and aged people can go through the local newspapers, books and magazines during their spare time, thereby acquiring knowledge. In fact, the need for a library here has been highlighted but till date no positive action has been initiated by the concerned authorities to make this suggestion a reality. It would therefore be appropriate for the local village panchayat to consider this matter on top priority and introduce a library without any further delay. It would be advantageous for the locals to make the best use of their much precious time by going through newspapers and books which enable them to grasp valuable information on various subjects. Even school and college students will be able to get acquainted with latest happenings in different parts of Goa and also abroad.
Pravin U Sardessai, Adpai
Passport woes
The UKIP movement in the United Kingdom might just mean that after the country is allowed to vote on the issue of staying or moving away from the European Union, the life for many Goans in England will change. Those who have gotten permanent residence or possibly have been there for more than five years should be fine but many will either have to come back to India, or move to Portugal or other parts of the EU. The UKIP movement will certainly be supported by most UK residents since the countries haven’t received too many advantages after joining up with the EU. They have a migration problem now, with not just Goans but migrants moving in from other Eastern European countries. Perhaps it’s time for new ‘residents’ of the UK, those with Portuguese passports, to consider their options.
Bhushan Kamat, Panaji
