Health concerns
The Zika virus may right now be concentrated in Latin America but there is a very big chance that it will soon move to Asian shores. India can face serious danger too. We live in a third world continent where hygiene and other necessities to battle these viruses are ignored. But apart from the current generation getting infected, there is a chance that women who are pregnant or thinking of having a baby might face a worse danger, that of their children being born with microcephaly and other issues. An entire generation of affected children might face a tough life. It’s not just mothers that have to be concerned, as there is evidence, however minimal, that this disease might eventually be sexually transmitted. If this does end up happening then the Zika pandemic is far more serious that we think. Perhaps governments and health departments need to put their heads together and work towards cleaning up the surroundings. They owe the people this much.
Inisia Mendonca, Fatorda
Quick U-turn
Finally the BJP comes up with the statement that their government did not consult the people on heli-tourism, as said by Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Francisco D'Sousa. It is a shame that they take decisions on their own, not only on heli-tourism, but many others schemes or projects without consulting the people. I do not know when they will learn, although they were elected by the people but they should consult the people whether it is a good project or bad project. This was proved during the agitation in Calangute on heli-tourism by the people of various villages and their BJP MLA Michael Lobo along with ex-MLA of Congress Agnelo Fernandes have shared the dais, along with Calangute panchayat body members by giving them support.
Stephen Dias, Dona Paula
Who decides?
I do not get the contention that all government projects must be put to a peoples’ vote before implementing them. The very reason for a government is for the people’s representatives to govern and implement projects, build infrastructure and take on other responsibilities. The people are polarised on various issues. If one has to ask them to vote on every project by the government then it’s very possible that no projects will get completed or see the light of day. Every project will have its supporters and those who oppose it. Having said that, the helicopter tourism project was such that the government should have perhaps done a few studies and tests before fixing take-off and landing locations. Feasibility studies are done for various corporate and other private projects, did the government do something similar here? As part of the tourism industry, I am sad that this project was cancelled, but at the same time, there is a good argument on the part of the protestors. The government did not do its due diligence and therefore had to make a hasty reversal of their decision to use the Aguada plateau. In the future, perhaps they will be more careful.
Sanjay Naik, Mapusa
