There are several garbage bins placed alongside the roads, probably with the intention of making it easier for citizens to dump their garbage in these bins. However, it is observed that stray cattle overturn these garbage bins, as a result of which the waste from the bins is strewn all over the place, as a result of which stray cattle and dogs go about having a feast. At some places, even pigs are seen rummaging through the garbage. This defeats the very purpose of placing bins along the roadside. Besides being unhygienic, the overturned garbage bins also present a sore sight. Hence, it would be in the fitness of things for civic bodies to replace all the present garbage bins with something that is animal tamper-proof and which do not open easily even if overturned. Such bins should have a latching system so that it can be latched once the waste is deposited.
Adelmo Fernandes, Vasco
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The language issue was settled long back after much rancour and bloodshed. A Bill was finally passed. Goa’s official language is Konkani with Marathi already given associate status for use in official, social, cultural and religious spaces. Marathi is the official language of Maharashtra and cannot be permitted to destroy Goa’s identity from the back door. Goa has since been comparatively an island of peace with all communities trying to live in harmony. The government managed to keep Muthalik out, but here is internal ferment being manufactured by a "RSS Goa Prant" who is hell bent on the narrow idea of "nationalising" Goans by destroying local culture, unity in diversity and imposing strait jacket Hindutva. Naturally, the Shiv Sena will jump onto this Marathi bandwagon. The RSS leadership is challenged, and blackmailing the BJP government as elections are due is very opportunistic. This will ultimately prove the calibre of the government in the interest of the state.
John Eric Gomes, Porvorim
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Broken divider
A couple of months ago, a portion of the road divider in front of Mandovi Hotel was demolised owing to some road repair works that were being carried out. While the road work was completed, the huge gap in the divider has still not been repaired. It has been noticed that many two-wheeler riders, including four-wheelers, tend to take advantage of this open portion to cut across onto the other side of the road instead of taking a turn at the junction in front of Mandovi Hotel, just to save a few seconds. This poses a huge danger to other vehicle users.
Govind Kamat, Panaji
