High mast needed
The Borim bridge junction along NH 4A, popularly known as Tollar, has Vasco, Ponda and Margao diversions. A while ago the road authorities broadened the road and created an additional fork at the junction. Even in broad daylight, this junction is hazard prone as vehicles, especially loaded ones, drive at high speeds and negotiate the turn to Vasco. It was expected that this junction would be illuminated as soon as the road work was complete. But it has been almost 6 to 7 months after completion and the junction is in pitch darkness at night. As if that was not enough, the approach road to the bridge and half the bridge on the Loutulim side, is always in darkness in spite of there being lamps installed here. If one is not familiar with the recent crisscrossing of roads at the Tollar junction, there could be a tragic situation. To compound the hazard, kiosks have mushroomed all around the junction putting lives and property at risk. Concerned power department authorities need to ensure that the aforementioned area is illuminated and a high mast tower is erected and installed at the junction, which is the need of the hour, before tragedy strikes.
James Monteiro, Loutulim
IS in Europe?
With tens of thousands of refugees leaving war-torn Syria and heading towards the European nations, the migrant crisis in Europe is mounting by the day. Several countries have restricted the intake of refugees. But what is more worrisome than the exodus is the possibility of hardcore IS fugitives infiltrating into the European countries along with the migrants. It is impossible to differentiate between the migrants and the members of the IS because of the sheer number of refugees who are crossing the borders of European countries by land and by sea. IS has been recruiting members by even using the internet. Young boys and girls are being brainwashed into the IS ideology.. If the members of this dreaded group manage to sneak into other countries in the guise of being migrants, the terror group will manage to spread their tentacles in other parts of the world. This could be the most dangerous fallout of the migrant crisis the European nations are facing.
Adelmo Fernandes, Vasco
Improve tourism
There have been news reports that Gujarat has recently overtaken Goa and other states to become the number one state in the country in terms of tourism development. This has been discussed on social media for a while now. If this is true then Goa must hang its head in shame. For a state that has a massive history in tourism, we should be at the forefront of tourism development and even in best practices. But when countries like Gujarat climb over us, then it says a lot about the ‘forward thinking’ that we as Goans claim to do. If you even compare the advertisements of Gujarat, Kerala and some north east states, the quality is far better than Goa’s. There they showcase the different facets of tourism. We show the world our beaches, the Old Goa churches and nightlife. Surely, there is more to Goa than this?
Cynthia Andrade, Taleigao
