Is there merit in the arguments raised by the Cansaulim Village Action Committee and the Arossim Cuelim Civic Consumer Forum against helicopter joy rides? The joy rides are being conducted from within the property of a five-star hotel which has the right to come on aboard as a business partner provided all permissions are obtained. The only permission not obtained is from the village panchayat and it is not clear if such permission is required. Opposition to any project cannot be based on the whim and fancy of a group of people, it has to be grounded in law. An open mind on the issue is required because, more often than not, people make up their minds very early in the game and then find it difficult or impossible to change when they discover that they were misled. If sound and dust pollution are issues then the matter ought to be taken up with the Goa State Pollution Control Board, which is the right authority to study such matters. However, once it gives its verdict, it must be binding on all. Since sound and dust pollution can be quantified and measured a scientific solution seems more appropriate in this case.
