Here comes 2020. The foremost question on the mind would be: can the government usher in a much-needed change after flattering to deceive in 2017, 2018 and 2019. Much of the promises and assurances have gone empty, and people remained disillusioned. Can 2020 make a difference or will it be just a numerical change in the calendar year?
There are issues aplenty, and people continue to be at crossroads. No list of resolutions could be complete without these issues that remain crucial to every niz Goemkar.
Echoing sentiments of governor Satya Pal Malik, mining becomes the most pressing issue for Goa which is responsible for the State’s economic crisis. The Goa government needs to renew its vows on mining, albeit with all the genuineness, sincerity and a sense of purpose. Lest we forget, countless promises have failed in the past.
Tourism revival is another new year resolution that the Goa government and the tourism department can’t miss out. The tourism sector is in doldrums, and the downslide in the absence of mining could hurt the State big-time. The leadership need to think out of the box rather than finding comfort in small-time gains.
Mhadei is another issue that the government has to be firm about. The people of the State and the all-party delegation which the CM had led to Delhi are left disenchanted after Union Environment Minister Prakash Javadekar’s flip-flop. The government must rise above politics to protect the interest of the State and walk the talk, instead of giving false hopes based on instincts. There can’t be any negotiations on Mhadei.
Garbage is yet another issue that remains unresolved. Resolutions after resolutions have failed, and even foreign junkets have not yielded substantial results. The State has never shown urgency is tackling this major issue that continuously brings Goa a bad name. The dilemma over Bainguinim site continues, and the government doesn’t have a Plan B. Panaji is projected as a Smart City, but it doesn’t have a garbage plan. The foundation of Cacora garbage plant is laid recently after years of delay. Let 2020 be a year of firm resolve to clean Goa of its garbage.
While Goa takes the highway for development of its infrastructure, the political leadership must not forget the basic needs of the common man. Lest we forget, 2019 was yet another disastrous experience for sections of people who were denied their basic needs of water and electricity. While Bardez continues to grapple with its daily water needs, Panaji was left thirsting for over a week when a major supply line snapped at Curti-Khandepar. The water scene in Salcete and Mormugao too is not very stable with the porous Selaulim pipeline giving way time and again.
Last but not least the government must resolve to win back the trust of its people which is on the wane. The protests and agitations over issues are testimony of the fact that people are not in agreement with the powers that be. It’s time the government resolves to rebuild bridges of trust and new hope in 2020.
