Who can deny that every time we take a holiday/visit our country houses we feel invigorated and exhilarated by the sheer salubrious climate and environment which is a place we many a times call heaven on earth. The lush green countryside is a source of clean air that supports healthy living, unlike the polluted industrial areas, cities and towns. The countryside has the right proportion of nitrogen, oxygen and moisture unlike the cities and towns that are polluted with carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, sulfur dioxide and particulate matter that chokes the lungs and leads to respiratory ailments. Our mist and fog has now turned to smog. All activities which involve the use of energy such as industrial units, vehicular transportation, as well as construction of concrete structures involve the use of power which in turn means that the carbon footprint is increasing drastically.
Goa, which is known as a tourist paradise gained fame and prominence because of its greenery, idyllic coast, and tropical climate. The Goa of today is very different from the yesteryears when our rivers, lakes, ponds, springs had crystal clear water free from pollutants. Water from the many springs in Goa had medicinal properties that cured and sustained healthy living. During Portuguese times, there were just a handful of cars and caminhoes (passenger carriers) which despite being fitted with not so fuel efficient internal combustion engines did very minutely contribute to pollution. Now the number of vehicles has reached alarming proportions. Add to this the coal dust pollution at Vasco and pollution in the mining belt, Goa is fast becoming a not so attractive tourist destination. If we do not curb pollution, felling of trees, cutting hills, razing forests, abandoning our farm land, a day will come when tourists are no longer attracted to Goa. While industrialization has given us several comforts, the price we are paying will not be recoverable. Maintaining our rustic abode will lead us to living healthier lives.
Elvidio Miranda, via email
