Mrs Fadnavis shuns traffic pilot
Hats off to Mrs Amruta Fadnavis, wife of Devendra Fadnavis, Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra, for shunning traffic pilot that would have ensured hassle-free and smooth rides for her in Mumbai.
The increase and decrease in security cover provided to several politicians is based on threat perception and is vetted by the State Intelligence Department. When Mrs Fadnavis was informed of the decision she tweeted that she wished to live like a common citizen of Mumbai and requested not to provide the pilot clearance. Wish there are more people like her who will shun such services provided free by the government, even if they have no threats.
Sridhar D’Iyer, Caranzalem
Protectionism and a biding by WTO
Turbulent times await the world if protectionism continues to rule the roost and abiding by WTO norms are side-lined. Although all countries are facing tough times due to the current geo-political scenario, still it would be prudent for all countries to stop the practice of promoting its own industrial products and services at the expense of curbing competition by levying high import duties and subsidizing goods which might be cheaper to import.
Fair competition should be the norm and relaxation of protectionism will definitely bring about a measure of comfort and thus less tension between countries as well as a more conducive atmosphere for business worldwide.If goods and services of equivalent quality is cheaper if imported, fair import duty should be imposed. However, definite proof of better quality thus justifying a higher price should be considered as a reason good enough to stimulate the trade in merit based technologically higher grade of quality goods and services. If the WTO tenets are followed, the world could still weather these difficult times and emerge stronger from the bitter experiences of the pandemic and geo-political tensions. Any way in these times of high inflation, cheaper goods and services should be considered as a positive sign. Rules based trade should be followed by all countries without discrimination.
Elvidio Miranda via email
Noise pollution at indoor stadium in Bambolim
There is a need to enforce the noise pollution regulations on events that are being held at the Shyamprasad Mukherjee Indoor Stadium at Bambolim. Over the last week for three days in a row there was loud music being played at the stadium almost throughout the day.
The disturbing music could be heard from our Rego Bagh colony which is approx. 1 km from the stadium as the crow flies. The same nuisance would have been felt by Goa University which is next to it. One would believe that academic activities would be affected by such loud music. Thus, it’s necessary to inform the organisers of events at the stadium that any music played should not escape the premises of the complex.
S Kamat, Santa Cruz
CRZ illegalities at Colva
The High Court in response to a case filed by the Colva Civic and Consumer Forum ordered the razing of illegal extensions of structures and kiosks at Colva via a CRZ order. Whilst, I thank the NGO concerned in this hugely painstaking effort, I want to know if Goa is such a lawless state where the Goa government and the GCZMA can’t police these things with the laws at their disposal? Why do citizens or NGOs need to go to the courts every time and use their personal resources and funds?
The GCZMA constituted by the Ministry of Environment and Forests is supposed to be the body which protects the environment and the coast but instead they are in collusion with destructive elements that are actually destroying the coast. I think it is better that the GCZMA be disbanded as its efforts aren’t very effective.
The Vigilance department of the Goa government needs to look at these clear examples of gross violations allowed by the GCZMA. Can I request the State Environment Minister to launch a high-level probeinto the operations of the GCZMA? Surely there are enough facts to help with the same.
Arwin Mesquita, Colva
Fire could turn Sonsoddo dump into an inferno
In the past, several fire incidents have been reported at the Sonsoddo garbage dump. The personnel of the fire department were kept on their toes as they had to respond urgently to several distress calls due to fire breaking out at the site. Till now the fire-fighters have been able to control the fires.
However, there is every possibility of a fire incident at the dump going out of control and turning the waste site into an inferno thereby causing widespread damage. With the South West monsoon having receded, the rise in the temperature is leading to loss of moisture in the dump and an increase of methane gas being released. A small spark will be sufficient to start a major fire. One often sees smoke billowing from the waste at various points. The government needs to find a lasting solution to the Sonsoddo garbage dump issue. Temporary measures to stop fire incidents, by covering the waste with a few inches of mud so as to cut out any oxygen supply to the waste, will not suffice.
Adelmo Fernandes, Vasco
