Letters to the Editor

There is a fear that many more rowdies will jump into the political bandwagon to gain immunity from the law. Rowdy elements seem to think that after becoming political figures, they would have enough influence to escape arrest.

Recently, some of the rowdies were found with the leaders of the ruling party on a public platform in Bangalore, is very unfortunate. The attempt to induct rowdy sheeters into the party expressively gives message that it has more interest in grabbing the power inducting people irrespective of their criminal antecedents rather than developing a nationalistic approach and sticking to its ideology.

If it goes on like this, even wanted criminals may join the party to redeem themselves. Gangsters joining politics or getting elected is not a new thing in Karnataka politics. They have been a permanent fixture since 1980s.

Many gangsters had political ambitions and unsuccessfully tried their luck in the electoral arena in the past.  It is a huge menace and all parties are guilty of indulging in it. The political parties should follow law in spirit as well and set high standards by keeping criminals at bay.

KG Vilop, Chorao

A number of fatal accidents have occurred at the Navelim church junction, with students from schools and college, parents and church goers having to negotiate the crossing dangerously. The much needed relief of traffic signals has been a far cry. The well conceived under pass, a real lasting and safe solution, is in doldrums.   

The panchayat with the help of the schools should undertake maintenance, cleanliness safety and operation of the passage on a daily basis. It is reasonable and just to expect the compulsory operation of the underpass. The traffic police at particular hours is helpful. Rumblers could also add to slowing down of the heavy traffic. Waiting for the road diversion to ease the traffic is not the solution to prevent regular accidents at the site.   

Nelson Lopes, Chinchinim   

The Goa government has to be congratulated for notifying a policy on Rainwater Harvesting (Amendment) 2022 for water management techniques, collection of rainwater and recharging of groundwater. This was a much-needed step as most of the blessed rainwater literally goes down the drains and flows into the rivers. Moreover the citizens take water for granted and indiscriminately waste it.

The Policy makes it mandatory to undertake RHW in residences (including apartments), commercial complexes and industrial units that are built on plots of 2,000 sq mts, 1,500 sq mts and 10,000 sq mts and above, respectively; and government owned buildings, schools and colleges. The Policy offers different subsidies (not freebies!) for each of the above.

There should be clarification if the Policy is to be implemented in existing structures. But due to lack of space or hurdles such as septic tanks, soak pits, drainage pipes etc., it might be unfeasible to undertake RWH. The Policy should make it necessary for architects and builders to depict details of the RWH in new structures that would be submitted for permission to the Town and Country Planning Department. Also, prior to issuing the NOC for occupancy the RHW units should be inspected if they adhere to the cleared specifications.

Sridhar D’Iyer, Caranzalem

Senegal nudged out the more fancied Ecuador in Group A to set up an interesting contest with England in the last 16 match. The African side will have the opportunity to get the better of England, who have remained unbeaten in Group B with two wins and a draw. Although most would fancy an England win, Senegal could spring a surprise and this match is set to go down to the wire. Senegal with two wins have given a good account of themselves so far.

Morocco topped Group F with two wins and a draw and became the second African country to make it to the knock out stage, for first time in 36 years. Morocco in the build up to the World Cup have beaten world’s number two ranked Belgium 2-0 to make them a force to contend with.

Although Tunisia did not qualify, they had the distinction of beating tournament favorites France 1-0 to be worthy of qualifying for the World Cup. Cameroon can become the third African country to qualify and thus prove that African teams are no pushovers although they have to get past Brazil to qualify, making Africa contribute 19% representation in the knock out stages.

Elvidio Miranda via email

Chief Minister Pramod Sawant on 21st October had publicly made a very tall solemn promise that the PWD, RTO and the Traffic Police would within 15 days prepare a plan to curtail road accidents. It is now over a month and yet no sign of how the authorities plan to deal with the rising number of accidents.

Was that assurance by the Chief Minister just like the rest, one never to be honoured? The Chief Minister would be well advised that instead of making meaningless promises everyday, to please restrict himself to one assurance a month that he can comply with.

Goa desperately needs proper traffic management as the now regular traffic jams in the cities across the State is a matter of concern and nerve wrecking. Will the situation improve only when the Governor, Chief Minister and his Ministers find themselves trapped in a traffic jam?

Aires Rodrigues, Ribandar