Goa is celebrating the 63rd anniversary of its liberation from Portuguese rule, but today, the State faces numerous challenges that demand serious reflection. This is a day to pledge to restore Goa’s reputation as the “Rome of the Orient”. Land grabbing has become a significant issue and needs thorough investigation and corrective action. The law-and-order situation is concerning, with crimes becoming common, in stark contrast to the Portuguese era when even minor law-breaking was rare. The “money-for-jobs” scam highlights the lack of recognition for merit in governance.
Road accidents have surged, with daily mishaps now a regular occurrence. The condition of roads has worsened, with pothole-riddled streets becoming the norm. Water in our rivers, lakes, streams, and ponds is increasingly polluted, and the air quality often fails to meet the required standards, with dust pollution affecting cities, towns, and even villages.
Monsoon flooding has become an annual problem, with no effective solutions in sight. Recently, a share market scam of approximately Rs 100 crores has further tarnished Goa’s once-clean image. It is time for soul-searching and determined efforts to address these issues and liberate Goa from the problems that have taken root.
