This is with reference to the news report ‘Hydrant failure exposes BJP’s 7-year neglect of Mapusa: Cong.’ (TGE, Nov. 7). The five non-functional fire hydrants at the Mapusa Municipal Market are a blatant example of the negligence and apathy of not only the Mapusa Municipality but also the Goa Fire Brigade. It is customary and normal practice for joint exercises to be undertaken at regular intervals to ensure that, besides adequate water pressure and flow in the pipeline, there is also no damage to the hydrant, valve and outlet. The fact that this is not being done explains why most of the fire hydrants in Goa are non-functional. Who is accountable for this is the question. Surely, we have not learnt from past fire tragedies.
AF Nazareth, Alto Porvorim
