EDITORIAL
The goal can be achieved through strict laws and participation of all sections of society
Goa Revolution Day was celebrated with several programmes across the state yesterday. The day holds special significance in the history of Goa’s freedom struggle. Kranti Dis, as it is called, is a commemoration of the events of June 18, 1946, when Dr Rammanohar Lohia initiated a civil disobedience movement against the Portuguese regime. In Margao, he defied the ban on public gatherings and inspired a resistance movement. Following his call, a large number of people came out against the Salazar government’s policies in several parts of the state, and many were arrested. It’s also a day to pay tribute to our freedom fighters, many of whom sacrificed their lives to liberate Goa, which happened on December 19, 1961.
At the main state-level function held at Azad Maidan, Panaji, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, while paying rich tributes to Dr Lohia and the freedom fighters, said Goa is marching ahead in all sectors. He said all those who worked for Goa’s liberation wanted it to be a developed state with a high literacy rate, proper amenities and infrastructure. Stating that successive governments over the decades have worked towards this end, he said that Goa has made significant progress with new infrastructure especially in the past six years.
Sawant took the opportunity to give a “wake-up call” to Goans to prepare themselves to achieve the goal of Viksit Goa 2037. He said that as the basic amenities have been created, Goa now needs to develop advanced infrastructure and focus on renewable energy. He also spoke of utilising the latest technology, especially AI, in various sectors. He said Goa has become a fully literate state and, as far as education facilities are concerned, the state has top educational institutions. For Goa to move ahead and achieve the dream of becoming a developed state by 2037, people’s participation is a must, he said, calling people to come together to work towards this larger goal, especially that of a ‘green and clean Goa’, by keeping aside differences of caste, creed and political affiliations.
President of the Goa, Daman and Diu Freedom Fighters Association, Rohidas Dessai, also called for efforts to keep Goa clean. Since Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the Swachh Abhiyan mission in 2014, every state has been making efforts towards cleanliness. Goa has achieved some parameters, but it should be more visible on the ground than just on paper. Earlier this month, the CM spoke of initiating steps to make Goa plastic-free.
People’s participation is definitely needed, and so too is the involvement of civic bodies and government departments. The government has built infrastructure like garbage treatment plants. However, many towns are still struggling to manage their waste. Many panchayats are in the same situation. They need government intervention to scientifically dispose of their waste. For beach cleaning, contracts have been awarded.
The state has laws in place, but there must be proper enforcement. Efficient officers must be posted to monitor progress and not just because Goa is a tourist destination. Cleanliness should also be part of school education. Children are our hope, and this value must be inculcated early in life. To achieve Mission Cleanliness, the government needs to launch special campaigns with the support of NGOs and the student community to drive home the message. Goa should also prepare a comprehensive plan with timelines to accomplish the goal. Let’s work towards Clean Goa.
