Contamination of water
Residents of Dabolim living in a housing society are facing serious health issues due to contaminated water. The colony, which has around 328 flats and 800 residents, reported a health crisis on March 12, 2026, with 156 people suffering from vomiting and diarrhea. Two members were also diagnosed with typhoid on Saturday. Complaints were filed with the Pollution Control Board, PHS, builders, and the Panchayat. Water samples were collected and tested, revealing contamination caused by a mix of STP plant water and borewell water, which led to the health problems. Fortunately, the situation is now under control, and all affected residents have received treatment and recovered. The issue stems from the building having a swimming pool that uses both borewell and STP water, which should be tested every six months. The government should implement measures to monitor water quality in all building complexes with over 100 flats. Once a building is complete and occupancy is granted, a society is formed, and builders often claim no responsibility for future issues. While the society is responsible for maintenance, builders should also take initiative in assisting residents with major problems. This incident serves as a wake-up call for all housing societies to take precautions by regularly testing water quality to ensure the water is safe and hygienic. Additionally, buildings older than 10 to 15 years should undergo structural audits to assess their condition and take necessary actions.
Raju Ramamurthy, Vasco
Counterfeit currency
Porvorim police on Friday reportedly registered an FIR against a native of Bijapur, Karnataka for allegedly depositing counterfeit currency notes through a cash deposit machine at a private sector bank in Porvorim. Of late the circulation of counterfeit currency notes has emerged as a troubling issue in Goa, leaving many residents anxious and uncertain. Incidents of fake notes being unknowingly accepted in everyday transactions have raised serious concerns, as unsuspecting citizens often bear the consequences. From small vendors to salaried individuals, no section of society is immune to the risks posed by counterfeit money. One of the most alarming aspects of this problem is the difficulty in identifying fake notes at a glance. Many counterfeit notes are designed with increasing sophistication, making it harder for the average person to distinguish them from genuine currency. Identifying the origin and distribution channels is crucial to dismantling the operation. In the meantime, awareness and vigilance among citizens remain the first line of defense. People should make it a habit to carefully examine currency notes during transactions, especially high denomination ones. Some basic precautions include checking the watermark, looking for the security thread, examining the print quality and feeling the texture of the note. These security features of the genuine notes need to be made known to the general public. Ultimately, tackling the counterfeit currency problem requires a coordinated effort between authorities and the public. While law enforcement must intensify investigations and crack down on the networks involved, citizens must remain alert and informed. Only through collective vigilance can Goa safeguard its economy and restore confidence in everyday transactions.
Adelmo Fernandes, Vasco
Rupee crisis looms
The decline of the Indian rupee against the US dollar is a serious warning that could trigger a widespread rise in prices across the economy, and the currency weakness along with rising industrial fuel costs will directly burden household budgets. The rupee’s depreciation, combined with increasing energy costs linked to the West Asia conflict, indicates further inflationary pressure that could impact production, transport and daily consumption. The rupee weakening against the dollar and moving towards 100 or more, along with a sharp increase in industrial fuel prices these are not just figures; they are clear signs of inflation to come in the coming days. The weaker currency makes imports more expensive, which in turn increases input costs for businesses and eventually pushes up prices of essential goods. The micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) are likely to be among the most affected as higher fuel and logistics costs reduce margins. Production and transport will become more costly; MSMEs will be affected the most; prices of everyday items will increase; and FII money will move out even faster, putting more pressure on the stock market. People criticised the government’s handling of the economic situation arising from geopolitical tensions in West Asia, which have impacted global energy markets and, in turn, India’s import bill. With this the Indian rupee and the economy are moving towards a disastrous situation. The decline of the Indian rupee against the US dollar is a serious warning that could trigger a widespread rise in prices across the economy, and the currency weakness along with rising industrial fuel costs will directly burden household budgets.
Bhagwan Thadani, Mumbai
