Pipeline gas infra
The government’s recent directive mandating households to shift from liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) cylinders to piped natural gas (PNG) has sparked concern in Goa. While PNG is indeed safer, cleaner and more economical, the reality is that Goa lacks the necessary infrastructure to make this transition viable. Unlike Mumbai and other metros where PNG is already available, our state has only scattered housing societies with pipes and meter boxes installed, but residents remain hesitant due to incomplete connectivity and lack of awareness. The ongoing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East have disrupted LPG supplies, highlighting the urgency of diversifying energy sources. As it is domestically produced and sourced through multiple channels, PNG offers a more reliable alternative. Reliance Infrastructure had once initiated pipeline projects here, later taken over by Adani Enterprises, but progress has been slow and fragmented. For Goa, where households still rely almost entirely on LPG cylinders, this directive risks penalising consumers without providing them with a practical alternative. The government must prioritise pipeline laying and last-mile connectivity across residential areas. A clear roadmap, coupled with public awareness campaigns, is essential to build confidence among the residents and ensure a smooth transition. Goa deserves the same access to cleaner, safer and more affordable fuels as other parts of India. Without urgent investment in infrastructure, the mandate will remain impractical and unfair to Goan households.
Assis Everette Telles, Margao
Education and
wealth creation
For the upcoming Ponda assembly by-election on April 9, there are three candidates – Geetesh Naik of Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), Ketan Prabhu Bhatikar of Congress and Ritesh Naik of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). The candidates have declared their financial assets and educational qualifications (NT March 25). Geetesh of AAP has Rs 30.16 crore (including Rs 27.23 crore of immovable properties), Rs 2.61 crore (movable assets including an SUV), owns a firm of Rs 2.5 crore and has liabilities of Rs 22 crore. He has studied till Class 12. Bhatikar, Master’s in Physiotherapy, has Rs 4.80 crore (Rs. 3.8 crore as shops and flats), Rs 1.08 crore (movable) and liability of Rs 1.29 crore. Ritesh of BJP has Rs 3.11 crore, no immovable assets, movable asset is 1.7 kg of gold (Rs 2.77 crore) and has no liabilities. He has a Bachelor’s degree in IT from Australia. The above data indicate no link between qualifications and financial assets. People want their children to study and obtain degrees, within and outside India, but when it comes to wealth creation, the picture is different. This does not suggest that education is unimportant but it should not be the only means to an end. Besides qualifications, what one needs is street smartness, risk-taking abilities, zest to do something and fire in the belly. Mark Twain rightly said, “I never let my schooling interfere with my education!” Education is not a vital criterion to become rich, and also in politics, which is a continuous learning process. Anyway, well-schooled bureaucrats frame and implement policies and laws and they are powerful than most of the politicians.
Sridhar D Iyer, Caranzalem
Fading heritage
The central garden of Margao, once the vibrant green heart of the city, is losing its charm to neglect. For generations, this space served as the primary place for the residents to find rest, while children found joy on the swings, the iconic horse statue and near the rabbit enclosures. It has always been more than just a park; it is a cultural landmark that serves as the focal point for the annual Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations and the Dindi festival, where the walkways are transformed by the intricate art of Rangoli masters from across Goa. However, the current reality is a stark contrast to these memories. The central fountain is now a dilapidated structure that no longer functions, and the lack of proper maintenance and cleanliness has turned the family-friendly environment into a refuge for vagrants and drunkards, making it increasingly unsafe for parents and children. Compounding these issues is the growing concern over the city’s infrastructure and the potential loss of this open space. While a recent social media video has sparked alarm regarding a proposed building project in the middle of the garden, residents argue that such development is entirely unfeasible for a city already gasping for air. Margao is currently grappling with a severe parking crisis that shows no signs of resolution. Despite the shifting of the old fish market to the KTC bus stand area with the promise that the vacated space behind the municipality would be converted into a parking lot, that project remains a distant dream. Introducing new construction within the garden’s boundaries will only exacerbate the city’s congestion.
Raju Ramamurthy, Margao
