Public eyes needed against rising crime
To strengthen the police and law enforcement authorities in curbing crime, it is essential for sharp and perceptive men and women to act as vigilantes in protecting the State from various criminal activities such as the exploitation of women and children, offences against women and children, and the growing menace of illegal drug operations that are tarnishing the State’s reputation, with several banned substances being freely available. It is equally important to dismantle networks of drug traffickers, bring to justice those involved in fraudulent documentation for the illegal transfer and sale of land, often involving forgery, and curb the alarming rise in accidents across the State, particularly hit-and-run cases. Vigilantes can also play a vital role in reporting corruption in high places, bribery in the allocation of government jobs, and incidents involving the discharge of effluents into our rivers, which are rapidly becoming polluted. Unless we have honest men and women of integrity willing to go to any extent to become the eyes and ears of society and help eradicate crime, it will be extremely difficult for the State to manage and contain such illegal activities. From top to bottom, vigilantes are needed at every level to prevent criminal acts from spreading throughout the State. The police and law enforcement authorities would become far more effective if vigilantes voluntarily reported criminal activities for the necessary action to be taken.
Elvidio Miranda, Panaji
Negligence turns fatal
The tragic death of veteran dermatologist Dr. Marcia D’Souza in an elevator mishap at a residential complex in Colva has sent shockwaves across Goa and raised disturbing questions about the safety of elevators used daily by thousands of citizens. Preliminary reports suggest that the lift gate could be opened even though the elevator cabin had not reached the floor level. When she stepped in, the elevator reportedly descended, trapping her in the shaft area and causing fatal injuries. Under normal circumstances, the landing door should never open unless the elevator cabin is properly aligned with the floor. This incident is a warning about the hidden dangers that may exist in many residential and commercial buildings where elevators are poorly maintained, outdated, or operating without adequate safety mechanisms. This is all the more true in government buildings in the state. The larger question is who should be held responsible for such a mishap. The building owner or housing society has a legal and moral obligation to ensure that elevators installed on the premises are regularly inspected, certified, and maintained in safe working condition. At the same time, the elevator company responsible for installation and maintenance cannot escape scrutiny. Despite the growing number of high-rise buildings, ageing elevators continue to operate long after their safe lifespan. All elevators should mandatorily have a back-up power supply. The death of Dr. Marcia D’Souza should become a turning point that compels authorities, builders, housing societies, and elevator companies to place human life above cost-cutting and complacency. Only then can citizens step into elevators with the confidence that they are truly safe.
Adelmo Fernandes, Vasco
Superpower summit
As US President Donald Trump wound up his China visit after two days of hectic talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping, the world’s two biggest powers appeared to have come to a temporary truce. However, the real question is – did the US gain tangible benefits from the summit? On the positive side, the meeting helped reopen diplomatic channels at a time of rising geopolitical tensions. Discussions on trade, technology, and global crises, including the conflict involving Iran, signalled an attempt by both powers to prevent further deterioration in bilateral ties. The possibility of Chinese purchases of American agricultural goods and aircraft also offered potential economic relief for certain US sectors. Nonetheless, the summit concluded without any apparent breakthroughs in the long list of differences, from trade to Taiwan, that have strained relations.
Gregory Fernandes, Mumbai
Fuel saving stunts
With the Prime Minister’s call to conserve fuel in the wake of the Iran war, BJP-led politicians are attempting to outdo one another in demonstrating their efforts in this regard. Maharashtra Chief Minister Fadnavis appears to be taking the lead, having travelled to office on a motorcycle the other day and also banning ministers from undertaking flights. The latter initiative seems misplaced because, without being permitted to fly, ministers will travel by road in motorcades comprising numerous vehicles, thereby consuming far more fuel than a flight would. At least on an aircraft, the cost is shared among a larger number of passengers, thereby reducing the overall burden. As for travelling by motorcycle, it is the security convoy accompanying the Chief Minister that ought to be reduced in order to conserve fuel.
S Kamat, Mysore
