Rain pattern
I wish to draw the attention of the concerned authorities to the issue of the unexpected rainfall witnessed during this month. June is generally known as the beginning of the monsoon season in many parts of India. However, this year, several regions have experienced unpredicted and irregular rainfall patterns. Such sudden weather changes are believed to be caused by climate change, global warming, rising sea temperatures and disturbances in atmospheric circulation. Human activities such as deforestation, excessive urbanisation and environmental pollution have further contributed to these climatic irregularities. If adequate rainfall is not received at the proper time, it can lead to drought-like conditions, water shortages, reduced agricultural production and a decline in groundwater levels. Such situations may adversely affect food security and the economy. Therefore, it is essential for the government and the environmental agencies to strengthen weather forecasting systems, promote sustainable environmental practices and raise public awareness about climate change.
Evaristo Fernandes, Merces
On Kala Academy
Kala Academy, Goa’s premier art institution, is facing another closure of the building from August for major defect rectification. The building was earlier shut for around two years for major renovation work and scheduled to reopen in 2022. After significant construction delays, the building was later reopened by the Chief Minister in November 2023 just in time for the International Film Festival of India (IFFI). Since then the outdoor open-air auditorium roof has fallen, there have been many flaws and some artistes are not happy performing there. I attended one of the shows, walked around and was shocked at the expected renewed facilities – the auditoriums, sound system, toilets, etc – in a renovated building, with the works reportedly costing Rs 75 crore. This matter had featured in the state legislative assembly following a controversy over award of the contract for renovation. An official government investigation committee was reportedly formed but it went nowhere. Many professional advisories, even from the Charles Correa Foundation, were ignored. Consultant IIT-Madras has now spelled out structural and other flaws. The Kala Academy issue needs investigation by an independent agency with court supervision if justice is to be served. What is frightening is how the Executive can get away with the misuse of public funds.
John Eric Gomes, Porvorim
Abuse of elderly
Globally, there is an upward trend in the population of men and women in the age bracket of 60 to 80 years. ‘Age is a number; an active life must always be kept’ is a perfect adage alright. But what is happening on the ground defies the oft-quoted saying. Elderly abuse can take various shapes – physical, psychological, financial and sexual. Ill-treatment need not be confined to physical and mental torture, it can assume different dimensions like neglect and exploitation. Financially dependent elderly and health-deprived weak adults are prone to be mishandled by their own children, relatives, friends or guardians. ‘Elderly abuse’ is an underrated and underreported form of crime. June 15 was World Elder Abuse Awareness Day. International Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse (INPEA) started on the day in 2006. This was endorsed by the United Nations General Assembly in 2011.
Ganapathi Bhat, Akola
Better healthcare
Goa is a state where some rural areas are still developing. Health centres provide good treatment, and the way the staff cares for the patients is appreciable. The doctors are well qualified and they treat everyone with respect, while also taking good care of their patients. However, one major problem arises during emergencies. Patients often need to be shifted from the primary health centres to either the South Goa District Hospital or the Goa Medical College and Hospital (GMC), which are located far from many health centres across the state. During the transfer of patients from one place to another, many lives are lost before they reach these major hospitals. Not everyone can afford expensive private hospitals either. The main reason for this issue is that the primary health centres can provide only basic treatment, as they lack the equipment required to save critically-ill patients. If we look at the situation at the South District Hospital, most of the beds are often occupied due to which some patients are forced to wait in wheelchairs. Moreover, the situation at the GMC is even more challenging because it alone handles most of the critical cases from across the state. As a result, there is immense pressure on the doctors and the medical staff. In my opinion, health is of utmost importance. Therefore, healthcare facilities should be improved throughout the state by providing better equipment, increasing the number of beds and strengthening the regional health centres. These improvements will help save lives of many Goans and ensure better healthcare for all.
Princy Carol Gonsalves, Quepem
