Right move
The state government’s decision to install CCTV systems in all 192 village panchayat offices is a welcome step towards greater transparency and accountability. The assurance given before the High Court of Bombay at Goa that citizens will be able to access footage when required will help strengthen public confidence in local administration. However, the initiative should extend beyond office rooms to include service counters, public halls, and common areas, while ensuring that individual privacy is protected. Recording proceedings of gram sabha meetings and other important discussions will promote openness, discourage misconduct, and provide an objective record whenever disputes arise. Equally important is the regular maintenance of these surveillance systems. Cameras must remain functional and recordings should be securely preserved for a reasonable period. Installing equipment without ensuring its continued operation would defeat the very purpose of the initiative.
Jerry Fernandes, Saligao
Water management
The persistent rainfall deficit, driven by deforestation and changing climatic conditions, poses a serious threat to Goa’s future water security. If this trend continues, groundwater aquifers, rivers, and lakes will decline, endangering people, agriculture, wildlife, and ecosystems. Urgent action is needed before the situation becomes irreversible. The government should regulate groundwater extraction by restricting new borewells and reviewing existing ones. Swimming pools without water recycling systems should not be permitted, and treated water, rather than potable water, should be used for gardening and recreational purposes. Goa must also invest in long-term solutions such as desalination plants along its coastline, drawing on proven technology used in countries like Israel. Although desalinated water may cost more, it offers a reliable alternative during prolonged droughts. Furthermore, rainwater harvesting should be made mandatory for all new residential buildings.
Paul Pereira, Utorda
Ethanol push
The introduction of ethanol-blended fuel for vehicles has generated widespread discussion among consumers. Many vehicle owners are concerned about engine compatibility, maintenance costs, and long-term performance. These doubts should be addressed through scientific facts rather than speculations. Ethanol-blended petrol is a mixture of conventional petrol with ethanol, a renewable biofuel, designed to reduce emissions and dependence on fossil fuels. The blended fuel offers several important advantages. Since ethanol is produced from renewable agricultural sources such as sugarcane and maize, it reduces dependence on imported crude oil and strengthens the nation’s energy security. It also supports farmers by creating additional demand for agricultural produce. Ethanol burns more cleanly than conventional petrol, leading to lower emissions of harmful pollutants and greenhouse gases. To ensure public confidence, government agencies, automobile manufacturers, and fuel dealers must provide transparent and accurate information about ethanol-blended fuel.
Adelmo Fernandes, Vasco
Wayanad tragedy
A landslide occurred near Meenakshi bridge at Kaladi where a road tunnel is being built to connect Kozhikode and Wayanad districts in Keralam. At this multi-crore project site, a rain-soaked mound of excavated earth collapsed, killing six people and injuring others; some people are missing. These people were engineers and security staff else it could have been a major tragedy had there being labourers who were absent as the work had been halted. Two state ministers were quick to state that it was a manmade landslide, and this is borne out by a video clip which showed the mound to suddenly cave in. In 2024, near this accident site, a devastating landslide claimed the lives of several people. Several reasons were assigned for that disaster such as illegal constructions, slope failure, torrential rains, deforestation etc.
Sridhar D Iyer, Caranzalem
Selective silence
The media widely highlighted Prime Minister Narendra Modi receiving Indonesia’s highest civilian honour, the Bintang Adipurna, from President Prabowo Subianto. However, far less attention was given to the Indonesian President’s acknowledgement that India’s first prime minister Jawaharlal Nehru had earlier received the same honour for his role in fostering the Non-Aligned Movement and strengthening India-Indonesia ties. While addressing the Indonesian Parliament, Prime Minister Modi also praised Nehru’s contribution to post-colonial relations, recalled the leadership of Nehru and president Sukarno at the 1955 Bandung Conference, and acknowledged the role of Biju Patnaik in Indonesia’s struggle for independence. These remarks deserved equal prominence. When the media selectively emphasises some aspects of an event while overlooking others, it raises questions about editorial balance and fairness.
Bidyut K Chatterjee, Faridabad
