Fragile Opposition
A credible Opposition is indispensable for preserving Goa’s democratic balance, but ‘piecemeal’ alliances like the AAP-GFP ‘Goa First’ arrangement ignore history. Such opportunistic convenience-alliances divide mandates and fail to build voter trust against the ruling BJP. Opposition revival must address Congress’ credibility deficit. Candidates repeatedly defect to the ruling party, often escaping agency probes, while voters share blame by re-electing these turncoats. Furthermore, the fragmented GPCC is led by a central appointee disconnected from ground realities. In Goa’s 40-seat Assembly, elections are decided by grassroots management, party discipline, and cadre strength—where the BJP holds an overwhelming advantage. Unless the Opposition offers genuine structural reform and morally accountable leadership instead of arithmetic alliances, the ruling party will have the last laugh in 2027.
Everette Assis Telles, Margao
Porvorim’s deathtrap
This is with reference to the commissioning of the six-lane Porvorim corridor and the subsequent major road accident that claimed two lives. It is pertinent to note that two months back the traffic cell had warned the PWD of possible mishaps due to confusion at the entry-exit points of the flyover, overlapping traffic, absence of channelisers and insufficient directional signages. The traffic lights on NH-66, dismantled during the flyover’s construction, were to be reinstalled. On September 13 at the same site, a two-wheeler was hit by a car as overnight the rule was not to allow two-wheelers on the flyover, and the rider was caught unaware. Will anyone be held responsible for the oversights? Nobody bothers once crores of rupees are sanctioned and contracts are signed. Why not use AI and computer modelling to locate weak spots, dangerous turns, check structural stability and other factors that might affect the traffic and people and rectify shortcomings. Before ribbon-cutting, chief guests (usually politicians) could verify if safety measures are in place. If not, delay the opening till even the seemingly minor works are completed.
Sridhar D Iyer, Caranzalem
Fractured harmony
India’s strength lies in unity within diversity, yet religious identities are being increasingly weaponised to divide. Every state possesses its own ethos, but the Hindutva agenda seeks to homogenise this rich tapestry. In Goa, non-integrating migrants aggressively attempt to override local traditions and dominate. A stark reflection of this ‘lawlessness’ is a certain statue put up in Mormugao taluka. Despite court orders to remove it, the local MLA aided the perpetrators. The High Court rightly condemned this gross inaction as a breakdown in public order. We fought collectively for independence. Those elected must uphold equity, democracy, and constitutional law.
John Eric Gomes, Porvorim
On Goa’s ecosystems
Preserving Goa’s ecosystems requires earnest, immediate action. Balancing thriving tourism with environmental protection is critical to saving green cover and marine life. The government must replant native vegetation like Ipomoea to stabilise dunes, rigidly enforce coastal regulation zone laws to halt illegal constructions, and run daily beach cleanups alongside single-use plastic bans. Pausing infrastructure projects that fragment pristine forests is vital. Replanting native trees will reconnect wildlife habitats, while abandoned mining pits should be converted into reservoirs or re-vegetated zones. Restoring traditional Khazan ecosystems and sluice gates will prevent saltwater intrusion into agricultural land. Furthermore, capping tourist capacity, incentivising homestays, and enforcing 100 per cent waste segregation across panchayats and municipal councils are necessary to eliminate open dumping.
Rajesh Banaulikar, Arpora
Nuisance on beaches
A study by researchers at the CSIR-National Institute of Oceanography (NIO) Goa has drawn attention to cigarette butts discarded on Goan beaches and their potential impact on the coastal environment. Cigarette filters left behind on beaches can be a persistent source of pollution. Cigarette filters are generally made from cellulose acetate, a plastic-like material that does not readily biodegrade. As per the study, over time, discarded filters can leach substances such as nicotine, hydrocarbons and heavy metals into the surrounding sand and water. These pollutants may subsequently affect marine and terrestrial organisms, adding another layer of stress to already vulnerable coastal ecosystems. Smoking itself is a well-established public-health concern, and exposure to tobacco smoke can harm both smokers and people around them. Allowing smoking at beaches creates both a litter problem and an avoidable exposure to tobacco smoke. Providing ashtrays across beaches may appear to be a solution, but it is neither practical nor desirable for a natural public space. The more sustainable approach is to designate Goa’s beaches as ‘no-smoking zones’. Clear signage, public awareness campaigns and reasonable enforcement could support the transition.
Adelmo Fernandes, Vasco
