Tap maritime potential
In hindsight, India is yet to fully realise its maritime potential. Every April 5 is observed as National Maritime Day to defend, shield and preserve India’s maritime zones. For a country with a long coastline of over 11,098 km, maritime development can act as an engine of growth, besides boosting the country’s economy. The “waterways trade”, or inland waterways, can supplement and ease the load on road and rail transport. As of now, seaports are important cargo carriers. No effort should be spared in linking seaports with road and rail. The need to upgrade existing ports should occupy the government’s attention. There should also be significant infrastructural changes at seaports. Ports should be able to accommodate larger ships and must be in a position to host new terminals for vessel occupancy. If seaport capacity is enhanced, necessary changes will follow.
Ganapathi Bhat, Akola
LPG woes
Last month, the waiting period to book an LPG cylinder for domestic consumption was increased from 21 to 25 days. It has been explained that the reason for such an extension is to curtail hoarding in view of an energy crisis due to the war in Iran. However, I fail to understand the logic. A domestic LPG customer can have a maximum of two cylinders, each of which is delivered after confirming the DAC number sent to the customer’s phone. No customer can procure more than two cylinders through official booking. A customer books one cylinder only to replace another. Would the Ministry please clarify how a customer can hoard cylinders if the mandatory waiting period between two bookings is reduced?
Sujit De, Kolkata
Getting rain-ready
As Goa braces for the onset of the South West monsoon, a critical civic task—pre-monsoon works—demands immediate attention. Key activities include desilting, cleaning drains and culverts, trimming trees, and clearing debris from urban and rural infrastructure. Municipal bodies and panchayats across the state often fall short of this basic responsibility. When drains are left clogged, even a moderate shower can cause waterlogging on roads, disrupting traffic, damaging property and sometimes even leading to accidents. Alarmingly, it is observed that in several areas, drain-cleaning activities are conducted only after the monsoon has begun, creating further inconvenience for citizens. April would be the ideal month to ensure all drains are cleaned, giving the system time to cope with the heavy pre-monsoon showers that May typically brings. With the showers still a few weeks away, municipal authorities and panchayat bodies have a window of opportunity to carry out this essential work efficiently. Incidentally, Vasco town is witnessing extensive road digging as new drainage pipes are being laid. Hopefully, the work will be completed before the pre-monsoon showers.
Adelmo Fernandes, Vasco
Push for harmony
Mapusa Muslim Federation deserves to be congratulated for organising a programme on the occasion of Eid Milan on Wednesday, April 1. All the speakers did justice to the topic ‘Peace and Harmony in a Plural Society’. Padma Shri Dr Zahir Kazi rightly pointed out that not only India but the whole world is going through a critical phase. There is a fear of growing communalism, intolerance and lack of trust that may destroy the social fabric of our nation. He appealed to people to stay united and not fight over petty matters. He reiterated that, talent-wise, India stands second to none and, if we channelise our energy in the proper direction, we are not far from becoming a superpower. All the speakers expressed happiness that in Goa divisive forces have been kept at bay and that the state stands as an example of tolerance in India. I once again compliment the Federation for smoothly conducting such a symposium, which sent a message of goodwill in the community.
Ravindra Fogueri, Mapusa
Managing Parkinson’s
It is time to create awareness about Parkinson’s disease and encourage early care, understanding, and support, especially for senior citizens. This day highlights the importance of recognising symptoms early and supporting those living with the condition with compassion and dignity. Parkinson’s disease is a progressive brain disorder that mainly affects movement, caused by a gradual decline in the cells responsible for coordination. Although there is no permanent cure, many people lead active and independent lives with timely treatment, regular activity, and emotional support. The disease mainly affects those above 60, and early symptoms are often mistaken for normal ageing. Early diagnosis helps manage symptoms effectively, while awareness reduces fear and promotes timely medical consultation. Initial signs include tremors in the hands, slowness in movement, muscle stiffness, poor balance, and a shuffling walk. Parkinson’s can be managed through prescribed medication, regular exercise, physiotherapy, and speech therapy. A balanced diet, adequate rest, and staying mentally and socially active also help.
CK Subramaniam, Navi Mumbai
