Clean Panaji
The first impression of any city often shapes the lasting memory of those who visit it. Unfortunately, for many entering Panaji, that impression is increasingly one of neglect rather than pride. The Mandovi bridges are cluttered with various types of litter, strewn carelessly along their stretches. Most of the litter is by the regular anglers who frequent the bridges as dusk settles in. Even beyond the bridges, the roads on either side towards the Majestic Hotel area, present a similar picture of disregard for cleanliness. This is not just an aesthetic concern. These routes serve as primary access points to some of the most important institutions in the state, including the Assembly complex and the High Court. It is deeply concerning that such prominent and frequently used corridors fail to reflect the dignity and importance of the offices they lead to. Goa is promoted as a tourist paradise and the Panaji city is known for its charm, culture and scenic beauty. However, when compared to several other cities across India that have made visible strides in maintaining clean and welcoming public spaces, Panaji and its surroundings unfortunately rank poorly in terms of environmental upkeep. A lot of garbage is also created by the casino lobby. Not too long ago, dedicated agencies were deployed to clear roadside waste and maintain cleanliness and it showed that improvement was indeed possible with the right intent and execution. A clean city contributes to tourism, public health and the overall quality of life. It is time the authorities treated this issue with the urgency it deserves. The capital city, especially one as naturally blessed as Panaji, deserves to be a benchmark for cleanliness. The question is not whether we can achieve this standard, but whether we are willing to act now.
Alwyn M D’Sa, Miramar
Porvorim roads
Due to the closure of some roads at the O’Coqueiro circle, the CHOGM road has now become an unpleasant place due to the traffic diversions. Crossing the road without the help of traffic police has also become difficult, and the traffic cops are not present at all times. To add up to the misery, the walkway has been dug up at several places and debris heaped up, while motorcyclists also keep riding on the walkway to avoid the traffic jam thereby endangering the lives of pedestrians. Secondly, even the footpaths at the O’Coqueiro junction have been dug up, making it difficult for pedestrians, who are required to walk on the road at danger to life. It is not known why the Public Works Department (PWD) has not taken action so far to repair the damaged roads and footpaths. Are the authorities waiting for monsoon when things will worsen due to the six-month extension given to the contractor for completing the corridor? This only amounts to dereliction of duty and complete disregard for public safety.
A F Nazareth, Alto Porvorim    Â
LPG shortage
Confusion on the availability of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and compressed natural gas (CNG) continues in the light of the Iran war despite our government trying to tell us that everything is normal. Everything is definitely not normal, otherwise we would not be seeing headlines in newspapers that migrant workers in Delhi are returning back to their home states because the availability of LPG cylinders is uncertain and the price is increasing, making it unaffordable for them to live in the city. Half of auto LPG stations are shut in Bengaluru and pictures of long queues are seen of autorickshaws at LPG stations waiting for reduced quota of supplies or seeing the notice – OUT OF STOCK – by the time their turn comes up for filling. Elderly people sitting on empty cylinders in front of distributor offices/godowns is also a common sight. There was also the report of an elderly man dying of a heart attack in a LPG cylinder queue. In Mysuru, many roadside dhabas/eateries have been shut because of LPG cylinder shortage. If so many ships destined for India are sailing through the Strait of Hormuz with tonnes of oil, LPG/CNG after the much-touted diplomacy of ours, then why are we witnessing a scenario of LPG shortage? Thus it is best that the government tells people about the actual situation. Our populace is mature enough to handle it. When information is shared openly, it leads to understanding and seeds of anxiety are not sown.
S Kamat, Mysuru
