Opt for artificial sand
The decision by the National Green Tribunal (NGT) to extend its interim ban on sand mining in Goa until August 18 has once again brought attention to the environmental challenges associated with natural sand extraction. While the ban aims to curb ecological damage, it also highlights the urgent need for sustainable alternatives to meet the state’s growing construction demands. Excessive sand mining disrupts river ecosystems, lowers groundwater levels, and accelerates soil erosion. It can also damage infrastructure such as bridges and embankments thereby increasing the risk of floods. The socio-economic impact is equally severe, as local communities often bear the brunt of environmental damage. Hence artificial sand offers a promising alternative. Produced by crushing hard stones into fine particles, artificial sand is engineered to meet construction standards and can be tailored for specific uses. It reduces dependence on riverbeds thereby preventing environmental degradation. It can be produced locally, reducing transportation costs and ensuring a steady supply. Artificial sand is available and used in Goa, acting as an essential alternative to river sand. The government needs to take proactive steps to encourage the use of artificial sand as a viable alternative.
Adelmo Fernandes, Vasco
Animals on Goa’s beaches
We are used to seeing stray cattle and dogs roam on and dirty the beaches of Goa. Hence, a man taking his bull for a bath on a hot afternoon on Baga beach is not shocking (NT, April 28, 2026). Animal lovers would love such caring people. Agreed, that Mother Earth needs to be shared by humans with all creatures, big and small. Beachgoers need to be cautious and avoid being gored by cattle, bitten by dogs or kicked by a horse, and also watch out and be safe from water scooters, paraglides and other watersports activities. Driving/riding vehicles on beaches is punishable but the authorities seem to turn a blind eye when animals have a free run of the beaches. They should take the bull by the horn and get rid of the stray dogs and impound the cattle and penalise those who bring horses and camels. If the authorities find this difficult, then an ‘animal zone’ could be demarcated on the beaches where the animals could enjoy themselves.
Sridhar D Iyer, Caranzalem
Speed Post in slow mode
I wish to draw the attention of the postal authorities in Goa that a letter despatched via Speed Post’ by the Mercantile Marine Department, Mumbai, to my address in Porvorim on April 25, was kept pending in the Porvorim post office till April 28, as the postman who was supposed to deliver the letter was on leave. Accordingly, I was asked to collect the letter from the post office on April 28. This is the sad state of affairs in the postal department in Goa where ‘Speed Post’ has lost its relevance and importance, and the receiver is put to a lot of inconvenience and delay in matters of urgency, even after making additional payment. I therefore request the authorities concerned to look into the matter urgently.
AF Nazareth, Alto Porvorim
Flawed exercise
The special intensive revision (SIR) undertaken by the Election Commission to update electoral rolls has instead exposed serious lapses, particularly in states like West Bengal. While minor errors have occurred in past elections, the current scale is troubling. News reports point to the deletion of names belonging to prominent individuals, senior citizens, and even a Kargil veteran and his wife—people who have consistently voted for decades. In some cases, entire families are listed except for the head, and even election officials have found their own names missing. A disturbing pattern suggests that many from the Muslim community have been disproportionately affected. Possible reliance on AI tools, combined with common spelling variations in Indian names, appears to have worsened inaccuracies. Similar issues have surfaced in other states such as Uttar Pradesh and Tamil Nadu, indicating a nationwide concern. The sheer volume of deletions—sometimes exceeding previous election victory margins—raises fears of electoral distortion. Although the Supreme Court has urged faster corrections, the process remains slow and bureaucratic. The commission’s perceived lack of diligence and neutrality risks undermining public trust.
S Kamat, Mysuru
Lawmakers and governance
What is it that 300 more MPs would achieve which the existing 4,131 MLAs in 28 states and three Union territories and lakhs of office-bearers in panchayats and local self-governing bodies can do? The correlation between better governance and number of representatives is not direct but inverse; even a blind dog can see it. BIMARU states with more public officials at various levels are worse off. From panchayats to local bodies to state assemblies to MPs, the fact is that we already have too much representation which does nothing of benefit to the common man. The problem with the BJP is that having absorbed corrupt people from every other party it now finds itself unable to provide them lucrative positions of power. Adding more MPs has nothing whatsoever to do with governance.
Rekha Sarin, Benaulim
