Push for green buildings
The Town and Country Planning (TCP) Department has recently decided to promote green buildings which would be environmentally-friendly and pro-citizen oriented (NT, June 5, 2026). The department has taken several decisions in pursuance of the initiative. The TCP Minister informed that points for green buildings would be streamlined so that specific concessions could be provided. The TCP Department should insist on the installation of lightning conductors to protect buildings and houses. The measures would help conserve resources, make judicious uses of nature’s gift, protect the environment and safeguard the flat owners. Encouraging the construction of green buildings is the need of the hour. But the department has not mentioned from when the new points system would be implemented and if the architects and builders have been taken into confidence, else they would deny any knowledge of the new process and rules and continue with the old procedures.
Sridhar D Iyer, Caranzalem
Shun the gun
The recent incident at Shirgao, where gunshots were fired and two alleged accused were arrested, has once again brought the issue of firearms in Goa into focus. There have been a series of incidents involving firearms that have surfaced across the state in recent years. While Goa has traditionally been regarded as one of India’s most peaceful states in the country, 2025 has witnessed several reports of gunshots being fired in different parts of the state. One of the key questions is whether the weapons involved in such cases are licensed firearms. Licensed weapons are generally intended for self-defence, sporting activities, or specific occupational needs. However, if licensed firearms are being misused, it raises serious questions about monitoring, and compliance with licensing conditions. Unlicensed weapons often find their way into criminal activities because they bypass regulatory checks. The presence of such firearms poses a significant challenge to law enforcement agencies. The mere presence of guns can escalate ordinary disputes into deadly confrontations. The question that arises is whether Goa is witnessing the early signs of an emerging gun culture?
Adelmo Fernandes, Vasco
Water woes in Colvale
With reference to the news report ‘Water shortage hits 40 houses in Colvale, relief expected in 4 days’ (NT, June 9, 2026), I would like to comment as follows: A separate Department of Drinking Water was carved out of the parent body Public Works Department in the hope that Goa’s longstanding drinking water problems would be studied and solved. Unfortunately, the situation today is no better than what it was earlier, if not worse. If the houses in Colvale are situated at a higher altitude then why were no arrangements made to augment the water supply with the use of booster pumps. This is the standard practice in all major water distribution systems in the country for areas located at a higher altitude. It is a pity that Goa still lags far behind these basics even after spending crores of rupees on consultancy services.
AF Nazareth, Alto Porvorim
Food hazards
The recent FDA inspections near Mapusa’s Alankar theatre, which led to the suspension of five food stalls, are commendable. For years, these fast-food operators have casually played with the health of Goans by completely ignoring food safety regulations. It is common to see cooks preparing food in a shockingly unhygienic manner. They routinely use dirty rainwater stored in open plastic drums. Furthermore, items like half-boiled rice, noodles, chicken lollipops, and chicken tandoori are left fully exposed to flies and flying dust in huge metal containers right along the narrow road. The FDA has finally taken serious action against these stalls for failing to comply with basic hygiene standards. Public health must always come before profit, and I hope these strict inspections continue across Goa to ensure compliance.
Jerry Fernandes, Saligao
Testing times
The future of India lies in its youth, yet recent fiascos in the NEET and CBSE exams have dashed their hopes and exposed a deep criminal nexus in the education business. Shockingly, there is absolutely no accountability, with the Union Education Minister refusing to accept responsibility. In response, an online movement called Cockroach Janta Party was started by Abhijeet Dipke after unemployed youth were disparagingly referred to as cockroaches. A massive, peaceful meeting in New Delhi, supported by environmentalist Sonam Wangchuk, demanded the Education Minister’s resignation and called for an end to communal politics. This protest has proved that the youth and secular citizens are proactively watching. Our Prime Minister proudly preaches about democracy and unity in diversity worldwide; now is the right time for much-needed course correction at home.
John Eric Gomes, Porvorim
