Reclaiming footpaths
On June 4, 1997 the High Court of Bombay at Goa had delivered a verdict to a writ petition that stated no permanent structures is to be permitted on public streets (including footpaths) by municipalities. The ruling was dispensed by Justice (Retd) Ferdino Rebello who directed that the footpaths be cleared for pedestrians’ use (NT, June 21, 2026). It is a moment to rejoice that after nearly 30 years the Supreme Court came to a similar conclusion and declared that footpaths/pavements are a fundamental right for citizens to walk (NT, June 20, 2026). This is how the precious time of the courts are wasted resulting in a huge backlog of cases. In the last three decades violators made immense inroads onto the foothpaths in every state, while the authorities looked the other way. Time has come for the pedestrians to say enough is enough and reclaim their right to use the foothpaths for what they are meant – walking safely and without hurdles on the way.
Sridhar D Iyer, Caranzalem
Pedestrians’ right
Recently, the Supreme Court of India has ruled that freedom to walk on demarcated and well-maintained footpaths is a fundamental right and should take priority over motorised vehicles. SC’s observations came in the course of a case hearing related to the death of a five-year-old boy on way to his school, with his father, who was crushed by a speeding truck. Nearly 25 per cent of road fatalities in the country are pedestrian related. Speeding vehicles massively contribute to pedestrian accidents. The top court bench dwelt at length on the pleasures and pains of walking, the latter solely due to drivers who tend to care two hoots about the pedestrians. Faulty design of footpaths can easily be deciphered even by a common man with no technical knowhow. When footpaths are conspicuous by their absence, people tend to walk dangerously on the road. Additionally, encroachment by vendors and beggars, and non-functional street lights act as obstacles for smooth pedestrian movement.
Ganapathi Bhat, Akola
Saligao at crossroads
On Saturday, June 20, Saligao residents protested outside the village panchayat office, demanding action against a proposed multi-storey residential project in Nigvaddo. They rightly allege it violates planning regulations. Unfortunately, several mega projects are quietly invading Saligao’s quiet neighbourhoods, backed by certain panch members. When questioned, these members feign helplessness, claiming the Town and Country Planning (TCP) Department approved everything. These lame excuses hide a darker reality. It appears certain long-serving panch members remain in power primarily to ingratiate outside builders, enriching themselves at the expense of our village. They display utter disregard for local grievances. Why else do the same faces continuously contest from different wards? Saligaokars must unite to vote out these long-standing members who treat our village as a cash cow. It is time to send them packing and save Saligao from land sharks.
Jerry Fernandes, Saligao
End NEET chaos
Year after year, the NEET examination faces total chaos. Issues range from question paper leaks to candidates being shunted out of their own states due to poor exam centre allocation. While the government has deployed drones, CCTV surveillance, and transport services, severe logistical hurdles remain. Many candidates still arrive late due to transport delays. Ironically, political parties hold rallies near exam centres on test days, blocking traffic while leaders shed crocodile tears. To resolve this, the Education Ministry must collaborate with state governments to establish more local centres. Every aspirant should be accommodated within their own state, preferably at the venue closest to their residence. Simultaneously, aspirants must strictly follow hall ticket guidelines and ensure no banned items are carried. If there is a will, there is a way to make this national exam stress-free.
N Mahadevan, Chennai
Misplaced priorities
Majority in Parliament and rising GDP mean little when people’s income, humanity, and democracy are sidelined. Material progress treats our people, flora, and fauna as expendable. Even elections lose meaning without a level playing field. We face looming water crises from the unpredictable monsoon, yet local resources are mismanaged. For instance, the state forest corporation has proposed setting up a Rs 40.28-crore wellness centre in Sanguem taluka without consulting locals. Are Goa’s resources really that plentiful? Socially, our elders are suffering. A recent survey reveals the rise of emotional and physical abuse, and financial exploitation among Goan senior citizens. Despite benevolent schemes, actual implementation and digital accessibility are severely lacking. True development requires balancing the environment and social issues to ensure ease of living, not wealth disparities and polarisation. Will the government finally listen and go for course-correction?
John Eric Gomes, Porvorim
