On fanfare inauguration
The six-lane elevated Porvorim corridor, which has been constructed at a cost of Rs. 664.6 crore, is expected to significantly ease traffic movement through one of the state’s busiest stretches. The new corridor will be inaugurated on September 9. There is, however, a larger human reality that deserves consideration. Nepal has been struck by a devastating natural calamity, with floods claiming hundreds of lives and leaving thousands missing. At a time like this, celebrations, even for an important public infrastructure project, need to be viewed through the lens of compassion and sensitivity. The inauguration could be planned as a low-key, dignified and restrained event. A simple ceremony marking the completion of a major public project would be entirely appropriate.
Adelmo Fernandes, Vasco
The august House
The photograph of school students listening raptly to the debates in the Legislative Assembly is inspiring (NT, September 2, 2026). Visitors and educational institutions book a time slot and attend the proceedings, and at times foreign dignitaries and politicians from other states are invited to the House. Audiences see MLAs present their case or shred the views of others. To maintain the dignity of the House and themselves, name-calling, rushing to the well, tearing bills, scuffles, marshalling out of members, walkout and other negative activities should strictly be no-no. The legislators need to be in their best behaviour as they are watched by from the gallery and also audio-visually recorded. Citizens, especially youngsters, should not carry a negative image of the lawmakers. In general, most politicians, cutting across parties, are the same and perhaps hand-in-glove but for the sake of propriety and as a mark of respect to the House, they must desist from projecting a negative image.
Sridhar D Iyer, Caranzalem
Push for accountability
As I understand it, the Cockroach Janta Party is a pressure group seeking to hold whichever government is in power constitutionally accountable. If the Opposition hopes to govern, common sense dictates they unite around a common minimum programme addressing real public struggles—rising food, fuel, and medical prices, rampant inflation, jobless youth, corruption, civic failures, and systemic injustice—rather than boasting about GDP figures while only 1 per cent of people prosper. It is disheartening to see political infighting, egoistic debates over future prime ministerial candidates, and wasted parliamentary resources. These discussions are irrelevant until the Opposition can unseat the BJP. The public demands systemic change over high-command culture. Recent statements from RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat and Swami Ramdev align with public outrage over the brutal handling of protests. Actions like Goa dropping the anti-conversion bill show promise, provided the RSS walks its talk and the Congress abandons its outdated mindset.
John Eric Gomes, Porvorim
Justice delayed
The news report revealing that over 7,200 CBI corruption cases are pending trial—including 409 languishing for over two decades—is truly shocking. It is no wonder political leaders routinely demand a CBI inquiry against state government officials; nearly 90 per cent of these cases will not see a final verdict for decades. By then, it is doubtful whether either the complainant or the culprit will even be alive to witness justice. A similar plight plagues the endless defamation cases filed by politicians against each other across high courts, which gather dust for years. Our high courts must immediately take concrete steps for the speedy trial of pending cases, prioritising those lingering for over a decade.
N Mahadevan, Chennai
Spitting at railway stations
One of the most disgusting scenes on the railway station premises is people spitting. Littering too is quite common. Rs 500 had been the one-time fine till now for the offenders. A new law enacted by the Centre has enhanced the fine to Rs 1,000. Failure to pay the requisite amount may result in legal action. The most difficult part of the anti-spitting campaign, and of course, enforcing penalties, is tracking down the violators. Putting in place high-end technology to spot the culprits is essential. A spick and span railway station can discourage a potential spitter. Spittoons should be placed at strategic points, as should garbage bins. That said, heightened awareness on the part of a traveller is extremely necessary because a casual stroll around the railway stations reinforces the belief that spitting is a disease that cannot be easily eradicated.
Ganapathi Bhat, Akola
