Construct public
toilets in villages
The absence of public toilets near village markets remains a serious issue of hygiene and convenience. Sulabh International, known for its affordable and eco-friendly sanitation solutions, can help address this gap. Village panchayats should take the initiative by proposing suitable sites for toilets and passing resolutions in gram sabhas as part of development and sanitation efforts. Citizens can also support this by submitting written requests to local authorities. While municipalities in towns often provide such facilities, rural markets are still neglected. Panchayats must not hesitate to directly approach Sulabh International for community-led projects. Furthermore, under the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, they should report the need for toilets through the official Swachh Bharat Gramin portal to ensure timely action.
Rajesh Banaulikar, Arpora
Strategic autonomy in peril
In a major diplomatic breakthrough after months of intense negotiations and tense moments, India and the US finalised a trade deal, with US President Donald Trump slashing tariffs from the total 50 per cent to 18 per cent. While this news has brought cheers to many Indian industries, it has also come with persistent and important questions that remain unanswered despite a press statement by Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal. The full details of the deal are yet to be released and there is no clarity on how the contentious issue of oil purchase will play out. India has been steadily reducing Russian oil imports while increasing crude imports from the US. Also, Trump is known for reneging on even agreed deals. Trump also asserted that India would lower tariffs and other barriers to zero for American goods. While India might have agreed to remove some tariffs, it is hard to imagine New Delhi agreeing to a blanket end to all duties on US products — especially in agriculture. For India, the challenge lies in safeguarding its economic interests without compromising strategic autonomy in an increasingly fragmented global trade order.
Gregory Fernandes, Mumbai
Green worries
The rising number of vehicles in Goa is impacting air quality, which is the frightening and stark reality. Air pollution, huge infrastructure and other projects are taking its toll on the environment and ecosystem of the region, impacting the very livelihood of the people. This is evident in other cities as well; Mumbai for instance has become a concrete jungle where a large number of trees and mangroves are being destroyed to make way for ill-conceived infrastructure projects. So, where are we heading when the very air we are breathing is going to kill human life?
Melville X D’Souza, Mumbai
Misbehaviour on beaches
In recent times the harassment of foreign woman tourists on Goan beaches by domestic tourists continues to mar its reputation as a top tourist destination. These local tourists, upon encountering foreign women, often dressed in swimsuits and alone, engage in inappropriate and intrusive behaviour. These actions reflect a larger issue of objectification and cultural insensitivity. Many of these domestic tourists ignore the human dignity and respect that should be afforded to all individuals, regardless of their origin. Local authorities should make it explicitly clear that harassment, both verbal and physical, will not be tolerated on Goa’s beaches. Police presence on the beaches will act both as a deterrent and a reassurance for tourists. Female police officers should be assigned to ensure women tourists feel comfortable reporting harassment or any other incidents. By deploying CCTV cameras at strategic locations on beaches and encouraging tourists to report incidents through dedicated mobile apps or hotlines, Goa can create a more efficient mechanism for tracking and preventing harassment.
Adelmo Fernandes, Vasco
On acid attacks
Recently, the Supreme Court asked the Centre to consider amending the laws pertaining to acid attacks so that onus on proving innocence lies on the accused. The SC went on to declare that acid attackers deserve “extraordinary punitive measures”. Attaching the assets of the accused may be thought of to compensate the victims, the top court added. SC’s tough remarks are apt and timely. The 2023 National Crime Bureau report put the number of acid attacks in India at 207. But governmental effort to supplement the top court directives has been meagre.
In 2013, the apex court had mandated the videography of acid buyers and sellers, allowing select stores to sell acid, and ensure there was no over the counter acid business.
Ganapathi Bhat, Akola
Governmental efforts have been patchy. The payment of compensation of Rs 1 lakh within 15 days of the attack, and Rs 2 lakh within two months, has been inconsistent.
