Goa’s development
The manner in which Goa has become a beneficiary of central munificence, one would have thought that the tiny coastal state has shown the potential to overcome the pandemic and steer its own course of progress and development in the region. Close on the heels of the Rs 300-crore windfall, the announcement by a Union Minister of an investment of Rs 400 crore in Goa to make the state a fisheries hub in the country should further serve to invigorate its famished economy. But even before the euphoria over these huge financial bonuses wanes, the state government has to begin planning on how to utilise these funds in the best interest of the state. Yet, whenever plans are drawn up for the development of a region, it is essential that both, the government and the people are in a win-win situation. But of late, the tendency to ‘welcome’ any developmental work in the state with a fair amount of skepticism entails a lengthier preparatory work for the government where it necessarily has to come clean on the benefits and adversities expected from the proposal to the region and its people. In this regard, the Union Finance Ministry’s ambitious plans to boost fish production in the state are no doubt welcome. But considering the scientific methods involved, it is equally important that these grandiose plans do not alienate the traditional fishermen and jeopardise their livelihoods. However, for a protests-ridden state that Goa has turned into today, it is also necessary that people realise that a region cannot remain bereft of developments for long periods. Today, the remotest corners of the country have been linked by the most intricate of land and railroad networks. Ironically, despite vehement objections against mobile towers coming up in their areas, it is impossible for the modern generation to imagine even a few minutes of internet outage. However, considering the eco-sensitive nature of the region, it is pertinent to have the government envisaging plans for sustainable development in Goa.
C K Subramaniam, Chennai
HSRP rules enforced
High Security Registration Plates (HSRP) are necessary for all vehicles in India, both new and old, as mandated by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH). It is learnt that vehicles manufactured after April 1, 2019, are already equipped with HSRP, while older vehicles registered before that date must be retrofitted to be compliant with the law and avoid penalties. Driving without a High-Security Registration Plate (HSRP) can lead to hefty fines and penalties. HSRPs are tamper-proof and help deter theft and unauthorized use. The plates are linked to a central database, making it easier to track vehicles. The use of HSRP ensures a standardised format for all number plates, which aids law enforcement and traffic management systems. However it is observed that these number plates fade with the passage of time. It is learnt that fading of HSRP numbers is typically caused by chemical damage from sanitizers, UV exposure, and poor quality materials. This leads to the numbers fading or the black foil peeling off. Prolonged exposure to sunlight, rain, and other extreme weather conditions can also cause the numbers to fade over time. Incidentally driving with a faded or unreadable number plate can result in a hefty fine. The reflective sheeting cannot be simply repainted to restore it. Attempting to fix a faded number plate or re-attach the plate is illegal and can lead to prosecution. One reportedly has to get a duplicate HSRP from the authorities concerned by getting a date and slot for fixing a new plate from the official website of HSRP.
Adelmo Fernandes, Vasco
Calangute road chaos
The PWD has once again begun excavation along the Chogm Road stretch from the Shivaji statue to the water pumping station opposite the Calangute church to lay a new water pipeline, and this too during the peak tourist season. The work is expected to continue for atleast a month with only one lane open, further choking traffic to and from Calangute. This repeated digging of the same road stretch has been ongoing since the last one year. In fact, one side of this road has been closed for nearly a year and locals (as well as visiting domestic tourists) have been unnecessarily suffering from constant traffic jams due to this continuous exercise. For how many more times will the main roads of Calangute/Saligao constituency be dug in the name of laying some underground water pipelines and people made to suffer for no fault of theirs? The way they are seen continuously digging these roads, it looks like some gold is hidden under these roads. It now appears the Chogm road stretch of Saligao (starting from cross-road circle/Government Primary school and heading right up to the Hindu crematorium) may be next, as large pipes have already been brought and kept on standby across the same road stretch.
Jerry Fernandes, Saligao
Deadly air pollution
Air pollution is now considered the single largest external threat to human life expectancy because of its scale, reach and continuity. Long term exposure to pollution slices about four years from the average Indian’s life and about two years globally, it’s substantially higher in the most polluted regions of India. What sets air pollution apart from other major health risks, like tobacco use, high blood pressure or unsafe water, is that it exposes nearly the entire population to its effects continuously, from early childhood through old age. Since it’s so widespread and persistent, its total impact on life expectancy now exceeds many other well known health threats. Importantly, air pollution is a perennial issue. It becomes most visible in the winter but the sources are active all year round and the levels are unacceptable for much of the year. Winter makes the crisis more visible and harder to ignore but it doesn’t create it. People often notice air pollution through irritation in their lungs or breathing difficulties, but the most serious damage happens silently over the long run, with exposure increasing the risk of heart disease, chronic lung disease, asthma and impacts babies. And these ill effects accumulate year on year, which is why air pollution shortens life expectancy so dramatically, compared to other issues. More than high time the government takes a serious look.
Vinay Dwivedi, Benaulim
