Soil contamination
Land degradation is destined to cause soil pollution, and the chemicals emerging from industrial and agricultural practices are the culprits. Though soil has the innate property to filter out contaminants, it can do so only to a limited extent. The rest of the contaminants may trickle into the atmosphere to add to the air and water pollution. Direct contact with contaminated soil is a plausible reality. More than 90% of food is accrued through soil and, therefore, its conservation is crucial for the eco chain. The crippling effects of soil pollution on health are known. No doubt, environmental scientists have in their armoury various remedies to combat soil contamination like surface leaching, bioremediation, thermal remediation, mycoremediation and phytoremediation. Nonetheless, on December 5, the World Soil Day, the responsibilities of an individual as an active contributor to prevention and elimination of soil pollution cannot be overstated.
Ganapathi Bhat, Akola
Foreign tourists
It was heartening to note from an article published in The Navhind Times that Israel’s tourism sector looks to tap the “huge potential” Goa market has for it. This news should be considered as a great boost to local tourism as the sector can earn a lot of foreign currency. International tourists to this state of Goa have almost dwindled due to various factors. One prime reason is that our transport system is very erratic and the government has no control over it. It is none other than our taxi operators who charge exhorbitant fares as though there is no tomorrow. It is a given fact that due to this reason, international tourists refrain from visiting Goa and prefer to go to other friendly places in South Asia where taxis and food are economically viable with cleaner hotels. We are presently dependent on domestic tourists who do not fetch any foreign exchange. In order to get back to the good old days to attract foreign tourists, our state government should evolve together and ensure these tourists are not put to any inconveniences. Hopefully, this seems to be the last chance for us to prove our mettle and treat the international tourists nicely and welcome them with open arms. Once the word goes around through media, more tourists from other countries will follow suit and give impetus to our tourism.
Jerry Covaco, Assolna
Common man
Apropos to Raghav Chadda’s statement, it is true that the common Indian families are preyed upon by some insurance companies and private hospitals. Instead of safeguarding citizens’ health, these entities exploit vulnerability for profit, denying cashless treatments, rejecting legitimate claims and forcing patients into months-long bureaucratic nightmares. This is not just negligence, it is blatant exploitation, a moral and ethical failure that hurts the very fabric of society. Health insurance, a supposed safety net, has become a cruel gamble, turning life-saving treatment into a luxury only the privileged can navigate. The government must intervene with stringent regulations, penalise unscrupulous players and ensure that no family suffers due to greed. Enough is enough, healthcare cannot be a business of torment.
Vijaykumar H K, Raichur
Air pollution
As of Thursday, December 4, 2025, the Air Quality Index (AQI) in Goa’s capital city Panaji is generally classified as poor and unhealthy, with various sources reporting values between 72 and 190+, with the primary pollutant being fine particulate matter. The Smart City works could be a contributing factor. Incidentally, according to World Health Organisation (WHO), an AQI value of 50 or below represents good air quality, while an AQI value over 300 represents hazardous air quality. Goa’s AQI is reportedly caused by a combination of rapid urbanisation, increased vehicle emissions, construction and burning of waste and agricultural residue. Constant building and repair of structures release particulate matter into the air. The construction of roads and highways also adds to air pollution. Weather patterns can also play a role, with cooler temperatures in winter trapping pollutants closer to the ground. Breathing may become slightly uncomfortable, especially for those with respiratory issues. Poor indoor air quality has been responsible for symptoms like headaches, fatigue, trouble concentrating and irritation of the eyes, nose, throat and lungs. Also, some diseases like asthma have been linked to specific air contaminants or damp indoor environments. Sensitive groups include people with heart or lung disease, older adults and children who should reduce time spent outdoors. Healthy individuals may experience difficulty breathing or throat irritation. The general medical advice is to consider staying indoors or rescheduling outdoor activities if symptoms are present. Incidentally, the Air Quality Index in Delhi is currently ‘Severe or Hazardous’, with values reported between 348 and 378. Current Mumbai AQI is 183, which represents an unhealthy level with particulate matter of 2.5. Though it may not be possible to completely avoid air pollution, steps need to be taken to minimise it.
Adelmo Fernandes, Vasco
