Tourism needs makeover
Goa has received a lot of flak in terms of tourist arrivals this festive season. Arguably cheaper South Asian countries proving to be value-for-money may dent the state’s thriving tourism economy. Multiple factors, such as the taxi mafia, improper accessibility, poor infrastructure planning, and soaring airfares, are determinants of the declining numbers. The tourism department needs to take urgent measures to safeguard its reputation as a global tourist destination by implementing policies that will boost our image and presence, perhaps by promoting an online campaign and road shows and promoting a tourism-friendly and safe environment. Tourists should take away a sojourn of experiences that are relaxing and culturally enriching rather than have to deal with unwelcoming tourism stakeholders who are only interested in earning a quick buck.
Sheldon Rodrigues, Navelim
Few takeaways for India in Australia
The depth in the Australian bowling attack caught us completely off guard. Josh Hazlewood’s injury did not throw the mighty Aussie bowling machine off gear. Rather, in Scott Boland they found a dream replacement to bowl on these pitches. He was sharp, probing, and bowled the ideal line and length to be almost unplayable. The tall debutant Beau Webster too was spot on with his medium pace bowling. He also caught brilliantly and batted like a dream. With opener Sam Konstas, the Aussies had three brilliant players to support the tried and tested senior Aussie bowlers and batsmen. Yes, Nitish Kumar Reddy performed far above expectations with bat, ball, and on the field. Jaiswal excelled too. But K L Rahul, Rishab Pant, and Ravindra Jadeja could have done a lot better. Not to mention Shubman Gill, a continued failure outside Asia. Skipper Rohit Sharma was a massive letdown and looked like a walking wicket whenever he walked out to bat, while Virat Kohli managed a solitary hundred and little else. My feeling is that both stars have lost focus and with it the hunger and edge to be a threat at this level. Maybe at this stage of their career, being a dad and family man is a bigger priority. Nothing wrong with it, just that it does not fit in with the team’s requirements. Jasprit Bumrah was the sole bright spot in the bowling attack. He was the lone bazooka in an armoury packed with .22 rifles and toy pistols. Had he bowled on Sunday, the target would well have seemed like 200 runs rather than the 162 it was. What an inopportune time for him to get injured.
C K Subramaniam, Navi Mumbai
Nipping weed in the bud
In a shocking discovery, alert citizens in the capital city reportedly found a cannabis (ganja) plant growing among other ornamental plants alongside a footpath. The plant has since been uprooted and taken away by the Anti-Narcotics Cell (ANC) and sent for further analysis. While the police suspect it to be an act of mischief by an unknown person, it still remains a dangerous act. It may not be an isolated case. In the past, there have been instances when foreigners were caught growing cannabis in rented premises. Last year, a foreigner was arrested for setting up a nursery facility at Pernem for growing narcotic substances. During interrogation, he revealed that he was using certain international websites to import these seeds to India and then grow the plants at the nursery. While Goa has always had its fair share of problems with drugs, particularly in the coastal belt, the state is now grappling with a new trend of cannabis cultivation. Several foreigners, especially from Russia, have been arrested for growing marijuana in a controlled climate within villas and large apartments. This menace should be nipped in the bud, or Goa could be moving towards being “self-sufficient” in narcotic drugs. The state is slowly but surely becoming a “narcotic hub” in the tourism world.
Adelmo Fernandes, Vasco
On the new virus
An alarming rise in the number of patients infected due to a new respiratory virus, human metapneumovirus (HMPV), in China has once again alerted the globe, bringing back horrendous reminiscences of the Covid-19 pandemic, which emerged in China five years ago during a winter season and spread around the world, taking thousands of lives. Symptoms of HMPV often mirror those of common colds and flu, including cough, high fever, and difficulty breathing. However, severe cases can escalate into life-threatening conditions such as pneumonia. Patients with asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases, or weakened immune systems are especially vulnerable to complications. Health officials have stated that as of now there are no specific vaccines or antiviral treatments for HMPV, and focus is laid on prevention to curb the virus’s spread. The public has been recommended to wear masks in crowded spaces, practice social distancing, and wash hands frequently. They have emphasised the importance of early detection and supportive care in managing the virus. Let us not forget the ordeal we went through during the Covid pandemic period. The Health Ministry at the Centre and the states needs to be vigilant and caution the people to be careful and take care.
M Pradyu, Kannur
