Intoxicating plants
A plant presumed to be of cannabis was recovered recently from a public place at St Inez. The plant was seen to be growing among several ornamental plants. Goa’s Anti Narcotics Cell (ANC) has sent the plant to a forensic laboratory for confirmation (NT January 5). In North India, cannabis plants grow in the wild, but it is uncommon in Goa. The police presume this to be the handiwork of miscreants who might have thrown the cannabis seeds. Was this a one-off incident? The police/ANC needs to determine if cannabis is being grown right under our nose and brilliantly camouflaged with common plants. The help of sniffer dogs and botanists could be sought to locate intoxicating plants (grass, weeds, ganja, marijuana etc) that are growing in the wild, may be in the tens of nurseries (licensed and those located along roadsides) and in suspected houses. Any nefarious activity should be nipped in the bud, ‘weeded’ out and uprooted. In 2020, some foreigners were jailed for growing intoxicating plants in their apartment and in their backyard. In April 2024, some foreigners were jailed for raising magic mushrooms and marijuana. It is a matter of concern that such individuals (Indians, foreigners) are brazen enough to grow psychosomatic plants.
Sridhar D Iyer, Caranzalem
Exposition experience
I have had the privilege to attend the Exposition of the sacred relics of St Francis Xavier on multiple occasions during the solemn 45-day period that ended recently. I visited Old Goa with my family and friends, who travelled to Goa from across the globe. I also attended the Exposition in 1994, 2004 and 2014. This year’s Exposition was a much better experience. The state government and the Church authorities worked in tandem to leave no stone unturned to make the solemn experience a blessed occasion. Right from the shades for queues, helpful volunteers and talathis, wheelchairs for old and disabled, drinking water stations; the experience was excellent. Another good aspect was that there were no beggars, squatters and hawkers troubling the visitors. The government made this 45-day period a world-class experience.
Sadanand Raikar, Colva
Needless panic on HMPV
A few cases of human metapneumovirus (HMPV) have been reported from parts of India. While the common man is worried, there is absolutely no need to panic because the infection is similar to influenza-like infections that are commonly seen in India in early summer and winter. Since Covid-19 originated from China and the first cases of HMPV have also come from China, people are worried. Of course, fever, sore throat, cough and shortness of breath mimic Covid-19 symptoms but these are also manifestations of influenza-like infections. That being said, children below the age of five, pregnant women, elderly and the immunocompromised are susceptible to HMPV. Excessive self-medication may worsen the symptoms; there is no vaccine for HMPV. Respiratory infection experts say that HMPV infection has been present across the globe for more than two decades, and specific cases are being detected now because more and more testing is being done. Covid-19 has taught a telling lesson to the world: personal hygiene cannot be compromised at any cost.
Ganapathi Bhat, Akola
Right move
In a significant decision, the South Goa District Collector has reportedly notified parking areas for Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) at public places across the district. This is a step in the right direction and needs to be emulated in North Goa as well. Directions have also been issued to public works department (PWD) officials to take up the work of earmarking slots and erecting signboards. Parking slots reserved for disabled persons are extremely important because they allow people with mobility limitations or other challenges to have safe access to buildings, shopping malls etc. No parking fees should be charged for PwDs driving vehicles. Commercial establishments and starred hotels should provide free parking for senior citizens and PwDs. These parking slots need to be wider than the standard parking spaces. This will allow enough space for a disabled person to safely navigate his or her vehicle and assemble any mobility equipment they require. The parking space must be allocated in front of or near the entrance to the building or facility. It is common knowledge that people who do not have any mobility issues park their vehicles in parking spaces earmarked for PwDs only to avoid paying for parking or to save time. There is a need to have clear and consistent signage. Police personnel must act against owners who park their vehicles in areas designated for parking of vehicles of PwDs by imposing a penalty. In addition, it may be necessary to tow away the illegally parked vehicles. There is a need to raise awareness among citizens not to park their vehicles in spaces earmarked for PwDs. Citizens need to report to the police of any wrong parking.
Adelmo Fernandes, Vasco
