On illegal constructions
The March 17 editorial on the issue of illegal constructions was informative. It is heartening to see the High Court of Bombay at Goa taking cognisance of illegal constructions in the state. Illegal constructions are indeed a curse and must be nipped in the bud or else they bloom without limits as is happening in cities like Mumbai over the years. What the editorial says at the end is appropriate; ‘let’s rid Goa of the menace of illegal constructions.’ I would say, let us rid all cities of this menace of illegal constructions and stop rewarding slums with ‘free housing’ at the cost of the general public.
Melville X D’Souza, Mumbai
Water dispensers
Goa continues to see a rise in March temperatures that could ultimately break the previous records. The temperature could only increase further in April. This intense heat can affect humans, animals and plants. One of the vital precautions that humans need to take to beat the heat is to remain hydrated by drinking an adequate quantity of water. Citizens have been advised to remain indoors during the afternoon hours when the temperature is at its peak. This may not be possible for the working class. Hence, a drinking water facility while one is on the move is important. Of course, one can carry water in bottles or buy packaged drinking water at shops. But carrying water bottles can be cumbersome and not relying on packaged drinking water can reduce plastic pollution. Roadside drinking water dispensers can play a vital role. Such dispensers are seen in Western countries but seldom seen in India. Goa could give the lead by installing such drinking water dispensers. Roadside drinking water dispensers offer a convenient and accessible source of clean water to travellers, pedestrians and residents. They can also help reduce costs and encourage greater water consumption. These water dispensers eliminate the need to carry or store large quantities of water bottles. Water dispensers include built-in filtration systems that remove impurities and contaminants, making the water safer to drink. A proposal is reportedly on the cards to set up filtered water dispensers at public toilets in Panaji as a pilot project. It would be in the fitness of things to have these water dispensers by the roadside instead of public toilets.
Adelmo Fernandes, Vasco
Bad condition at
SGPDA complex
The rear of the SGPDA office complex is as poorly maintained as the front. To make matters worse, many commercial establishments have illegally installed generators and other electrical backup systems in the rear setback without any safeguards. Stagnant water/wet garbage all year round proximal to the installations makes electrocution a real risk. Further, the dirty water is a breeding area for mosquitoes. Will the authorities take action against the errant building tenants?
Vinay Dwivedi, Benaulim
Road accidents
There were nearly five lakh road accidents causing almost two lakh deaths in 2022. Sadly, 70% of the road fatalities belonged to the working age group of 18-45. The loss of a creative member is a big blow for a family. However, there is no dearth of blame games on the causes of road accidents in the country. But the plain-speaking Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari, speaking at a function, while emphasising on newer technologies for road safety, has said that defective road designs and faulty detailed project reports from engineers and consultants were the principal reasons for the accidents. He warned that these professionals will be held accountable for faulty road designs. Gadkari went on to point out that even minor issues like road signages and road markings were badly maintained, which speaks volumes about the standard of road maintenance in India. Hopefully, there will be a flurry of right movements among stakeholders after the Union minister’s admonition.
Ganapathi Bhat, Akola
Champion for a reason
In every field of human endeavour, the best of the breed, ‘champions’ in general parlance never rest on their laurels; they always strive for absolute dominance – to run faster, to climb higher, to emerge stronger. One such example is French pole vault superstar Armand Duplantis, who has broken the world record eleven times. At a recent indoor athletic meet in France he cleared 6.07 metres to comfortably win the gold, but he was not satisfied with his performance. As he had one attempt left, he asked for the bar to be raised to 6.27 metres and vaulted it successfully. The two-time Olympic champion and current world record holder is still not done. At a press conference, he expounded that he has higher heights to conquer and that he still needs to improve. In his pursuit of sporting immortality, Duplantis appears to have created a gulf between him and his rivals which seems unbridgeable. Win, improve, repeat, win, improve, repeat. Armand or Mondo, as he is lovingly called, is champion for a reason. His approach to winning is worth emulating in every sphere of life.
Misha, Varca
