Drug seizures in Goa
Recently Goa police seized drugs worth Rs 11.6 crore and arrested a 23-year-old Bengaluru resident for allegedly illegally possessing over 11 kg of hydroponic weed (ganja). According to Goa police, it is the biggest single day catch in its history. On an average, one person was arrested in Goa in connection with a narcotics case every second day in 2024. As per statistics, Goa police seized 274 kg of narcotic substances in 2024, worth Rs 10 crore, and arrested 188 persons. What is shocking to note is that, of these arrested persons, 54 were Goans. Over the past few years several women have also been arrested for possessing drugs. But what has also come as a shocker is that minors are also involved in drug-related crimes. The other day a 15-year-old boy was apprehended by the Konkan Railway police with 8.184 kg of Ganja at the Margao Railway Station. The minor boy was later produced before the Juvenile Justice Board for appropriate legal action. With so many drug seizures, Goa has probably become a major conduit, a trading point and a hub for the international drug trade. Kudos to Goa police, crime branch and all officials involved in apprehending the culprits. However, much more needs to be done in order to strengthen intelligence networks, enhance surveillance, and crack down on drug-related crimes to safeguard our youth and society. The rise in seizures is not just a point of success for authority. It is also a warning sign of how seriously Goa has sunk into the drug trade quicksand. Authorities involved in investigating and acting against the international and national drug lobby operating directly or through agents in Goa have reportedly absolutely no doubt that Goa has become the focal point of psychotropic drugs.
Adelmo Fernandes, Vasco
Lunar water discovery
There could be more water on the Moon than we thought. Water ice sheets are reportedly present outside the polar regions of the earth’s natural satellite, whereas hitherto the general impression was that water was confined to within the polar area. This information has been supplied by the Indian lunar spacecraft Chandrayaan-3, and analysed by the research team in Ahmedabad. Earlier, it was in 2009 that Chandrayaan-1 clearly indicated the presence of water molecules in the polar regions of the moon. These two landmark spacecrafts of Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) have expanded the overall knowledge on lunar ice deposits. If water is present beyond polar regions, lunar explorers can traverse further than being confined to the polar areas, and utilise the frozen ice resources for oxygen as well. These developments in the space should augur well for India›s space capabilities. Besides, an ocean of knowledge beckons space students and scientists who are keen to make a mark in the sector.
Ganapathi Bhat, Akola
Vanishing Sparrows
People from all walks of life have repeatedly raised concerns about the dwindling sparrow population, yet little has been done to reverse the decline—much like the case of the tiger. While the “Save the Tiger” campaign gained significant attention, the humble sparrow has largely been forgotten. The declining sparrow population in Mumbai, particularly in Navi Mumbai, has been a topic of discussion for years, but concrete action remains lacking. Despite the repeated outcry, meaningful efforts to protect these birds are still absent. One effective initiative has been the creation of bamboo gardens within residential complexes, providing sparrows with shelter from harsh weather. Additionally, access to fresh water and food supplied by residents has helped make the birds more comfortable in human surroundings. With summer setting in earlier than usual, more birds are suffering from dehydration, and cases are being reported sooner than expected. Unlike humans, who have the luxury of food and drinks to combat the sweltering heat, these feathered friends struggle to survive. The intense summer conditions make it even more crucial to take action. Rather than merely lamenting their dwindling numbers, a dedicated “Save the Sparrow” campaign and proactive measures can make a real difference. It is time to protect sparrows with the same urgency as we did for tigers. That is my clarion call.
Jayanthy Subramaniam, Mumbai
