A small victory
Following a directive from the Goa Coastal Zone Management Authority (GCZMA), the town and country planning department has issued a stop-work order and a showcause notice to a starred hotel for constructing a retaining wall along the Zuari river bank at Bambolim. The technical clearance granted earlier to the company has been revoked after the GCZMA raised objections and issued a stop-work order. The initial clearance was based on a no-objection certificate provided by the GCZMA which has since been withdrawn. The company has been directed to halt all ongoing construction work on the site with immediate effect. This must be considered as a huge moral victory to all those who objected the project. But then those who raised objection against the construction of the retaining wall should not be satisfied with the issuance of the stop-work order. The company needs to be directed to restore the site to its past glory. It is observed that with debris, gravel and stones strewn all over the place there is hardly any part of the beach left. The area presents a pathetic sight as hardly any sand is visible. The company responsible for the destruction should restore the site t their own cost. This will act as deterrence for such illegal activities.
Adelmo Fernandes, Vasco
Case for free press
Democracy craves for reliable and impartial press that transcends pulls and pressures. The World Press Freedom Day is observed on May 3 every year to remember the values that define press freedom. There was a period when the freedom of press was threatened almost on a daily basis. Newspapers thrived only on the absolute integrity, and dedication to duty, of the owners and editors of newspapers. The press recouped beyond imagination and, perhaps, the vivid memories of those days laid foundation for an assertive and aggressive press steadfast to take on the high and the mighty. The Independence of the press, however, is always under scrutiny. Freedom of expression as a human right cannot be seen separate from people’s access to fair and unbiased information. Press is the watchdog of democracy; but the people themselves are the watchdogs of an independent press. Founding father of the US, Thomas Jefferson had famously said he would have a free press without a government but not a government without a free press.
Ganapathi Bhat, Akola
Menacing garbage dump
I would like to draw attention to a pressing issue faced by the residents of Karaswada, Mapusa. In our locality, there is a spot that has unfortunately turned into a dumping ground for garbage by nearby residents and even members of the local panchayat. This accumulation of waste has become a major source of discomfort and health problems. The foul smell emanating from the site makes it difficult for people to breathe. Additionally, the stagnant waste has led to a rise in mosquito breeding, contributing to diseases like malaria. Contaminated food, often exposed to flies and other insects from the dump, has caused frequent stomach-related illnesses among locals. I urge the municipal authorities to take immediate action to address this situation. Installing proper dustbins and ensuring regular waste collection can go a long way in maintaining hygiene and protecting public health.
Purva Shinda, Mapusa
Living for others
There is a beautiful quote of late Pope Francis which I would like to share with readers as it summarises his philosophy of life and service to the poor and needy of society. “Rivers do not drink their own water, trees do not eat their own fruit; the sun doe not shine on itself and flowers do not spread their fragrance for themselves. Living for others is a rule of nature. We are all born to help each other. No matter how difficult it is, life is good when you are happy, but much better, when others are happy because of you.”
AF Nazareth, Alto Porvorim
Height of parochialism
Forty construction labourers from West Bengal›s Malda district were threatened abused and manhandled to such an extent in Odisha›s Sambalpur district that they had no option but to leave the state in a hurry without their belongings and entitled wages. Instead of acting ‘nationalists’ by rendering blood-thirsty call of annihilating Pakistan, Indians must at first look at their own selves and indulge in a sincere introspection. The parochial brigade who can›t tolerate the presence of hardworking Bengalis making honest living in various states of their own country must learn what the essence of being Indian is all about and transcend over petty barriers of language, region and religion before uttering ‘Bharat Mata Ki Jai’. The Odisha incident once again blatantly exposes the law and order situation in that state, where instead of taking the criminals to task, the tortured poor hardworking Bengalis are asked to leave without belongings and due wages. The migrant communities succeed in calling the shot in every possible sector in West Bengal with the indigenous Bengalis reduced to absolute minorities.
Kajal Chatterjee, Kolkata
