Provide library
The village of Adpai in Ponda needs a library where the locals could sit and read the local newspapers, books and magazines. I appeal to the authorities concerned to look into this on a priority basis, as a library will benefit many people, especially the local youth and the senior citizens of the village. The village panchayat of Adpai-Durbhat-Agapur could initiate steps to set up the library. People from the adjoining areas of Adpai will also benefit immensely from such a move.
Pravin U Sardessai, Adpai
Repair road
The stretch of road from Tilamol Junction to Rivona was dug to lay power cables, water pipeline and other service amenities. The dug up portion of the road has been filled up with rubble and the road has not been levelled or tarred. Now this unlevelled part covers half of the road, making it difficult for even two small cars to pass by safely. There are several places on the stretch where the road is uneven with rubble and potholes, which get filled with water when it rains, making rides dangerous for two-wheeler riders. Moreover, the streetlights in the area too do not function properly. Rainwater accumulates on the stretch at several places due to the lack of drainage. The filthy water gets splashed on two-wheeler riders and pedestrians as vehicles move along the road. Water also accumulates in front of the Quepem primary health centre, at Taki and at Bansai on the Quepem-Curchorem road. I request the Deputy Collector’s office, Quepem municipal council, PWD roads section, the health centre and the traffic cells of Curchorem and Tilamol to take up the matter urgently. I also request the elected representatives to act swiftly.
Wilson Da Costa, Quepem
Artificial ripening of fruits
Food and Drugs Administration (FDA) recently intensified raids on artificial ripening of fruits across Goa, conducting approximately 80 inspections covering over 350 establishments. It is learnt that several tonnes of fruits, which were ripened using dangerous chemicals were destroyed. Interestingly, the agriculture department has reportedly initiated construction of fruit ripening chambers of 60-tonne daily capacity at the Mapusa market yard. This was necessary, as fruits were not ripened scientifically but in the most unhygienic way in the city. It is learnt that there are plans to have artificial ripening chambers in each taluka. The question that arises is if consumption of artificially ripened fruits can be harmful to health, why are the authorities indulging in it? It all depends on the chemical that is used to carry out the ripening of the fruits. It is learnt that ethylene gas of a certain concentration can be used for artificial ripening. Ethylene plays a vital role in natural ripening of fruits. Being a natural hormone, ethylene does not pose any health hazard to consumers. In scientific artificial ripening, ethylene gas can be introduced into a chamber containing unripe fruits. The concentration of ethylene is carefully controlled to achieve optimal ripening without causing any adverse effects on the fruit or consumers. However, calcium carbide, though banned in many places due to health concerns, is being used for ripening of fruits by unscrupulous vendors. Calcium carbide releases acetylene, which also hastens ripening but has health risks. Fruits that have been scientifically ripened in the ripening chambers need to carry a small sticker on it so that the consumer is aware of it, just like fruits coming from other states have a little sticker on it.
Adelmo Fernandes, Vasco
Controversial comment
The Supreme Court has stepped in with regard to screening of the film ‘Thug Life’ in Karnataka despite Kamal Haasan’s comments about Kannada language. The apex court said that a film approved by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) should not be banned from screening simply due to public backlash against the actor’s purported controversial remarks and stated, “As a democratic state, Karnataka cannot permit mobs to undermine the rule of law.” The concern about the impact of the remarks on public order is valid, as language can be a sensitive issue. If “loose talk” is regarded as a credible threat that may incite violence or unrest, it is the government’s duty to uphold public order and prevent disruptions to daily life. Responding to every instance of potentially offensive comments with security measures could result in taxpayer resources being continuously allocated to manage controversies. The court may have a role in managing such situations if they escalate into legal disputes or threats to public safety. Recognising the potential for social unrest stemming from Hassan’s remarks, the apex court should have mandated that he substantiate his statements with evidence before permitting his film’s release. This approach would have helped discourage individuals from making reckless comments on issues without a thorough understanding of the topic.
K V Chandramouli, Mysuru
