Observatory needs patrons
Goa has the distinction of having India’s first public astronomical observatory, which was set up in December 1982. The observatory, on the 7th floor of the Junta House building, is funded by the government and was initially guided by the late astrophysicist Dr JV Narlikar. There are several reflector telescopes and an 14-inch Schmidt-Cassegrain remotely operated telescope. Now the building has been declared unsafe and earmarked for demolition and offices, shops and the observatory have to vacate within a month. After decades the observatory is finding itself homeless since the Association of Friends of Astronomy (AFA) is unable to identify a suitable place in Panaji, Miramar and Caranzalem to house its museum and library and to have an auditorium (NT, July 8, 2025). An apt place for the first two could be the premises of the Goa Science Centre and Planetarium, Miramar. The association could conduct its events in the centre’s auditorium and also collaborate with the personnel of the planetarium. Since land prices are astronomical and time-consuming to buy, the government could fast-track the construction of facilities and an observatory tower for the AFA on the free space of the centre. The other site could be on the sprawling grounds of Goa University, which is on a plateau, and would provide a better and clearer view of the night sky.
Sridhar D Iyer, Caranzalem
Ensure food safety
The Food and Drugs Administration (FDA) in Goa needs to be lauded for its continued drive to ensure the availability of safe and hygienic food in the state. The FDA has been targeting unauthorised and unhygienic food-related operations. A viral video has surfaced showing a cow licking meat from a shawarma outlet in Siolim. The outlet was directed to shut down with immediate effect after the premises was found to be in extremely unhygienic condition and operating without an FDA licence. Unhygienic shawarma preparation can pose serious health risks due to bacterial contamination, potentially leading to food-borne illnesses like salmonella or E. coli infections. Several deaths have been reported across the country due to the consumption of unhygienic shawarma. Many shawarma outlets are seen to be operating by the roadside. The meat being used can get contaminated due to dust pollution and droplets from rainwater splashed by moving vehicles. The FDA needs to keep a strict check on the numerous shawarma outlets operating in the state, especially along the coastal belt.
Adelmo Fernandes, Vasco
In the name of the dead
A question which has long baffled me is: why has it become customary of late for Catholics to celebrate the life of a dead family member after the month’s mind and anniversary mass? I have attended a few of these so-called fellowships of late and was shocked to see the merriment at these events with sumptuous meals and alcoholic drinks. Is it not sufficient to offer a mass for the repose of the soul of the dead member? And how does sorrow instantly turn into merriment at the celebrations? Probably a return to pagan practices, to say the least.
AF Nazareth, Alto Porvorim
Dangerous signs
Signal passed at danger or speed passed at danger (SPAD) is a serious issue. Loco pilots of trains are expected to stop at signals and if they breach this cardinal principle then it is a serious lapse because derailments and collisions may be dangerous consequences. Besides human mistakes like misjudgement and fatigue, medical conditions, mechanical factors like signal malfunction, track defects and, of course, inadequate training can lead to loco pilots overlooking signals. It is reported that there have been increasing incidences of SPAD across the railway network. Speed restrictions and braking techniques of loco pilots need to be assessed and improved upon. Competency of the drivers in driving a particular type of train is extremely crucial. Additionally, controlling the train speed at slopes and when the distance between two signals is less than one and a half km (automatic block system) are critical for safety. Furthermore, the use of mobile phones by loco pilots on duty is said to be under the scrutiny of the Indian Railways.
Ganapathi Bhat, Akola
Buffer zone at airports
Just over a month ago we witnessed one of the worst civil aviation disasters in India wherein 260 people lost their lives. High decibel proclamations were made about enforcing air safety standards by aviation oversight and regulatory bodies, one of the major proposals was that there should be no buildings permitted beyond 15 metre height in the funnel zone which is the demarcated aerial boundary within which aircraft line up for their takeoff and landing approach. Closer home we are witnessing the resumption of illegal construction activities in Vasco, slap bang in the middle of the Dabolim airport (which is also a defence airport) funnel zone. Concerned citizen groups have commenced a signature campaign, and will subsequently file a PIL in court to put an end to such blatant violations.
Vinay Dwivedi, Benaulim
