Disruptive power supply
In the ongoing assembly season, the Power Minister stated that in the last 17 months Goa witnessed 19,119 power cuts (NT, July 22, 2025). This works around to an average of 1,120 per month or 37 per day. These whooping numbers are from January 2024 to May 2025 with maximum outages in substation XVI in Margao (5,276), followed by VI in Mapusa (2,422) and VII in Curchorem (2,254). The reasons ascribed were: grid failure, snapping of conductors, faults in underground cables, tripping of transformers, among others. We could also add: shortage of staff, no permanent recruitments, funds (whether made available or spent elsewhere), the lack of supervision when works are carried out, and the probable absence of coordination between departments that lead to damage of cables and installations when utility lines (drainage and water pipes, internet and cable TV) are laid or other infrastructure works are underway. Also, add ‘acts of god’ such as heavy winds, monsoon, landslides etc. Thankfully, there are not many major power-guzzling factories in Goa that could either lead to or be affected by, frequent power failure. The minister has many a time urged the use of solar energy which is also encouraged by the government and by providing significant subsidies. But it is equally important to identify the root causes of the power outages and strive to drastically reduce the incidents.
Sridhar D Iyer, Caranzalem
Ways to save waterbodies
To discourage garbage dumping in a Ponda nullah, the water resource department (WRD) has installed steel barriers of 2.5 metres in height on various culverts along the nullah. Despite frequent requests and fines, people continue to dump waste in waterbodies in the state. Dumping waste into waterbodies is a serious environmental issue with far-reaching consequences for ecosystems and human health. To prevent dumping of waste in waterbodies, several strategies can be implemented, including effective waste management systems, public awareness campaigns, and improved infrastructure for wastewater treatment. Additionally, reducing plastic consumption, proper disposal of hazardous materials, and promoting water conservation are crucial steps. Another suggestion that can be carried out is to have a buffer zone around lakes or ponds of at least 50 to 100 metres periphery which should be maintained as a green belt and ‘no activity zone’. There should be a complete ban on discharge of industrial effluent or sewage, plastic waste, construction debris into lakes or ponds or drainage channels connected with ponds or lakes or open defecation in the vicinity as well as washing of clothes. Ponds or lakes can be converted into recreation centres with boating activities, walkways and benches for visitors so as to generate revenue for operation and maintenance of the lake or pond.
Adelmo Fernandes, Vasco
India-China thaw
India resuming the issuance of tourist visas to the Chinese does signal a tentative thaw in the strained bilateral relationship. Since the Galwan valley clash in 2020, diplomatic and military tensions between India and China have been high, resulting in a freeze in people-to-people ties, including tourism and educational exchanges. Ties have also been impacted over the Operation Sindoor, with revelations that the PLA was in lock-step with the Pakistan Army. However, one of the major sticking points continues to be China’s refusal to acknowledge Arunachal Pradesh as part of India and keeps cooking up its own names for places in the northeastern state. China is also against India sheltering Tibetan Buddhist monk Dalai Lama. China plans to build a massive dam on the Brahmaputra, reportedly the largest infrastructure project ever undertaken by any country, which may affect India and Bangladesh. Trust but verify will always be the guiding principle when it comes to dealing with China as this is not a full reset. Military standoffs at the LAC continue, and core issues remain unresolved. However, opening up visas is a low-cost, symbolic gesture that keeps diplomatic doors open.
Gregory Fernandes, Mumbai
Trump’s whims
What we are seeing is that Donald Trump is functioning as the US President through the lens of trade. The principal weapon in his armoury is tariffs. Whatever issue may come up between the US and other nations, the first thing that Trump brings up is that “we will impose penal tariffs on them”. The tariff yo-yo has been dangling on the heads of most nations, depending on the whims and fancies of Trump. This is a juvenile approach to a presidency since holding that high office requires that you apply yourself to many more things than just trade. The obsession with trade or business has been obvious since Trump took office with him announcing that he would convert Gaza into another Riviera except for the rider that the Palestinians would have to leave Gaza. Then again after the US struck Iran’s nuclear facilities Trump offered $30 billion in aid if Iran gave up its nuclear programme. All this is clearly to pursue his real estate background in business.
S Kamat, Mysuru
