Rethink move on reshifting interstate bus stand
There is a move to shift the interstate bus terminus from Patto to below the Atal Setu (NT June 15, 2024). The reason cited is there is traffic congestion at the present location and increase in the number of interstate buses. On the contrary, in 2017 because of the same reason and as the Atul Setu was being constructed the terminus was shifted from below the bridge to Patto. The current site is more spacious and away from the routine city traffic which is in a mess day-in and day-out. And once the work of the new flyover at Porvorim, commences then there would be a chaotic situation. Instead of shifting the terminus back to its old site, the government could provide washrooms, waiting areas and restaurants at Patto for the convenience of the travellers. Hope there is no ominous motive to shift the terminus for some vested interest.
Sridhar D Iyer, Caranzalem
Shun water bodies
Enhancing alertness, promoting the safety of locals and tourists collectively, the local populace along with the tourists, need to be steadfast in following certain guidelines. With the onset of monsoon, there come a lot of precautionary measures attached to it while vacationing in Goa. Rough conditions persist in sea and water bodies during this time of the year. In spite of the advisory warnings, there are incidents which had been brought to the fore of tourists getting drunk and venturing into the water bodies with some losing their lives. The contrasting picture is that, such type of incidents tarnish the image of Goa across the globe. However, tourists/local populace also ought to stay away from water bodies such as dangerous quarries and monsoon waterfalls. Unfortunately, there are several unmonitored quarries at construction sites which pose danger particularly to children. Children too need guidance from teachers/elders and parents pertaining to monsoon-related safety measures as far as water bodies are concerned. As deemed fit, maintaining a safe distance from the waterfall, by not venturing into the water bodies and simultaneously enjoying the lush greenery can be considered as one of the safety measures whatsoever. However, to beef up safety measures, entry to certain monsoon waterfalls is banned by the authorities. Eventually, the beauty and charm of vacationing in Goa during monsoon season is altogether a different experience. However, a humble appeal should be made to everyone to exercise a little bit of wisdom and self control by keeping away from water bodies, especially during this time of the year.
Joseph Desouza, Rajasthan
Victim of haphazard planning
According to a news report, 27 years after the High Court of Bombay at Goa ordered the Corporation of the City of Panaji (CCP) to prepare a master plan for flood control measures in the city of Panaji, the CCP has at last woken up and proposed to prepare a master plan to control and prevent flooding of Panaji by restoring and repairing the storm water drains in the city. Those of us who have known Panaji city long enough, will know that the storm water drainage system was built during the pre-liberation Portuguese regime and which served the city quite effectively, until haphazard planning, building and construction activities blocked the flow of water, damaged the storm drainage system. What Panaji city required is not another master plan but action to prevent the flooding. What Panaji city requires is not a Smart City plan but happy city plan. A city with smoother roads, better pavements, better government services, better connectivity and better parking facility. For the last 7 years since the Smart City project was launched at the cost of thousands of crores much of which seems to have gone down the drain, the residents of Panaji have been living a miserable unhappy life, and life for many has become a nightmare. Apparently the Smart City master plan was prepared at the cost of crores, by a consultant brought in from Europe, who may have little idea of the ground realities in Goa. It would appear that at no stage is the views citizens and local experts of whom there are quite a few, including Edgar Ribeiro, at one time the chief town planner of Goa, and subsequently the chief town planner of India in New Delhi, and who is also a resident of Panaji, taken on board and into account. A master plan for the prevention of flooding of Panaji should have been a part of the Smart City project so that all excavations could be dove tailed and done and done once and for all.
Rosario Menezes, Vasco
Lives on the line
After the Balasore train accident in Odisha, Indian Railways has been hit by another major mishap, this time collision between a goods train and the Kanchanjungha express in West Bengal has claimed many lives. Early reports attributed the accident to signal overshooting by the freight train loco pilot though latest reports have said he was authorised to pass all signals due to defective signal system since early morning. Railways modernisation without safety measures will come to naught. The Railways Minister must let the country know whether or not his ministry is crippled by an acute fund crunch. That’s because not many trains seem to have been covered by the Automatic Train Protection System(ATP). There are ample reports of unutilised money for track renewal. There is no excuse for not upgrading tracks and maintaining them. Training of linemen shouldn’t lax. Indian railway stations and station masters badly need a refresher course. Besides, overhaul of coaches cannot be stressed more. Every express train should possess the anti-climbing Vistadome Linke Hofmann Busch (LHB) coaches that prevent piling up of bogies in accidents. Prevention of derailment should be focused upon.
Ganapathi Bhat, Akola
Path-breaking initiative
From being the founder of Microsoft, the foremost IT company in the world, Bill Gates has now ventured into the power sector having founded the starrtup TerraPower which has researched and developed a new generation nuclear power plant that has begun work in Wyoming, United States, a new concept in nuclear power that has been developed from scratch. Instead of using light water for producing steam, this new reactor uses liquid sodium and is going to cost about $15 billion and will generate 345 mega watts of power which will cost the consumer half the price that the present nuclear reactors charge. Due for completion in 2030, Gates believes that at least 10 more such reactors will be built on earth and is quite confident that the figure might become 100 reactors subject to the availability of enriched Uranium as fuel for this reactor. It will be a big achievement if such reactors are built to replace coal-fired plants and to supplement solar power and wind power turbine generation on earth.
Elvidio Miranda, Panaji
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