The annual carnival parade held by the Department of Tourism, Goa was cancelled due to the tragic incident that occurred at Calvim-Aldona. Indeed it was very sad and it was a day to mark respect to the departed tragic victims. But the unusual thing that surprised everyone was that even the Carnival parades for the following three days were cancelled. Agreed that on the first day it was essential in order to show some respect to the deceased, but then canceling the carnival entirely makes no sense . There were people from all over the country and foreigners who had travelled all the way to witness this year’s celebrations; they had to go back dejected. Apart from them were the people who had prepared the floats slowly for over a month . They were heartbroken because the Government did not attempt to compensate their hard work and money spent –they thus had to suffer much loss. Our Chief Minister played a major role in demanding the cancellation of the carnival entirely. What he should have done is offer the parents and relatives of the deceased more than the meagre Rs 2 lakh. Had the BJP government taken a similar decision ,Mr.Kamat and his associates would have been the first to point out that they are being communal given that the Carnival is mainly a Catholic festival.
Elesbaan Pereira, Quepem
Irresponsible government
The Aldona-Calvim tragedy is one more unaccountable resultant saga of our electoral politics. The Government’s big disaster management plans cannot handle a small disaster, like many others waiting to happen! Why are unfit buses permitted run? The under qualified driver doesn’t seem to have been trained to handle emergencies or in the usage of hand brake or when to switch to lower gear. Will the RTO be penalized and will heads roll? Will such buses and drivers be taken off the road?, For this to happen, good governance and less corruption is necessary. In Goa there is barely any governance and action is taken only after calamities happen. Accidents and disasters have ruined so many lives and paying monetary compensation after the preventable event does not absolve the government which is squarely responsible. There is no accountability and they do not suffer at all! We have a chance to change government by being unselfish and less greedy and voting for the right candidate.
John Eric Gomes, Porvorim
Mobile talk
This refers to the report ‘Not brake failure, but plain human negligence’ (Herald, February 21, 2012). In view of the RTO report on the Calvim bus tragedy which stated that the driver/owner Rajesh Naik was not at the wheel and the bus was driven by the conductor who was simultaneously talking on the mobile.
Will the RTO or the traffic cops open their eyes and stop the menace of talking on mobiles while moving on wheels? This has happened not only in the recent bus tragedy at Calvim. Many such cases have been reported in the past about drivers found talking on the mobiles and the RTO, nor have the traffic cops taken the complaints filed, seriously. There should be a complete ban for the use of mobiles while driving/riding. The fine amount for the defaulter should be more than Rs.5000 if caught in action.
Marcos Alemao, via email
Illegal mining activities
The collapse of the bridge with five iron ore laden trucks at Kodli Dabal in Dharbhandora taluka at Sesa Goa mines is another typical example of unorganised and illegal activities of mining in Goa. During the last one year Goa has witnessed four disastrous cases due to unorganised mining- at the Fomento Cuddegal mine in Sanguem taluka where the tailing pit the of mine collapsed due to negligence and three lives were lost. There were two more incidents in Bichoim taluka where the mining bund collapsed and flooding ensued with the villages and its vegetation being destroyed. The latest example is the collapse of the private mining bridge which was built on Dudsagar river at Kodli . It is surprising that a private metal bridge was in operation for last four years on Dudsagar River, built by a mining company. I suspect that this bridge is possibly a illegal one and it is pertinent to know whether the government machinery was aware of existence of this bridge. An important question that needs to be asked is whether or not a mining company can build a private bridge on river? I expect environment and mining department will investigate the matter and take strict action on those responsible for this incident.
Sanjay P Sawant Dessai, Curchorem
NCTC: no value?
The idea of forming a National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC) is indeed a necessity of the times, particularly keeping in view of the expanded opportunities for transactional organized crime groups, warlords and terrorists. However, the Central Government, especially the Home Minister, who seems to be not under the control of the Prime Minister, in his arrogance has messed up the implementation process of this national need. The Home Minister appears to have forgotten or has over looked the constitutional and sentimental aspects of federalism. In all fairness, these vital issues should have been discussed in Parliament. Further, the matter could have also been raised at the chief ministers’ meeting. The government could have even put the subject for public discussions so that weighty opinions and suggestions could have been gathered from competent citizens. It is unfortunate that the matter has been projected in such a way that it is sought to be thrust down the throat of well meaning citizens, who are now helpless and left to only express apprehensions and fears. Finally the national importance of NCTC has been lost and is now being discussed as an encroachment on federalism.
