Utilise renewable,sustainable energy
The hike in power tariffs by 3.5 per cent has come in for sharp criticism, with the Opposition parties demanding immediate roll-back of the revised tariffs. It is learnt that the Joint Electricity Regulatory Commission (JERC) has approved an average tariff hike of 3.5 per cent to further reduce the reliance of the Electricity Department on budgetary support from the government.
The electricity department is reportedly yet to recover a huge amount from industrial and government consumers. Hence it does not seem proper for the common consumers to be burdened with additional cost. Be that as it may, because of the shortfall in electricity and hesitancy by people to use solar plants, Goa is considered by experts to be in an ideal position to harness wind energy. In modern wind turbines, wind rotates the rotor blades, which convert kinetic energy into rotational energy. This rotational energy is transferred to the generator, thereby producing electrical energy.
Considering Goa’s 105 km long coastline there are several suitable sites for wind turbine farms. Goa now has North Goa MP Shripad Naik as Minister of State in the Ministry of Power and New and Renewable Energy. This should make it all the more easy for Goa to harness wind energy as renewable energy. Goa should explore the feasibility of wind farms, both onshore and offshore while hybrid solar-wind farms could be encouraged. These measures to utilize renewable and sustainable energies could help further Goa’s vision of having green tourism and minimize its reliance on other states for power.
Adelmo Fernandes, Vasco
Conduct surprise checks in all govt departments
The Kadamba Transport Corporation (KTC) has reportedly suspended seven drivers for driving their buses under the influence of alcohol whilst on duty and for posing a risk to the safety of passengers and other road-users as well.
It is not just the KTC drivers but the employees of some government departments too who are seen drunk on duty and unfortunately, the higher officers tolerate their misbehaviour and hardly initiate action.
The government should take serious note of the such misconduct, conduct surprise checks and initiate stringent action against all those found drunk on duty inorder to serve as a deterrent against such employees.
Jerry Fernandes, Saligao
Sorry state of Pak cricket stands exposed
Except for the late 80s and early 90s, Pakistan cricket team never presented a picture of a happy and united dressing room except during the tenure of the irrepressible Imran Khan. Imran, of course, was a towering personality, a father figure and almost a demi--god for cricketers of that generation. After he hung up his boots, Pakistan cricket was never the same again.
Although skipper Wasim Akram carried the team to the final of the 1999 ODI World Cup, team infighting has turned from bad to worse. Pakistan head coach Gary Kirsten has lamented about the lack of unity in the team after its early exit from the ongoing T20 World Cup.
Kirsten’s remark that he has not seen such situation in any team as a coach, underscores the mess the team is in. Under Babar Azam, Pakistan has looked totally out of sorts so much so that its on--field performance is almost predictable nowadays.
However, what has shocked the game’s connoisseurs is the coach’s take on the present Pakistan team as lagging “ far—behind” the skill levels compared to rest of the world.
Those who know cricket will vouch for the fact that the cricketing talent in Pakistan is second to no other country. Therefore, Kirsten's comment is a damning indictment of the Pakistan cricket board and its selectors.
Ganapathi Bhat, Akola