Agacaim Bypass Needs Rumblers  
The horrific accident on the Goa-Velha-Agacaim bypass wherein four youth from Gujarat and the driver of the taxi they were travelling in lost their lives once again brings to the fore the danger associated with this particular road. As it is a smooth drive along this road, speeding has been the order of the day.

There are no road signs depicting the speed limit the vehicles which move along this bypass have to maintain. Several stalls selling vegetables and tender coconuts have come up by the roadside. Here cars park along the side to make the purchases thereby inviting danger by way of another vehicle moving at full speed dashing against them. The authorities need to put up a few speed-breakers/rumblers on this stretch of the road so that the vehicles do not speed which can lead to accidents. One seldom sees traffic police along the road here. Speed-meters need to be used by the authorities to keep a check on the speed at which vehicles move here which at times could be in excess of 100 km/hr. If remedial steps are not taken more such fatal accidents are bound to take place along this bypass.
ADELMO FERNANDES, Vasco

Stricter Checks on Foreign Tourists
This is with reference to the news item ‘Eduardo wants temporary landing facility stopped’ (NT Aug 15). The former NRI commissioner, Mr Eduardo Faleiro’s recent statement that foreign tourists holidaying on Goa’s northern coastal beaches are a bane to the Goan society because of their anti-social activities and indulgence in illicit drug trade, prostitution and human trafficking, calls for immediate action by the Goa government. Even more damning to the reputation of Goa tourism department is the shocking revelation that Israelis are in control of the drug trade in Vagator, Morjim controlled by the Russians and Calangute-Candolim by the Nigerians. Yet nothing is being done to stop this proliferating illegal trade. While it is almost impossible to restrict the entry of foreign tourists on the basis of their past record and antecedents, the Goa police can surely be more vigilant by keeping a close watch on the movements and criminal activities of these tourists. Even if this was not done in the past, why can’t it be done now? Mr Faleiro’s call for a stop to the temporary landing facility for foreign tourists, therefore, needs to be taken seriously if the present facility is being abused to overstay in the country illegally.
A F NAZARETH, Alto Porvorim

Appointment of IAS/IPS Officers
It appears that the state government has yet again entered into a confrontation with the Centre, in particular, with the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) on the appointment of IAS and IPS officers. Needless to say that all that the state government should expect is able administrators who will run the affairs of the state efficiently. How does it matter that these officers should have the nod of the local government, in particular of the Chief Minister? It is obvious that the political outfit wants a brand shaped by them so that they may be made to dance at their tunes. In a small state like Goa wherein we observe that even the peons, sweepers and hamals enjoy political patronage, only an independent class of officers neutral to the politicians could prove to be a blessing for the welfare of the state. It is unfortunate that the new government seems to be hell-bent on being at variance with the Centre for reasons best known to it. Such perpetual confrontation can only do more harm than good.
MICHAEL VAZ, Merces

India’s Below Par Show at Olympics
The Indian contingent for Olympics 2012, London, has much to cheer about! A record haul of medals at the games this year has ensured that a “Gold” rush awaits the winners back home. With the brand image of medal winners all set to scale a new high, they can rest assured that their individual efforts will see them rake in substantial moolah by way of endorsements. Thank God! At least for once the focus has shifted from the cricketing pitches in the country which throws up a megastar every other day! We are the second most populous country in the world. Yet our medal striking rate has not at all been impressive when the number of medals won relative to each country’s population is made the gauging scale of performances. Our six medals would thus mean that our Olympic ‘booty’ represents just one medal of any type for every 200 million countrymen. What a terrible let down! In comparison many of the smaller countries fared better in the medal tally. Why then do we Indians always perform below par at the Olympic Games? For a nation of 1.2 billion people, why is it so difficult to make a rich haul of medals, and consistently at that, say as the US and China? What gives us the jitters and holds us back from giving our hundred per cent, if not more, at the venue of the greatest games on Earth? There is a misconception that racial superiority makes a big difference in the field of sports. Endowed with strong physique and stamina, it is said that the Europeans always outshine the Asians. Then how is it that over the years China has proved to be equal, if not better than all the ‘super powers’ of the sporting world put together? It is all about dedication and determination, to make a go for the near impossible, which we Indians lack miserably. It was quite disheartening to note that both the sportspersons and the team management, without exception, never once set their sights on anything more than the bronze medal. Instead of aspiring for a top of the podium honour, even a semi-final qualification was being seen as a convenient settlement for the ‘consolation’ medal. No doubt we would take the top honours for our bleak outlook!
PACHU MENON, MARGAO