|
Accident-Prone Roads
ON National Highway 17, near Aquem electricity office, at the junction where five adjoining roads converge, there is neither a traffic island nor any traffic signal and as such it has become an accident-prone area. Earlier, there was a traffic island at this spot erected by the lions club. This was demolished by the authorities’ a long time ago, but no alternate arrangements were made. A few minor accidents have already taken place at this junction. Maybe the authorities are waiting for a disaster and only hen will they wake up. Similar is the case with the junction at Arlem, near Goa Bottling. This simply reflects the functioning of our departments, who are trying to avail sophisticated equipment for management of traffic, instead of simply improving/maintaining the pathetic conditions of our roads and various junctions.
SAMIR KARMALI, Navelim
Provoking God’s Wrath
THE floods in Goa in the recent past, as well as the imminent threat of an earthquake like in other parts of the world have left one to wonder if God has really been fuming at the state of affairs in Goa and the rest of the world. Though the Bible speaks of the depth and the width of God’s unconditional love, we also see numerous instances in the Bible where he collectively punishes the people when the society is filled with crimes and injustice. It’s up to everyone to probe in her heart to see the occurrence of sin. Lent is a time when God wants to tell mankind how merciful he really is. But that does not mean that we persistently provoke his anger, because he is as Almighty as he is merciful.
XAVIER D’SOUZA, Mapusa
Save the Environment
THIS is in reference to the news item, ‘Promote recycled battery project in Goa: Bakta’ (NT, March 7). I am pleased to know that the Rotary Club wishes to take up this very important project in the interest of the environment. In addition, it is heartening to note that the Rotary Club distributes saplings and promotes eco-friendly colours, etc. There is no need to elaborate the toxic effects of pollution caused by batteries, including dry cells, etc which are simply discarded after they serve their purpose. I hope the Rotary Club will show similar interest in the safe disposal of rubber products, PET bottles and containers, etc that keep accumulating for want of safe disposal practices. To that extent, a lot of damage will be undone to nature and living creatures. I hope the Rotary Club will take up these tasks all over Goa and the country to protect the ecology and the environment.
ANTHONY C MONTEIRO, Bastora
Go Back to Time-Tested Methods
THE Common Admission Test (CAT) for entrance to B-schools was conducted online last year so as to make it easier for the students to take the test. But unfortunately the switch-over brought about even more problems to the students as a result of an attack of a virus. However, the ordeal of those who took the test did not end there. There were glitches in declaring the results. The results which were to be declared on January 22 were postponed so that those students who could not answer earlier could give the test. The results were then postponed to February 15, but further deferred to February 28. Then, the score cards were not available on that day. Given the confusion the online test created and all the tension that built in the minds of the students, it would be in the fitness of things to do away with the online method and go back to the old and time-tested tests on paper.
ADELMO FERNANDES, Vasco
India Pakistan must Fight Terror Together
THIS is with reference to the report of a terrorist attack on an interrogation centre in Lahore that took 12 lives and resulted in injuries to 20 others. The Frankenstein monster that Pakistan has nurtured has viciously turned back on its master leaving behind a trail death and destruction. The way the Taliban choose their targets makes it amply clear that their ire is against the Government of Pakistan and their agencies that once maintained close ties with the terrorists. Taliban’s anger is palpable and has been making itself manifest with regular frequency. However, it is no secret that Pakistan continues to back the groups that are involved in terrorist activities against India. If Pakistan sincerely wants to end the menace, it must cease all anti-Indian operations, disarm and demobilise these groups and enter into negotiations with India for long-term peace in the region. The two countries have enormous opportunities to prosper together. But will Pakistan understand the logic of peace?
RJ KHURANA, Bhopal
|
