The 99 Goa Daily Vol I : Friday, 14th July 2023
The 12 news which matters the most in Goa, today!
This is the very 1st Edition of “The 99 Goa Daily”!
ENVIRONMENT : No to “Tiger Reserve” in Goa.
Even though, if the argument is taken that Tigers which reside in forest of area are migratory, then spend some time here; so is it not our duty to protect the endangered species, or while they are here, they would be left open at the mercy of “development” and other nefarious activities, going in its’ name?
What is the reason, when it can’t be made a Forest reserve, not only in order to protect the faun, but flora also?
GOVERNMENT : The reason for not declaring Mhadei Cotiago ‘forest complex’ as Tiger Reserve?
Of Course it is plain evident, with the vociferous opposition to the proposal by the State Government of Goa, that this is being done at the behest of crony capitalists, on behalf of which the government led by PRamod Sawant is working.
GARBAGE : The biggest attraction of Goa, the Sonsoddo Garbage dump.
It has been more than a decade, but still no solution to the Sonsoddo garbage dump. This is while the local MLA Digambar Kamat has been a MLA from Margao for years and years.False promises made not only to citizens of Margao, but also to High Court.
GOVERNMENT : Goa Government batting for the GST on Casinos to be reduced to earlier level from announced 28%.
The earlier levels of GST for the Casino and gambling industry were just about 2-3%, which was even lower than 5% imposed on food items. The new rates shall bring in more than Rs.20,000 Crores additional revenue to Government of India; from which the State of Goa, gets it’s due share.
Higher revenue, would mean, more resources for the citizens of Goa ie if effectively employed, then why the Minister is taking the sides of the industry? Anyone’s idea!
CITIZEN’S VOICE : Rs.154 Crores granted as Ex-Facto approval for G20 Summit works.
There could not be a better way to promote corruption and crony capitalism. Contracts are awarded without any procedure to the favourable parties, and once the kick-back is received, then payments are released ex-facto.
PANCHAYAT: Anjuna Panchayat admits, there are 275 illegal structures in the “No Development Zone” but silent on how they came up in the first place?
Anjuna, which was once the “Hippie” destination, and brought forward the tourism in the state to the fore, is now, totally commercialised and gutted by the greed of the locals, led by its Panchayat members.
How can 275 illegal structures come into being, without the tacit and implicit approval of the Panchayat and it’s members? And despite strictures, Panchayat is taking a “Go Slow” approach?
STRAY CATTLE MENACE : Santacruz Panchayat starts impounding stray cattle.
This is a very welcome move by Santacruz Panchayat. Entire Goa is riddled by stray cattle menace, endangering the lives of both motorists, and the bovines themselves.
All the other Panchayats in the state should act on this manner.
DEVELOPMENT? : Now Open spaces in Goa would also be snatched away, in the name of development.
What entices the tourists is the vast green expanse in Goa, which gives them a respite from the claustrophobic concrete jungles of the city.
While a few remaining spaces, where construction cannot be permitted remain, they are also being now on the verge of construction of some or other structure, at the name of development.
PUBLIC UTILITY : People freely using domestic electric connections for commercial use.
Small restaurants, Cafes, Guest Houses and Shacks lined across Goa re the main culprits, for the loss making “Electricity Department”.
While it is a billion dollar question, why it is not being made a public corporation in order to increase it’s efficacy and efficiency?
GOA POLICE : The woman protested, but the accused still assaulted; then why she did not complain immediately?
Goa Police wants us to believe that “Survivor” was OK, with the assault, till she got pregnant?
All this while duration, why did not sh e approached Police? Such an absurd alibi.
UNSAFE ROADS : 2 fatalities yesterday on the roads of Goa.
FOOD FOR THOUGHT : Are you willing to brave severe floods at the cost of development?
Answer this, after watching the video clips of Himachal Pradesh, Delhi, Punjab floods.
