Joaquim DeSouza wrote: > 1. How can we assist (in any method) to improve communication network i.e. > internet, phones .wifi, wimax in GOA.
Isn't this a governmental initiative with input from the private sector. Can we as GoaNetters influence this process? If so, I would vote to bypass any improvement in analog services in favour of higher bandwidth digital services. Obviously, I don't know if this is already being undertaken in Goa. > 2. How can we set up a system including desalination to guarantee drinking > water in Goa ( forget the wells they are almost all polluted by groundwater > contamination) This is too energy intensive for Goa which has the benefit (for now) of the seasonal recharge of the monsoons. What we really need to push for is a concerted effort to harvest that rainwater before it all gushes into the Arabian sea, taking with it exposed topsoil and eroding valuable agricultural lands. The digging of trenches on the Saligao hill is one example of this simple technology. Reactivating the ancient systems of bandhs and toyems (excuse my spelling) will help hold the water long enough for it to percolate down to the permanent water table. The contamination aspect will have to be dealt with separately. Most of the contamination is from agricultural and garbage sources with very little coming from industry as I understand it. There is definitely a market for consumer level reverse-osmosis/ultraviolet filters which provide continuous potable water without central processing and distribution. > 3. How can we ensure that people who have a motor vehicle > have a valid driving license after doing the driving tests and did not bribe > anyone? Bribery is a way of life in Goa (and, for that matter the rest of India) and I really don't see any resolution to this endemic problem. The rest of the world is not immune to it either, but policing is much more stringent and penalties more severe. It will take an enormous change in mindset to achieve this one :-( > 4. How can we improve the Health response time with ambulances or 24 hour > TRAUMA centre in GOA. The recent implementation of 4 quick response motorcycle first-aid units is a step in that direction. Improvement in the availability of appropriate cardiac care in Goa is one objective of the New Jersey GOA association. A trauma unit would be nice for expats and foreigners and privatizing this service will allow those with the funds to avail of it. But I think a higher priority we need to concentrate efforts on is getting basic health care to ALL Goans which appears to be sorely lacking. > 5. How can we arrest criminals who sell real estate with so called POA ( > Powers of Attorney) and have no legal capacity to convey title. Hire some goondas to break their kneecaps??? ;-) Some other initiative which I think are within the reach of our cybercommunity is reforestation of denuded forests and planting of hardy fast growing shrubs/trees on bare plateaus. Is there any NGO similar to the Forest Conservancy that oversees public lands and their maintenance? Adoption of these lands through a lease program will ensure their continued maintenance. Thinning forested areas can be repopulated with native species or wild fruit trees that will attract native fauna. These will have to be appropriately protected by forest officers. How about each regular contributor on this list coming up with at least one constructive idea. We can then thrash each one in a priority that will be established by an admin member in Goa (Fred comes to mind) until we reach a workable solution. Kevin Saldanha
