HERALD MANAGEMENT OPEN LETTER I was a Herald citizen journalist and many of my issues pertaining to Panjim were published and most of them were taken cognizance of by the CCP and the Government and even the Court, thanks to Herald. After that all of a sudden, for reasons not known I was shunted out and most of my complaints for Panjim were not considered or published. I have no issues but many people ask me why I do not write to Herald as they used to appreciate all my letters but now see them very rarely - only once in a month or two months - that too if I am lucky. Today, I decided once again to send some photos to Herald because I read today ( 4th July) the complete story of Miramar - Dona Paula upto Raj Bhavan which was covered by your good reporter/s. I have still hopes that my contribution to Herald will be appreciated and considered by the Management. Let me give two set of complaints which may be taken up one by one at the discretion of Editor. In case it is not published in the Citizen journalist page then I will seek other newspapers help, as I am very much active for Panjim woes as I am a watch dog similar to the watchdogs watching over the GF alliance with the BJP. ==================================================================== APPROVED CCP FOOTPATHS GADDAS A NUISANCE
CCP has been telling the Panjimites that some Gaddas are approved and were allowed to stand in Miramar area or designated places but what we see is that they are on the footpaths at Miramar, and a number of vehicles park on the roads with two or three laning. Also I happened to see a number of gaddas (I don't know whether they are also approved or not) selling their stuff inside the children park area near Panjim Municipal garden or church square just opposite to Kamat Hotel. In Portuguese times we had a Municipal building there which was later razed. Also one single migrant gadda is permanently seen at the Caranzalem garden footpath, whereas some gaddas in Caranzalem and Dona Paula owned by Goans were not allowed. Such discrimination should not be permitted. Photos are attached ==================================================================== SLABS FOR GUTTERS ARE INADEQUATE I have seen number of covers/slabs which are fitted for gutters in Panjim to ensure that any plastic material, dirt or mud does not enter into the gutters. Unfortunately these are not adequate in design. The photos show that there are varieties in design from the engineering point of view. These need to redesigned so that the Mayor and MLA does not have to waste their time supervising the work. (I keep looking photos of them in the newspapers supervising this work) The gaps are so wide in some places that I have seen tourists stuffing things into them. Also mosquitoes are breeding and spreading. This is a malaria/dengue hazard. Health authorities are not paying attention. Every three months in a year I feel that the CCP has to open up these slabs which currently are very heavy and make it a difficult task for the workers. Lots of expenses are incurred for the purpose. To avoid such wastage of funds, the civil engineering experts must study and find out some solution so that Panjim is kept clean. Please see the photos of variety of slabs/covers. Stephen Dias Dona Paula / Panjim resident Date 4th July 2017 Note: Herald is free to Edit if required.