All eyes will now be on what happens post April 14th when the current 21- day national lock-down announced by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi ends. In view of the prevailing scenario of the raging pandemic the lock-down may have to continue. After a concerted analysis of the evolving situation the health experts will have to suggest the options forward.
Given the dynamics of our nation, a staggered withdrawal of the lock-down may be difficult to execute. Once that State borders are open monitoring the spread of COVID-19 may be a mission impossible. After this lock-down, for life to return to normalcy may be a very challenging task. With the regular day to day administration of the State having come to a standstill, it’s going to be tough getting the wheels of governance back on track. The temples of justice will have an added pile up to the already existing mountain of cases. But together and with determination we shall overcome this first ever crisis we have had to sadly witness in our lifetime. The expected turmoil and panic that Goa has witnessed over the last few days was due to the unplanned lock-down. The public could have been given a day or two to stock up the essential commodities. Now that normalcy has somewhat returned the authorities have to ensure that the supply of essentials continues uninterrupted with grocery stores open all through the day so that the public can shop at ease while strictly maintaining social distancing and hygiene. It is commendable that in these troubled times many NGO’s, organizations and even individuals have taken up on themselves the social responsibility of reaching food and essentials to those in need and all this charity work has come as a great relief to many. But to ensure that there is no inflating of essential commodity prices any sale must be strictly allowed only through registered grocery stores and supermarkets that have all the required licenses of the trade. It is appalling that some persons and groups are not even sparing this huge crisis to make hay while it lasts. This is horrendous and unacceptable. In this epidemic the selfless Doctors, nurses and the support staff have risen to the occasion and have been angels of hope in battling this virus. While we will all have to wait and see how it all pans out post this deadly pandemic, it is almost certain that a chapter on COVID-19 will find its place in the text book of Social Sciences in the schools. A chapter must also be written in the books of Good Governance and Disaster Management Planning assuming we have one to ensure that in the event of any major pandemic, festival or incident there is less chaos and panic and that the convenience, safety and health of the people is paramount and not compromised in any way. Aires Rodrigues Advocate High Court C/G-2, Shopping Complex Ribandar Retreat, Ribandar – Goa – 403006 Mobile No: 9822684372 Office Tel No: (0832) 2444012 Email: [email protected] Or [email protected] You can also reach me on Facebook.com/ AiresRodrigues Twitter@rodrigues_aires www.airesrodrigues.com
