Dear Sir,
This has reference to the many reports, photos and views that are being
expressed in the media. Keeping in mind that history has a bad habit of
repeating itself, I now wish to express my views with a hope that it may
help to serve as a warning.
The Date - 3rd December 1901; The Time - Morning; Passenger Boat (Vafor) -
GOA; Route - Verem Jetty to Old Goa via Panjim in River Mandovi; Number of
persons on board - Approx. 160 persons; Destination - Feast of St. Francis
Xavier;
A sudden storm and the boat capsized, drowning 81 persons in the River
Mandovi. The Ferry Cross at the Panaji side, erected by the Goans in Aden in
1903, is a silent reminder of this tragedy. Coincidently, I now read that
there was a casino boat named 'Pride of Goa' and saw a boat 'Goa' anchored
in the River Mandovi. It is to be noted that at that time, in 1901, there
were no fast moving and heavily loaded boats as are seen moored or moving
now.
Just like we have traffic chaos in Panaji City created due to the careless
attitudes of people in power and by those flaunting their wealth, we the
Goans should be prepared to interpret the dark clouds gathering over River
Mandovi and expect such above mentioned tragedies as may strike due to the
uncensored & increased promotion of Casino crafts to float, in a short span
of the River Mandovi. One can safely identify this span as the 18th June
Road of River Mandovi.
It is really not understood by many people as to what is the meaning of
"Off-Shore Casinos". Literally & legally speaking, floating Casino Boats are
not technically "off-Shore"; they are "Off-Bank", as they off the bank of
River Mandovi.
If this is related to the legal battle of a prominent five star hotel in
Panaji, they said that they were not violating the '500 mtrs off-the shore'
line construction policy, as they were situated on the 'banks of a river'.
It is understood that the Hon. Court accepted this argument.
If this is remotely correct, then are there two sets of laws for "Off-Shore"
& "On the River Banks'? Is it not that this Casino's are expected to be Off
the Shores of Goa and not just floating (or anchored) in rivers? It is
sincerely wanting of those people who are aware of the Law to align
themselves with the interest of Goa State, and to rise up and strengthen the
hands with those pitting themselves against the vested people.
A FACT - Goa administration is not in a position to save lives of people
staying in buildings 5 storey & above. Would they be in a position to stop a
repeat of 3rd December 1901? Hundreds of innocents have drowned along the
105 km long Goan shoreline do we want a hundred to die in River Mandovi?
Remember that those on board these casino's are mostly up to their nose in
alcohol.
It is no point in trying to hide our head in the soil, like the ostrich, to
fool ourselves that the problem will erase itself. If we don't act now, let
us be prepared to share the responsibility.
I am just another citizen who hopes that these written words will stir the
emotions of another few, and help them to take a stand. I sincerely hope
that you will convey them to your Goan readers.
Thanking you
Yours sincerely
-sd
Sanjeev V Sardesai
E05, St. Francis Colony,
Cabesa, St. Cruz,
Goa 403005
