To Goanet - The noise from the cruise boats on the Mandovi has become unbearably loud these days. I have been fighting this menace for the last 4 years (along with Wilfred Coutinho), with numerous complaints filed with the Pollution Board, Collector's Office, and the Police.
Yesterday I went to Addl Collector Savant, who sent me to the PI Gaonkar, who in turn pointed me to DySP Banavalikar, from where I was forwarded to the Pollution Board Member-Secretary Kothwale, who closed the loop by bouncing me back to the DySP. Every one knew about the violation but nobody wanted to assume responsibility and stop it. I wish the miserable Goan boat owners every ill in the world, and likewise I wish pox on the houses of all those uncouth Indian visitors who, instead of enjoying the beauty and quiet on the water, demand this ear drum piercing boorishness. The Pollution Board sent out a guy at night (10 pm) to our place to measure the sound level (they have been measuring for the past 4 years). The cruise boats had mysteriously gone silent a little before that. Do I have to spell out what's going on? The same thing happened a couple of years ago when, under pressure from the High Court, the CCP was ordered to appoint a 'Flying Squad' to enforce civic discipline in Panjim. Whenever the FS conducted a sweep, an advance signal would go out to the ghati squatters and hawkers, who would conveniently clear out just-in-time. Then it was back to normal, and the Flying Squad warriors would be seen at night enjoying free bhelpuri at the bhaiyya-run carts, the very people they were supposed to police. On my early morning photo shoots in Panjim, I run into many oldtimers, all of whom lament the state to which the city has degenerated. They speak of the migrants, the coming of bhaiyya culture, the Dillu uncouthness, the general encroachment of India on Goa. But when you politely ask what they have done to combat this Third World-izing of Panjim, they change the subject. That is the typical Goan for you. Empty talker. r
