Hi everyone,
I have attached a letter which we have written to the Mayor, with copies
to the MLA Parrikar, as well as PWD, Charles Correa Foundation, GHAG,
etc. It will fill you in on the facts of the proposed high-mast
illumination in the Post Office area. Below is the text of the letter
which Mr. Percival Noronha of Indian Heritage Society very promptly sent
off as well, as soon as he heard about this.
GHAG (Goa Heritage Action Group) has just written their protest as well.
Allow me here to summarise here at least seven points on why we are
objecting to this:
1. If illumination of the area is an issue, there is already existing
infrastructure in place in the form of lamp-posts and streetlights. It
would be far more economical and sensible to repair and maintain what is
already in place. This would provide more than adequate illumination for
the area. There are several streetlights which function erratically, or
have bulbs missing and these issues need to be addressed rather than
focusing energy on a high-mast installation. We agree that illumination
of the area has to be improved, but not by a high-mast installation.
Kindly improve and maintain the existing infrastructure.
2. All over the world, there are attempts being made to curb light
pollution and such a light installation would be totally against this
concept.
3. In a historic, heritage conservation area such as the Post Office and
Sao Tome area, such an installation would be totally in conflict with
the aesthetic of the place and would irreversibly damage its character.
4. It is a well documented fact that in a residential area, high power
illumination can lead to health problems such as disturbed circadian
rhythms, disruption to sleep patterns, insomnia and increased stress and
anxiety levels.
5. We would like to know if any feasibility study or environmental
impact assessment study was done, or which panel of experts was
consulted prior to taking the decision to erect the high-mast installation.
6. There will be duplication of energy resources due the illumination of
the same area by the high-mast installation as well as the existing
streetlights.
7. The proposed site for the high-mast installation will encroach on
precious parking space in a prime location of the city. There is already
a huge problem in the locality due to paucity of parking space and there
is regular traffic chaos, which will be worsened if one or two more
spaces are obliterated due to the erection of the high-mast installation. "
If you too are of the view that this high-mast illumination is a bad
idea in a historic, heritage conservation, residential area, it would
help matters greatly if you could write in as well. The MLA has put
forth the argument that some people want it.
Time is of the essence as they are very keen to erect it ASAP. We were
able to persuade them not to do it on Saturday, but might not be able to
stave them off for much longer, without a show of popular sentiment
against it.
Best wishes,
Luis
_____________________________
Dr. Luis Francisco Dias
Casa da Moeda
Near Head Post Office
Panaji, Goa - 403001
INDIA
Tel: (+91) 9011051950
http://luisdias.wordpress.com
http://www.childsplayindia.org
-
Mr.Yatin Parekh,
Mayor,
Corporation of the City of Panaji
Sub: - Objection to proposed high-mast installation at the Post Office
Square, Panjim
Kindly refer to the letter addressed to you by Dr. Luis Dias, resident
of Casa da Moeda, near the Head Post Office, Panjim regarding his
objection to the proposed high-mast installation at the Post Office Square.
Our Society fully agrees with the views expressed by Dr. Dias. The Post
Office Square is in fact a small triangular patch of land wrongly named
as square. The existing illumination needs only a watchful attendance
whenever there is any light failure.
We in Panjim have enough pollution by way of garbage, open gutters
stinking and due to lack of proper sweeping of streets etc.
We, earnestly hope that better sense will prevail and the small square
will be spared from light pollution.
Thanking you
Yours sincerely,
Percival Noronha
Secretary,
Indian Heritage Society
(Goa Chapter)
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