To Goanet -
The flyer for the Non-Motorized-Zone (NoMoZo) event in Panjim challenges us to imagine the city without cars. I don't have to imagine any such thing. I grew up and lived in a Panjim that was essentially car-free, a pedestrian's delight, and the finest city in India, visually and for its quality of life. That was a Panjim that India had not infected (and let it not be forgotten that the Portuguese gave us this once-great city). This entry is not a criticism of the organizers of NoMoZo. Au contraire. Their initiative is admirable. Their conception of the event needs overhaul. Why does every outdoor space in India today have to be a noisy racket? Have people here completely forgotten what peace and quiet are all about? Have you no sense of what a refined city space looks and sounds like? Look at the abomination on the Mandovi with the cruise boats blaring away. In essence you have duplicated that on the streets. If you get cars off the road, you don't replace them with another tamasha. Last Sunday (Aug 19) I was dodging kids racing by on bicycles while simultaneously ducking out of the way of a misdirected football. The pavements had all manner of other obstructions. In short, one nuisance was replaced by another. To the guys and gals who organize the NoMoZo, please read this and reconsider: LET THE CITY JUST BE! Let it beat to its own natural rhythm. You get the cars off for a few hours - and that should be it! El finito. That's the end of your job. You don't have to plan events, dances, stalls and all that tinselly din. NoMoZo ought to be a NoEventZone as well. You could have a jatra once or twice a year, if you must. But keep the monthly NoMoZo's cacophony-free. Regards, r
