In this ongoing devastating spiraling pandemic it is also so awful and very disheartening to see so many homeless persons helplessly sleeping on the streets and pavements around Goa. Their problems only further aggravated in the recent cyclone Tauktae with more suffering in store during the approaching monsoons. Would the government consider setting up night shelters at least in all the cities across the State for these destitute people? Infact as part of the disaster management task there should have been such a contingency plan in place.
In Panaji, that multi-storey car park next to the Mandovi bridge which is lying unutilized for the last so many years could be converted as a shelter for those languishing at night on the streets of the capital city.
If nothing else, at least this kind initiative of the government will be appreciated especially during this pandemic when it is inhumane not to care for these deprived and distressed brethren. Supporting these needy and marginalized people will boost their immunity and health which is so very necessary to fight the virus and reduce the risk of onward transmission.
While we battle this raging pandemic, the emphasis and focus of the Government should at all times be on Care, Concern and Comfort of every citizen not forgetting the poorest of the poor. Just words of comfort for our needy, marginalized and destitute is not enough. It must be through concrete deeds that would bring the much needed succor and solace to these unfortunate brothers and sisters without a shelter in these very trying times.
Nelson Mandela had so very rightly said “Freedom is meaningless if people cannot put food in their stomachs, if they can have no shelter, if illiteracy and disease continue to dog them”.
