Goa Benaulim News

Bypass issue: Benaulim locals point out flaws in WRD report
Navhind Times | 1 week ago
Navhind Times
1 week ago

Staff ReporterMargaoA delegation of villagers, including the Benaulim MLA, on Wednesday met and discussed the issue of the Western Bypass with the executive engineer of the Water Resources Department (WRD) and called for a consultant to prepare a report on the flood fears.The delegation consisted of members of a specially formed committee of villagers to assist the panchayat, MLA Venzy Viegas and panch members who met WRD executive engineer Ankush Gaunker.During the discussion, the delegation pointed out flaws in the department’s report based on which the ten-member NGT committee did not recommend stilts for the bypass stretch in Benaulim.Among the several flaws, Viegas said there was a difference in the value of the average rainfall intensity. “The average intensity of rainfall which was calculated in the WRD report was 10 mm per hour. However, in another report by the WRD itself, the value was kept at 12 mm per hour for the same area. It means there are two reports for the same area showing different values. The report uses non-reliable values. We will document the discussion of today’s meeting and move ahead with the demand for stilts,” he said.The NGT committee, which included representatives of the GCZMA, PWD, GSBB, GSPCB, WRD and the Deputy Collector (South), had rejected the idea of having the entire 2.75-kilometre stretch between Seraulim and Benaulim on stilts.It has only agreed to 0.98-km stretch of the 2.75 kms between Seraulim and Mungul to be an elevated road. Based on calculations by the PWD and WRD, the NGT panel had stated that an elevated structure for the entire stretch would not make much change to the water retention height but that it would lead to an escalation of cost.Viegas after Wednesday’s meeting however said that the calculations and topography maps that were prepared for the NGT committee were not done properly.“The study report says there would not be flooding if it was filled with mud. The topography map was marked using a manual method with a pencil and the calculations were based on this method. This is not the correct way of doing this especially since it is regarding people’s lives,” he said.He added, “A consultant must be appointed to generate proper values using digital means. This report has to be done again with the help of an approved consultant.”Gaunker, however, said it was the department’s call to make any changes. “During our meeting today, we discussed the Western Bypass issue with the MLA and others and explained the way we worked out the study. The values and calculations used as well as other aspects of flooding in the area were also explained. We had already submitted the study which was approved and given to the NGT committee. If there is any change, it has to be the department to take the final call,” he said.

Bypass issue: Benaulim locals point out flaws in WRD report
Two persons acquitted in murder case
Times of India | 1 week ago
Times of India
1 week ago

Colva: Principal district and sessions Judge, South Goa, Irshad Agha acquitted two accused for murder, granting them a benefit of doubt. The duo — Basilio Rato from Benaulim and Xavier D’Souza from Navelim — of murdering a tourist, Madan J, from Tamil Nadu, in 2013. Madan had gone to a restaurant at Colva at midnight with a friend where the accused, who worked as security bouncers, in a bid to drive them away, had allegedly assaulted them with a wooden stick and a sharp weapon. The accused were arrested two days later. Rato had escaped from custody two days after he was arrested, but was nabbed in April 2014.

Two persons acquitted in murder case
Western Bypass issue discussed at Benaulim gram sabha
Navhind Times | 2 weeks ago
Navhind Times
2 weeks ago

Staff ReporterMargaoThe village of Benaulim during an extraordinary gram sabha held on Thursday adopted multiple resolutions on two of its burning issues: the western bypass and the release of effluent treated sewage water into the River Sal.Villagers took to discuss both issues in the presence of the 11 panch members including the sarpanch and deputy sarpanch, village panchayat secretary, local MLA Venzy Viegas and ZP member Hanzel Fernandes.On the issue of the demand for the western bypass passing through Benaulim to be on stilts, after discussions, resolutions were taken to hire a hydrologist to study the low lying, field areas where the bypass will be passing through as well as to form a special committee consisting of panch members and locals to assist the panchayat and to keep the people informed of developments in the case.Citing the report of the ten member NGT committee which recommended stilts for the Seraulim- Mungul stretch but not for Benaulim, discussions were held and decision was taken to show concerned departments including the WRD that its calculations showing no significant rise in water level in the village was flawed.Speaking to the villagers, Viegas also added that he would provide assistance from his side. “In addition to the hydrological study and the committee, I will also work to holding meetings with the WRD, PWD and other departments as well as with the Chief Minister and other department ministers to present the demands of the people,” he said.It was also decided to take up the demand for stilts to the Prime Minister’s Office and the Union Minister for Transport by means of a signature campaign with the aim to collect and submit at least 10,000 signatures including adults and children.On the issue of the laying and release of effluent treatment pipeline from the Colva STP to be released into the River Sal at Benaulim, gram sabha members made a unanimous call to oppose the idea in totality. While there were suggestions to keep a check on the quality of the water being released, Viegas said, “The main aim is to make sure that the water does not get discharged at all in the River Sal or in any water body. I have already given written suggestions to the department to come up with alternative means to use the treated water instead of releasing it into the river. We will now have to look for a new advocate and stress on the fact that this water cannot be released in the river,” he said.

Western Bypass issue discussed at Benaulim gram sabha
Salcete coastal belt taxi drivers meet DySP with Benaulim MLA
Navhind Times | 2 weeks ago
Navhind Times
2 weeks ago

Staff ReporterMargaoTaxi drivers associated with hotels and resorts along the coastal belt of Salcete met with the DySP along with the local MLA to give a representation against the practice of Goa Miles vehicles collectinghotel guests.Benaulim MLA Venzy Viegas, speaking to media persons after meeting with the DySP said the issue had been causing problems for local taxi drivers who depend on fares from guests at hotels and resorts.“The issue of Goa Miles is still a problem because they come to drop the guest outside the hotel and then wait outside to get another fare. This is being done illegally and had been going on for a while and has started again. Today we spoke with the DySP and the team of police from Colva police station and the traffic cell. We are now putting an application asking for a stop to this practice.We don’t want a law and order situation and we wanted the police to be aware of what is happening illegally. We don’t want Goa Miles to come and take the businessfrom the local taxi drivers. We will not remain quiet but we will take the legal course to ensure we protect the livelihood of the taxi drivers,”said Viegas.A local taxi driver Chuntan Vernekar added, “We will follow and will be with the MLA, we don’t’ want any problem but we want a stop to this practice of pick-up system by the Goa Miles. This sort of pick-up system from the coastal area of Benaulim constituency is not acceptable. The village taxi people are facing problems and will not tolerate any more illegalities like this.”

Salcete coastal belt taxi drivers meet DySP with Benaulim MLA
Power knocked out for hours after another night of rain, winds
Times of India | 2 weeks ago
Times of India
2 weeks ago

Panaji/Bicholim: Thursday night’s thundershowers, accompanied by heavy winds, brought down trees which fell on power lines, roads and houses. Several areas in North Goa suffered power interruptions. It took around 12 hours and more to restore power in some areas. “Most of the work was carried out at night and the rest was completed on Friday morning. There were many cases of trees and branches touching the lines and falling on lines and bringing down poles,” an electricity department engineer said. Students at the GMC girls’ hostel took to Twitter to complain about power outages for 18 hours and more, stating that they were struggling to prepare for their examinations the next day. Chief electrical engineer Stephen Fernandes told TOI that most areas which still have overhead lines were affected and will continue to be affected by the cyclonic rains. “Please implement underground electricity cabling in Mapusa. It is the dire need of this city. Almost every thunderstorm causes a blackout in the city…” a consumer tweeted, tagging the power minister and Goa chief minister. Coconut trees fell on houses near Maria Hall in Benaulim and at Kharebhand, Margao. Fire services reported no casualties. “Areas in Colva, Varca, Benaulim, Sanquelim, Valpoi, Vasco and Cortalim were affected. These are not normal rains but cyclonic rains too,” he said. Around a dozen poles fell on Thursday evening, he said. The electricity department’s 24x7 helpline 1912 and 2490800 were unavailable to consumers for hours, with the department attributing the problem to the BSNL line getting affected. Consumers then took their frustration to Twitter where the department’s official handle has been providing regular updates on power restoration work. “@GoaElectricity no Electricity in Vagator feo@ last 14 hours. Please help,” one consumer tweeted. However, NetflixIndia’s Twitter handle complimented the department’s efforts to keep consumers informed over Twitter. “Sending love to the @GoaElectricity admin. Your honest tweets lit up our day. Heart. A true Power Ranger”. The department stated that there was delay in restoring power as it received many fuse-off calls due to conductors snapping and staff was spread out at different locations trying to sort out multiple issues. Trees and branches fell on low tension lines at Nirankal, on Sesa Goa feeder at Vasco, at Bambolim. To a consumer’s suggestion that the health of wayside trees be checked periodically and roots be strengthened to stop such disasters, the department replied that the department concerned and house owner should ensure this. Agriculture in areas like Amona Kudne, Mayem, Mulgaon, Shirgaon, Navelim, Pale and surrounding areas were severely affected due to the rain. Subhash Malik, a farmer, said they have suffered huge losses and are worried as the ready crops have been destroyed.

Power knocked out for hours after another night of rain, winds
Viegas: Need doctors 24x7 at Benaulim
Times of India | 3 weeks ago
Times of India
3 weeks ago

Colva: Benaulim MLA Venzy Viegas on Tuesday demanded the presence of doctors round-the-clock at the health two sub-centres in his constituency. He made the demand during a visit to his office by Dr Geeta Kakodkar, director of health services, and Dr Rajnanda Desai, officer on special duty to health minister Vishwajit Rane. The two officers were meeting Viegas to discuss improvement and upgradation of the health infrastructure in the constituency. The medical team along with the MLA also visited the health sub-centres at Benaulim and Carmona. During his interaction with Kakodkar and Desai, Viegas made suggestions to improve the quality of treatment.

Viegas: Need doctors 24x7 at Benaulim
Plan for floating jetty at Benaulim draws ire
Navhind Times | 3 weeks ago
Navhind Times
3 weeks ago

Staff ReporterMargaoFishermen have raised objection to the plan to set up a floating jetty at the Benaulim beach “as it will be detrimental” to the sources of livelihood of the people involved in traditional occupations in the area including shack owners, taxi drivers and water sports operators.Earlier last week, fishermen operating off the Benaulim-Vadi beach were surprised to find CRZ officials along with representatives of the Drishti company inspecting and demarcating an area on the beach.“We are traditional fishermen operating along this entire beach stretch. Drishti company along with CRZ officials came to inspect and marked the area to have a floating jetty. The plan is to ferry guests who land directly at the Vasco airport to the coastal belt via Baina beach. For this they want to build a jetty, but it will be bad for all the people on the coastal stretch who are doing traditional occupations,” said fisherman Pele Fernandes.He further said that taxi drivers who are already facing issues will be completely destroyed if hotels use the floating jetty to ferry guests instead of their vehicles. Similarly, he said, traditional fishermen or ramponkars will have little to no space to catch fish in the sea, park their boats or even dry their nets.“We want the tourism minister and the chief minister to scrap this plan, if not we will take to the streets along with the taxi drivers, fishermen, shack owners and water sports to oppose it,” said Fernandes.Foreign tourists visiting the beach also said a floating jetty would go against the touristic experience they currently come to the state for.“There is so much tradition and authenticity here in Goa and it is in itself an asset. These are things that are still nice to see and have to be maintained. We like the typical authentic way of life and we love to live among the traditional fishermen. The jetty will destroy all this authentic life,” said a Brazilian tourist visiting the beach.

Plan for floating jetty at Benaulim draws ire
The rhythm of Goa
Navhind Times | 3 weeks ago
Navhind Times
3 weeks ago

The Heritage Home Concert series by Sounds from Goa endeavours to give you an intimate feel of Goa’s music, dance, and Indo- Portuguese culture at the palatial Solar Loiola Pereira in BenaulimCHRISTINE MACHADO | NT BUZZThere is something about the music of one’s homeland that feels like being enveloped in a warm hug. Indeed, no matter where one is, this music never fails to bring joy.Now imagine listening to this melodious music live in a grand old Goan mansion while snacking on authentic Goan eats and beverages. This is what the Heritage Home Concert series by Sounds from Goa is all about.Produced by Schubert Fernandes and Omar de Loiola Pereira, the first concert in this series was held on April 9 and saw music by the group Entre Nos consisting of Pereira (vocals and acoustic guitar), Selwyn Menezes (violin/ mandolin), and Nadia Rebello (vocals) accompanied by Domingos (Tony) Godinho (ghumot). Enlivening the show were dance performances by Marilyn da Veiga and Wonodolf da Costa (Curtorcares) with food by TheGoan Kitchen.The idea for these home concerts, says Pereira, had been brewing in his mind for a while now. “Our family home is a traditional Goan home and most of my rehearsals took place here. I always dreamed one day of transitioning from rehearsals to actual performances in the house,” he says. With the pandemic bringing live music to a halt, Pereira and co began getting requests to do a few online shows. “But instead of doing those from our apartment or a studio, we chose to do it in the hall of the old house. And given that a good part of the repertoire for these shows was in Konkani and Portuguese, this significantly changed the perspective of our online shows,” he says.Pereira sent a video of one of these online shows to Schubert Fernandes to request his help on this idea and this led to the conception of Sounds from Goa. The first project under Sounds from Goa was the #NostalgiaSessions which saw ‘Entre Nos’ performing on much-loved tunes like ‘Cu Cu Ru Cu Cu’ and ‘Marça de Fontainhas’ much to the delight of the viewers of these online shows the world over. The Heritage Home Concerts is the second project. “After the #NostalgiaSessions we began thinking of how we could package folk and traditional music from Goa in a much better way so that it could reach more people. We thought that the best way to consume this music was in a more intimate setting where you don’t only hear the music but you also touch and feel it, where you learn about the history where this music came from and everything else,” says Fernandes, adding that while this kind of concept has perhaps been done before, it has not been done consistently. “So what we have for the heritage home concerts is an element of music, element of dance, an element of cuisine, and an element of a heritage home,” says Fernandes.While the idea is to have these concerts once a week or once in two weeks, for the time being, these will be at the same location, that is, at the Loiola Pereira residence in Benaulim. “We want this location to be on the to-do list for visitors where they can experience folk and traditional sound in the best form possible when in Goa,” says Fernandes.“Over the last few years, we have realised that there is a lot of interest from non-Goans in knowing more about our culture. So we are hoping that we can play at least a small part in spreading the celebration of our heritage beyond the geographical borders of Goa,” says Pereira, adding that our heritage is our identity. “My strong belief is that each one of us has to do our part in preserving and celebrating our heritage to the best of our abilities,” says Pereira.But opening up his home for these concerts was no easy decission, he admits. “Welcoming people into our very own private living space was a big step for the family. So everytime we have a concert we have to be conscious and careful as to how much of the house is accessible to others. It’s still a new experience for us, one that we hope to adjust to in the weeks and months ahead,” says Pereira.Going forward, the organisers hope to take these concerts across Goa to other venues. “We might pull in a few more people, add in a few more instruments and expand the repertoire,” says Fernandes. “In future concerts we will also be talking about the culture and heritage in Goa, explaining not only the dance but also the costumes that the dancers wear. We will be talking a little more in detail about each of these folk and traditional songs that you would probably not get on Google,” says Fernandes, adding that they also want to do a lot more including producing a documentary and doing online classes.(The next Heritage Home Concert will be held on April 30, 5 p.m. at Solar Loiola Pereira, Benaulim)

The rhythm of Goa
Kamat, Viegas urge WRD to prevent monsoon flooding
Times of India | 3 weeks ago
Times of India
3 weeks ago

Panaji: Margao and Benaulim MLAs conducted a joint inspection of the Sal along with water resources department (WRD) engineers on Monday. The MLAs asked WRD to take necessary steps to prevent flooding during the monsoon. Margao MLA Digambar Kamat said that the inspection was held prior to the monsoons to ensure that there was no flooding during the rains. “We have asked WRD to dredge some areas, desilt the nullahs on urgent basis and to build retaining walls where existing ones are on the verge of collapse,” he said. “If there’s flooding tomorrow, it will affect Margao, and that’s why we called for this joint inspection. Precautions have to be taken before the monsoons,” Kamat said. Benaulim MLA Venzy Viegas made an “open appeal” to residents to contact their offices if the nullahs aren’t cleared and if there are weeds, mud and water hyacinth which require to be cleaned before the monsoons. “Inform our offices before the monsoons if there’s any work required to be done. The desilting of the Sal has been tendered along with maintenance which has already been paid for, so the maintenance has to be carried out. I appeal to all the people of Benaulim, Varca and other areas to inform us if they find that maintenance is not taking place,” he said. This will not be the first inspection, Viegas said. The whole idea of the inspection is to save the Sal and to ensure that the Comba area doesn’t get flooded during the monsoons. Another issue would be to ensure that sewage doesn’t enter the river, he said.

Kamat, Viegas urge WRD to prevent monsoon flooding
Benaulim pledges to become atmanirbhar
Navhind Times | 3 weeks ago
Navhind Times
3 weeks ago

Theme adopted to preserve villageMargao: In an effort to make it self-sufficient, the village panchayat of Benaulim on Sunday adopted a related theme apart from also deciding to preserve the village for posterity.A special gram was held in Benaulim following directives by the directorate of panchayats to discuss and suggest themes under the United Nations Sustainable Goals to be adopted for the villages in the state.Villagers used the special gram sabha platform to also take up the issues of the Western Bypass and the release of treated sewage into River Sal through a pipeline.A total of nine themes were discussed at the gram sabha, which was chaired by the Benaulim sarpanch Vencila Fernandes and the panchayat secretary Arjun Velip. Other panch members were also present at the meet. After the discussions, three themes were adopted for the village including preserving the village for future generations, making the village self-sufficient and monitoring that the rights for the survival, development and protection of the village reach the full potential.Under the theme of creating a clean future for the children, the release of treated sewage into the River Sal was discussed as a part of the villagers’ demand to stop further destruction of the river. “River Sal has many fish breeding sites. If this water, treated with chemicals, is released into the river, it will affect these fish breeding sites. The treated sewage from the sewage treatment plant should not be discharged into Sal.”“We as well as the panchayat should work to stop this,” said a villager Royla Fernandes, while discussing the issue.She also said that as a part of making the cities and villages sustainable, Benaulim should be made self-sufficient in the field of agriculture and pointed out to the need for demanding that the stretch of the Western Bypass passing through the village be built on stilts.“The area where the bypass is coming up is a wetland. These lands serve as carbon sinks and absorb the heat that is generated. If the low-lying lands are filled with mud and then tar, they will turn into carbon emitters and there will be no wetland to absorb the heat. If the Western Bypass is built on stilts, there will still be heat, but a balance of the heat and the wetland carbon sink will be created,” said Fernandes.Other concerns like making the village self-sufficient by availing various schemes of the government and ensuring that the farmers and fishermen are benefitted were also discussed. Demands were also made to ensure that open spaces are brought under the panchayat control so as to have space for walking, gardens and recreational areas for senior citizens and children.Locals also called for conserving water by using rainwater harvesting methods so as to renew the groundwater table. Demands were also made to protect the low-lying areas that serve as water reservoirs. Suggestions were made at the gram sabha to improve governance and service delivery at the panchayat level through e-governance measures.

Benaulim pledges to become atmanirbhar
HC issues contempt notice to Benaulim sarpanch
Navhind Times | 1 month ago
Navhind Times
1 month ago

Staff ReporterPanaji/MargaoThe High Court of Bombay at Goa slammed the sarpanch of Cana-Benaulim panchayat over a stop-work notice issued to the project of laying of pipeline to connect the Colva sewage treatment plant (STP) to the river Sal.The High Court observed that this STP is in the larger public interest and issued a contempt of court notice to the sarpanch. The High Court has adjourned the hearing to next week.An intervention petition has also been filed in the High Court on the same issue, seeking an order restraining the authorities from discharging the treated sewage from the Colva STP into the river Sal and to consider alternative use for the treated water generated from the STP.The petitioners stated that there was no objection to the STP but the concern was regarding the treated water from the STP that would be discharged into the river Sal which is already polluted.They also stated that villagers of Benaulim, Orlim, Assolna, Varca, Carmona and Cavelossim were dependent on the river for fishing and agricultural activities and if the pollution level increases due to the discharge from the STP pipeline, there would hardly be any fish left in the river which would then cause loss of livelihood to the fishermen of these villages.It was also pointed that instead of laying the pipeline to connect the STP to the river Sal, the treated water could be used for alternative purposes like farming through drip irrigation on agricultural land, landscaping, gardening in hotels and other establishments around Colva and Benaulim beaches, for toilet flushing.Meanwhile, work began on the laying of the pipeline on Wednesday, a day after the panchayat issued a stop-work notice.

HC issues contempt notice to Benaulim sarpanch
Pop into GADDO
Navhind Times | 1 month ago
Navhind Times
1 month ago

GADDO 4.0 will be held on April 24 at Umiya Mercado Mall,Benaulim. NT BUZZ detailsGRISELLE AFONSOGet ready to empty your wallets as GADDO 4.0 returns. Featuring a melee of items right from funky apparel, quirky jewellery, home decor items, and more, the pop up bazaar, which is in its fourth edition promises to be all about fun.Organised by Classy Eventz, the one-day event will be held on April 24 at Umiya Mercado Mall, Benaulim and will also see an array of sumptuous food and live music.“GADDO (kiosk) in common parlance, at least in Goa, denotes a start-up. The idea is to provide a common platform for young budding entrepreneurs besides also providing new platforms to old and established setups,” says Tiburcio Gonsalves, event manager, Classy Eventz, who started this initiative.Gonsalves adds that motivated by the success of the three previous editions, this time around every effort is being made to take the concept to every mall besides other potential event venues to ensure maximum visibility and exposure to new as well as existing brands andentrepreneurs.For some participants, GADDO is a must-do on their calendars. Glitter Magic Store, a brand which sells fashion jewellery and accessories for instance, has been participating in the event right from its inception.“We first exhibited in 2018 and the response was impressive. We are looking forward to a much better experience for the GADDO 4.0,”says Sheryl Barbosa and Karen Lobo, owners of Glitter Magic Store.There are also a lot of entrepreneurs who will be putting up their stalls for the first time and are all excited to promote their brand.“I feel that GADDO is an event where in people can showcase their talents and promote their brand. I am hoping for a good crowd and a good exposure,” says Ida Dmello, a first-time participant.Dmello makes homemade wines and sells it to various places. She also makes pickles and sells it in aid of special children.“The fact that most of the participants in GADDO 4.0 previously participated in the first three editions proves that my humble initiative resonates perfectly with start-ups,” Gonsalves adds.

Pop into GADDO
Benaulim VP issues stop work notices
Navhind Times | 1 month ago
Navhind Times
1 month ago

Staff ReporterMargaoThe Benaulim panchayat on Tuesday issued stop work notices to several state agencies, including the sewage corporation, to halt the work on laying a pipeline for releasing the treated sewage into theSal river.The notices come in the light of the persistent pressure from villagers, who have been demanding a halt to work on the pipeline laying for releasing treated sewage into the already severely polluted Sal.

Benaulim VP issues stop work notices
Benaulim villagers step up their push for Western Bypass on stilts
Navhind Times | 1 month ago
Navhind Times
1 month ago

Signature campaign for the demand gets positive responseMargao: The push for the Western Bypass on stilts has received a shot in the arm as a signature campaign in pursuance of the demand fetched 1,128 signatures in Benaulim.In an effort to step up their demand that the Western Bypass passing through the village be built on stilts, Benaulim villagers collected a total of 1,128 signatures under the campaign to press for a special gram sabha on the issue.A series of meetings were held over the past several weeks to decide on the course of action the village should take over the ambitious infrastructure project, which has been a bone of contention for the villagers.The villagers decided to start a signature campaign to demand a special gram sabha of the panchayat to discuss the push for constructing the bypass on stilts.On Saturday, the campaign received 1,128 signatures, and the list containing them was submitted to the Benaulim panchayat office.It was also decided to prod the panchayat to work on the same line.It is pertinent to note here that the village panchayat had several weeks ago roped in a lawyer to take up the matter in the High Court of Bombay at Goa. The bypass stretch from Mungul to Seraulim has already been approved to be constructed at an elevated level, but the Benaulim stretch has not been. This decision on the Mungul-Seraulim stretch was taken as per the recommendation of the ten-member committee constituted by the National Green Tribunal. The villagers from Benaulim, including farmers, have stressed on the need for the stretch in the village to be built on stilts due to fears of rising water levels and flooding.

Benaulim villagers step up their push for Western Bypass on stilts
Carrying on a legacy of faith
Navhind Times | 1 month ago
Navhind Times
1 month ago

The youth are the present and future of the church. During Holy Week, they have been actively participating in various activities of the churchGRISELLE AFONSODespite the many worldly distractions all around, the Catholic youth in Goa are actively involving themselves with the church. In fact, during the days leading up to Holy Week, churches and chapels in Goa saw a large number of teens and young people lending a helping hand. From the preparation of the liturgy to other arrangements of the Holy Eucharist, different duties were carried out by youngsters.“Our parish youth were given various responsibilities such as helping out with the chair arrangements for Maundy Thursday, Holy Saturday, volunteering during the procession, etc. The youth are a part of the church; they are the future of the parish. It’s better to give them duties so that they get used to various activities of the church and learn to handle things properly in the future,” says Joanira Niasso, a resident of Dramapur.Lent is a season with a lot of traditions, customs, and rituals. Apart from these, a lot of learning too takes place, adds Allson Dias, a resident of Vasco. “I feel it is important to educate the youth about the different aspects of Lent and prepare them to help out in the church in the future.”One can also trust the youth in terms of getting the work done with new and beautiful ideas. Noah Rodrigues, a resident of Chinchinim, believes that the youth have a different and vibrant way of looking at things. “So, when it comes to ideas and discussions regarding the day, they tend to be very expressive and innovative. Whatever the task, the youth are ever ready to do it.”However, sometimes the youth may shy away from helping out in the church. “As youth, sometimes our laziness, fear, or busy schedules hold us back from participating in various church activities. However, when responsibilities are handed to us, we are left with no other option but to do it. And while we do it, we realise that coming to church has helped us reflect on various parts of our lives. I believe that such small responsibilities can make a big difference,” says Jazielle Rodrigues from Benaulim.A major concern today is that youngsters are going away from the church. This has been further impacted by the pandemic. It is the various activities in the church that can help draw the youth closer to God and carry on the baton passed down from the previous generation. “There is a need to bring them closer to Christ to spread the love for the Church because the youth are the now of God,” says Fr Jason Coelho, Salesian of Don Bosco, Benaulim.The youth are the present and the future, says Br Sheldon Fernandes of Don Bosco, Odxel. “They are responsible to carry on the legacy. They need to know, understand, experience and share the faith that has been handed over and Lent is an important time to do so.”

Carrying on a legacy of faith
Plan to release treated sewage into Sal haunts Benaulim villagers
Navhind Times | 1 month ago
Navhind Times
1 month ago

Work on laying pipeline to restart on SaturdayMargao: The Benaulim villagers on Wednesday stressed on the need to save the highly-polluted River Sal from further destruction after a notice was put up that the work of laying of treated effluent discharge pipeline into the river would restart later this week.After a meeting with the panchayat officials, villagers along with the MLA Venzy Viegas visited the South Goa Collector and are now planning to explore legal means to demand a stop to lay a pipeline into the river.Pointing to the already highly-polluted nature of the river, Benaulim MLA Viegas called on the people of the entire taluka of Salcete to unite in opposing the pipeline that will release treated effluent sewage water from the Colva STP.In the morning, villagers gathered at the Tolleband junction where the pipeline will be released into the river and then approached the village panchayat where a meeting was underway.Villagers called on the elected representatives and the panchayat secretary to pass a resolution to oppose the laying of the pipeline and to hire an advocate to pursue the matter in court.But with the long weekend ahead and work on the pipeline set to restart on April 16, locals along with the MLA visited the South Goa Collector.Villager and activist Royla Fernandes meanwhile stressed that the treated effluent water be used for other purposes rather than release into the river.Last month, Viegas had placed a suggestion to have a 15 MLD tank to store the treated effluent water, a proposal for which was submitted to the sewerage corporation. He however on Wednesday said the corporation had several issues with the proposal.

Plan to release treated sewage into Sal haunts Benaulim villagers
FC Goas reserves keen to better seniors
Times of India | 1 month ago
Times of India
1 month ago

Panaji: FC Goa have endured a difficult season in the Indian Super League (ISL) as the league’s most consistent side failed to make it to the playoffs. Goa’s developmental side is now eager to make up for the disappointment in the inaugural Reliance Foundation Development League which kicks off on Friday in Goa. Bengaluru FC, Chennaiyin FC, Jamshedpur FC, Kerala Blasters FC, Mumbai City FC and Hyderabad FC are the other ISL teams in fray, along with Reliance Foundation Young Champs (RFYC). Apart from winning the league, the top two will be given the chance to participate at the Next Gen Cup to be hosted in the United Kingdom for the first time later this year. That serves as a big motivation. “This tournament is as important as any other tournament which we play. We are ready for the challenge. We have played a couple of matches in the Goa Pro League and It has boosted our confidence,” FC Goa reserves head coach Deggie Cardozo told TOI in an online interaction on Wednesday. Goa start their campaign against Chennaiyin at Nagoa ground on Friday, 8am. Four days later they face Bengaluru at the same venue. Goa are also participating in the state league where they have made it to the Super League stage. Although there is an additional burden of managing fixtures, Cardozo remains optimistic. “We will be facing different opponents whom we haven’t seen play. But me as a coach, I have to train my players in such a way so that they can observe different situations on the pitch and adapt,” said Cardozo. The 34-year-old believes his players will remain true to the club’s philosophy and style of play. Players born on or after January 1, 2001, are eligible to take part in the league but each team can include up to five players born on or after January 1, 1999, in their squads. Goa have included goalkeeper Hrithik Tiwari and midfielder Danstan Fernandes who have already made their debuts with the senior team while Brison Fernandes has also trained with the senior side. “Playing with the senior team or even training with them is a big opportunity for anyone. Every step, every minute, what they (seniors) do, we should follow them and it helps,” said Danstan. FC Goa Fixtures Apr 15: Goa vs Chennaiyin, Nagoa, 8am Apr 19: Goa vs Bengaluru, Nagoa, 8am Apr 24: Goa vs Jamshedpur, Nagoa, 8am Apr 28: Goa vs Hyderabad, Benaulim, 4.30pm May 4: Goa vs Kerala, Benaulim, 4.30pm May 8: Goa vs Mumbai, Nagoa, 8am May 11: Goa vs RFYC, Benaulim, 8am

FC Goas reserves keen to better seniors
Despite influx of desi tourists, Salcete shack operators struggle for business
Times of India | 1 month ago
Times of India
1 month ago

Colva: Shack operators in Salcete are witnessing poor footfalls and sluggish business despite numerous of tourists thronging the beaches. On any given day, most of the tables in the shacks are empty, with the weekends sometimes being an exception. Tourists prefer purchasing food and beverages and sit on the sand rather than patronise the shacks, an operator said. Vipin Trivedi, who operates a shack at Benaulim, said that as tourists buy all-inclusive packages in hotels, they don’t see the need to add to their expenses by visiting shacks. Savio Rodrigues, who operates a shack in Benaulim, said that his clientele base is 90% Goans as he concentrates on local and continental cuisine instead of multi-cuisine, and that could be another reason for the dismal business. Shack operators are now experimenting with new attractions in a desperate bid to mop up revenue. Some are now organising weekend bazaars, while others leasing out the shacks for personal parties. At Colva, tables are set up almost 20m away from the shacks closer to the sea in the evenings. “We had to adapt to the change. All of us thought the Covid-19 pandemic was a passing phase, but we did not realise until it struck us hard. With no foreigners, we have to cater to the domestic tourists to get as much business as possible so as to recover costs,” a shack owner said. As per the tourism policy, shacks have to wind up operations by May 31. With a month and half left for the season, one operator in Benaulim expressed doubts of breaking even. “A lot of money is needed to set up the structure, pay employees and manage other overheads like power, water, and stock. Business is extremely slow,” he said.

Despite influx of desi tourists, Salcete shack operators struggle for business
Commission culture taking toll on devpt works: AAP
Times of India | 1 month ago
Times of India
1 month ago

Colva: AAP’s Benaulim MLA Venzy Viegas said that an important factor for Goan engineers not taking up road contracts is because of the commission they have to pay. Addressing a press conference, Viegas questioned why the number of Goan engineers, who in the past used to bid and win government tenders, had dropped. “Interacting with them, we have realised that commission is one prime factor that’s holding them back, giving others a chance, which leads to inferior development,” the Benaulim MLA said He said that his party wants to adopt a commission-free governance from his constituency and in the neighbouring constituency of Velim, which is represented by AAP MLA Cruz Silva. This module has started in Benaulim and will also continue in Velim he said and will surely spread to other constituencies in Goa, Viegas said. Citing an example he said hot mixing of roads in his constituency has started. “Along with the people in the vicinity, I meet public works department (PWD) officials along with the contractor. Then overseeing the works is carried out by the constituents in their localities, which means empowerment to people,” the AAP Benaulim MLA said. “This is corruption-free, commission-free governance and we have taken the step towards it.” “In my constituency there are lots of incomplete works. I have interacted with the contractors and their woes are the same. Having paid 10 to 15% commission does not allow them to complete the works because of loss,” the Velim MLA said. Silva said that it is only when the commission business stops that contractors will be able to complete their works within the stipulated time and also provide quality works.

Commission culture taking toll on devpt works: AAP
Benaulim villagers want work on Western Bypass stopped
Navhind Times | 2 months ago
Navhind Times
2 months ago

Staff ReporterMargaoStepping up pressure, the residents of Benaulim on Thursday compelled the village panchayat to act on the resolution passed with regard to the Western Bypass work.The villagers demanded that the panchayat immediately go ahead with the resolution passed on Wednesday with regard to the demand for a stretch of the Western Bypass, which passes through the village, to be built on stilts.The panchayat had met on Wednesday after the locals demanded that the work of the Western Bypass, on the ground along the Khareband-Tolleband route be stopped. The work has begun as a part of the High Court order. The residents, however, want the ground work to be stopped and the stretch of the Bypass to be built on stilts to prevent flooding of the area and further worsening of situation in the area during rains.They urged the panchayat to go ahead with the resolution passed and appoint an advocate and intervene in the ongoing suo motu case in the High Court of Bombay at Goa so as to represent their demands. The villagers were upset, as though the resolution was passed, the subsequent procedure to go ahead and act was not taken up by the panchayat.Following a huge gathering of the locals at the panchayat office on Thursday, the sarpanch and the panch members signed the papers and issued the required documentation for further action on the resolution passed.Panch member Felicia Noronha said, “We had passed a resolution yesterday and it has been outwarded today. The resolution includes one that the panchayat should appoint an advocate and second, have panchayat representation in the court.”Benaulim resident Santan Pereira said, “This is something that cannot be further delayed. The earlier MLA didn’t do anything. We were told to come today at 9.30 a.m. to get the resolution and appointment letter for the advocate, but it was not done on time. It seemed like the panchayat was only dilly-dallying. We request the Chief Minister to look into this issue since it is a long-pending demand. We are happy that the panchayat has finally taken the necessary steps.”High Court suo motu intervener, Royla Fernandes, who has also filed a petition before the National Green Tribunal, meanwhile, stressed on the need for stilts.“In 2016, the gram sabha demanded stilts. This was even demanded on the regional plan. In 2010, the South Goa Collectorate had issued an action taken report wherein it was mentioned that when the Bypass reaches the Tolleband and Khareband area, it will lead to more flooding. Even the disaster management plan specified that the Tolleband area is flood-prone. When it is already mentioned, why the government did not consider the proposal for stilts?” she questioned.Fernandes also appealed to the government to visit the location, take stock of the ground reality and only then decide on whether to go ahead with the Bypass on embankments or construct it on stilts.

Benaulim villagers want work on Western Bypass stopped
Venzy to hold ‘Janata darbar’ in Benaulim
Navhind Times | 2 months ago
Navhind Times
2 months ago

Staff ReporterMargaoThe Aam AdmiParty (AAP) MLA-elect of Benaulim, Venzy Viegas on Monday saidhe will holdJanata darbars at different places of his constituency to hear grievances of locals and towork for solutions.Speaking to media,Viegassaid,“AAP will be the voice of the people in theassembly and it will start from Salcete. We became the state partywith 7% of thevote share. I will be holding Janata darbarat different places inmy constituency to hear grievances of my peopleandaccordingly will workfor solutions.”Hundreds of Viegas supporters holdingbanners and party flags were seen celebrating the win ofViegas, who defeated theformer chief minister and NCP-turned Goa Trinamool Congress legislator Churchill Alemao.“This rally was organised to say thank you to the people of Benaulim. I am grateful to them. We need a hospital inBenaulim. A site was chosen, but since there was an objection, we have to look for another site or adjust with anyavailable structure”he added.It may be recalled thatAAPhad firstwon theZP election in Benaulim constituency. Thepartygained further supportfrom the coastal constituency and in the recentlyconcludedassembly election, thepeople of this areaelected theAAP candidate as their legislator. Theoath-takingceremony of thelegislators will beon Tuesday.

Venzy to hold ‘Janata darbar’ in Benaulim
Benaulim student returns home from war-torn Ukraine
Navhind Times | 2 months ago
Navhind Times
2 months ago

Staff ReporterMargao/ PanajiA student from Benaulim Jaeden Gomes Pereira, who was stranded in the conflict zone of Sumy, Ukraine returned home on Saturday evening after having landed in Delhi on Friday.Parents of the 19-year-old, who had been awaiting his evacuation from Sumy, were relieved at his return to the country on Friday and greeted him at the Dabolim airport on Saturday evening.Speaking to this daily outside their home in Benaulim after getting ready to pick Jaeden from the airport, his father said, “We are so happy and relieved that he reached home. He reached Delhi yesterday and we had told him to take some rest there, and this evening, he left for Goa. He is doing well and we are happy that he is finally home after the trouble he’s had to facein Ukraine.”The Indian students, who were trapped in Sumy were moved out of the city through a humanitarian corridor on Tuesday.Jaeden is among 700 Indian students who were bunkered in their hostel shelters battling freezing weather, depleting food supplies and drinking water and other essential supplies from the start of the Russia-Ukraine conflict that began late last month.With the return of Jaedan, all 21 Goan students, who were stranded in the war-torn Ukraine, are back in the state.He was received at the Dabolim airport by state government official and his family members.Meanwhile, the NRI Commissioner Narendra Sawaikar appreciated the hard work put in by director of NRI cell Anthony D’Souza and his team for bringing back all the Goan students to the home state.

Benaulim student returns home from war-torn Ukraine
AAP finally makes debut, mariner and engineer enter Goa assembly
Times of India | 2 months ago
Times of India
2 months ago

Panaji: After drawing a blank in 2017, the Aam Aadmi Party opened its account in the state assembly with two seats in 2022. Captain in the merchant Navy, Venzy Viegas, won on debut in Benaulim while Cruz Silva, an engineer, won the Velim seat. Viegas defeated veteran Churchill Alemao in a contest that was billed as a clash between David and Goliath in Benaulim, while Silva did another giant-killing act as he put it across two former MLAs, Filipe Nery Rodrigues and Benjamin Silva, besides Congress candidate Savio D’Silva. “One person has been in politics for more than three decades in the same constituency, but it doesn’t have a hospital. Thirty-five years weren’t enough to put health infrastructure in place. I contested because there were no basic amenities in the constituency,” said Viegas. Many political experts had made Viegas the favourite in Benaulim. AAP has a strong presence in the constituency where Royla Fernandes finished ahead of the sitting MLA Caetano Silva in 2017 and was the only one from among 39 contestants to save her deposit. Even at the zilla panchayat elections in 2020, AAP won its first and only seat in Benaulim with Hanzel Fernandes emerging triumphant. When votes for the 2022 state assembly elections were counted on Thursday, Viegas brought cheer to the AAP camp as he won by 1271 votes against Alemao, a five-time legislator and former chief minister. In Velim, Silva won by a narrow margin of 169 votes against Velim sarpanch and Congress’ Savio D’Silva, while also defeating TMC’s Benjamin Silva, RG’s Dagley Fernandes and NCP’s Filipe Nery, who finished fifth. “The electorate harboured resentment against Nery who defected along with nine other MLAs when they merged with BJP in 2019. Although Nery changed his colour and contested on NCP ticket, the electorate were not convinced,” a political commentator said. Silva said he and Viegas will be the “voice of the people”, highlighting the ills plaguing their villages as well as those affecting Goa. While Viegas and Silva triumphed in Benaulim and Velim, there was embarrassment elsewhere. Contesting from Santa Cruz, AAP’s chief ministerial candidate Amit Palekar finished third with 4098 votes while the party’s state convenor Rahul Mhambre fared badly with 1511 votes, coming in third and losing his deposit. The party that promised corruption-free governance, flaunted its Delhi model and provided several guarantees, contested 39 seats. AAP openly practiced caste-based politics, promising a chief minister from the dominant Bhandari community and a Catholic as the deputy chief minister but did not manage to expand its vote share. In 2017, except Benaulim, candidates had lost deposits in all constituencies. At the time, the party garnered a total of 57,420 votes or a vote share of 6.27%. This time around the party won two seats but didn’t succeed in vastly expanding its vote share which is now at 6.77. A political commentator said AAP couldn’t win more seats as it had no senior leader of repute as the political face of the party. AAP also went solo. Its attempt to get Aleixo Reginaldo Lourenco on board, who would be the face of the party, didn’t materialise as the former Curtorim MLA flirted with BJP and TMC before eventually contesting as an Independent. The two seats that AAP won were due to the combined efforts of the candidates and the party. “The party was very active during Covid-19 pandemic, getting its workers on the ground to distribute groceries and oximeters to those in need, creating goodwill among the people,” said one voter from Benaulim. The heightened AAP activity came at a time when rival Alemao was seen with one foot in the BJP camp, which was frowned upon by his constituents. In Velim, Silva was a ‘clean’ option with a reputation to beat that of other candidates. “Cruz continued his work in Velim even after his defeat at the 2017 polls when he finished third with 3,423 votes. He has participated with the people in all important agitations and remained with AAP, not changing sides,” said a local.

AAP finally makes debut, mariner and engineer enter Goa assembly
BJP wins 7 out of 9 seats in mining belt
Navhind Times | 2 months ago
Navhind Times
2 months ago

Observers say this points to the voters expecting the government to restart mining activities in the statePanaji/ Mapusa/Margao: Voters in Goa’s mining and tourism belts behaved differently in the 2022 assembly elections with the BJP winning in mining dominated constituencies and losing badly in the tourism constituencies.Mining and tourism are the two major industries in the state where voter’s behaviour can swing the election results. However despite mining industry closed, the incumbent BJP government won seven out of nine mining constituencies on Thursday, while in the tourism constituencies the electorate preferred to go in for a change.The mining industry remained shut during the five-year term of 2017-2022 of the BJP, and people in the mining belt were expected to vote against the ruling party. The election results showed that in seven mining constituencies of Sanvordem, Valpoi, Poriem, Sanguem, Curchorem, Mayem and Sanquelim, the electorate stuck with the BJP. Two mining seats of Quepem and Bicholim were won by INC and Independent candidates.Observers said that, the results show that, voters in the mining belt expect the government to restart mining and they have also responded positively to financial assistance given to truckers and mining workers.On the other hand in Bardez and Pernem Taluka, predominant tourism constituencies, voters went in for change as BJP has failed to win the Calangute and Siolim seats which includes Anjuna- Vagator stretch. In the Mandrem constituency also considered as the main tourism belt in north Goa, MGP candidate Jeet Arolkar emerged as the winner.In the Calangute constituency which includes Candolim-Calangute-Baga, Congress heavyweight leader Michael Lobo succeeded in creating a hat-trick by winning for the third time. Similarly even in Siolim constituency which includes Anjuna-Vagator belt, voters extended support to Congress candidate Delilah Lobo. The election results in north Goa coastal belt reflect the adverse impact of the pandemic on tourism.The tourism belt of the constituency of Benaulim comprising of the villages of Colva, Benaulim, Varca, Carmona and Cavelossim have a change in scene with the election of AAP’s Venzy Viegas to the assembly. Though the villages have seen a considerable improvement in its tourism infrastructure, Viegas had been vocal during his campaign for the need to have a single window system for renewal of all coastal belt businesses and to encourage off season tourism opportunities by setting up a Benaulim tourism profile. Meanwhile for the coastal belt villages of Betalbatim and Majorda which fall under the Nuvem constituency, Congress’ Aleixo Sequeira will be representing the constituency.The tourism belt in Bardez and Pernem Talukas has gone for a change as BJP has failed to win Calangute seats, Siolim which includes Anjuna-Vagator stretch and also in Mandrem constituency is considered as the main tourism belt in North Goa.While in Calangute constituency which includes Candolim–Calangute-Baga stretch, Congress leader Michael Lobo has succeeded in creating a hat-trick but BJP has failed. Similarly even in Siolim constituency which includes Anjuna-Vagator belt has extended its support to Congress candidate Delilah Lobo. Mandrem constituency has witnessed a wind of change as MGP candidate Jit Arolkar has won.The outcome of results can be considered as an impact of the pandemic on tourism belt besides even issues of taxi operators can also be a reason.

BJP wins 7 out of 9 seats in mining belt
Salcete: Cong pays price as multiple players split votes
Times of India | 2 months ago
Times of India
2 months ago

Margao: Salcete has traditionally been the Congress bastion, and the party’s performance in the eight Catholic-dominated constituencies serves as a barometer of its fate at the state level. In 2012 when Congress was decimated to single-digit strength, the party won in just two constituencies, Margao and Curtorim. In the subsequent 2017 polls, Congress bounced back aggressively to win six of the eight seats, and got within whiffing distance of forming the government. This time, however, Congress had to be content with winning just three seats — Margao, Cuncolim and Nuvem — having failed to retain its seats in Curtorim, Navelim and Velim. Salcete allowed AAP to gain a foothold in the state this time as the party won two seats thereby making a debut in Goa’s legislative assembly. Cruz Silva won from Velim constituency defeating Congress’ Savio D’Silva while Venzy Viegas triumphed over TMC’s Churchill Alemao. Congress’ loss in Salcete, political observers say, can be attributed to multiple factors. First, the multiplicity of players, with AAP, NCP, TMC and RG offering loyalists an alternative, cost Congress many a seat in Salcete. Two, though Congress decided to slam the doors on defectors, the candidates it fielded to take on the turncoats failed to earn the trust of the voters. Congress also fell awfully short of making a political capital out of the anti-BJP sentiments prevailing among Goans over a wide range of issues. “Whatever it did during the run up to the elections was just whipping up a frenzy. It failed to earn the voter’s trust that BJP had lost,” a political observer said. This was also for the first time that BJP fielded candidates in all eight Salcete constituencies. BJP, though, won just one seat from Salcete with Ulhas Tuenkar winning from Navelim which can be attributed to large-scale division of opposition votes. In Benaulim, AAP’s Venzy Viegas was pitted mainly against Churchill Alemao (TMC) and Congress’ Anthony Dias, who was an active TMC member until he chose to join Congress after Alemao joined TMC. AAP’s groundwork in Benaulim paid dividends as voters chose the “common man’s” party over the grand old party. In Cuncolim, however, despite the vociferous campaign shaped by the bhailo-aamcho narrative, Congress’ Yuri Alemao triumphed over BJP’s Clafasio Dias. Dias was the lone Congress turncoat from Salcete who contested on the BJP ticket. Two other turncoats of the 2019 en bloc defection, Wilfred’Sa (Nuvem) and Filipe Nery Rodrigues (Velim), also lost. While D’Sa contested as an independent, Rodrigues was nominated by NCP. Aleixo Sequeira made a return after a 10-year hiatus in Nuvem. Curtorim, which has been a Congress stronghold, however, chose to stay loyal to its three-term MLA Aleixo Reginaldo Lourenco who contested as an independent after resigning from Congress, joining TMC and soon quitting it ahead of the polls. The loss of Curtorim seat is perceived as a terrible setback for the party.

Salcete: Cong pays price as multiple players split votes

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