Panaji News

Drunken driving, indiscipline behind spike in accidents: Goa CM Pramod Sawant
Times of India | 3 months ago | |
Times of India
3 months ago | |

PANAJI: CM Pramod Sawant on Tuesday said that drunken driving and indiscipline on roads are some of the reasons for the increase in accidents. He added that the Goa police traffic cell, transport department and PWD are holding meetings and will chalk out a plan to reduce accidents.Sawant pointed out that the vehicle population has increased compared to the state population. "There are three reasons for the increase in accidents. These include people not following rules, drunken driving, rash and negligence driving among others," he said. The chief minister added that people should cooperate with the authorities, and this will help reduce the frequency of road accidents.In 2020, the vehicle population was 14.5 lakh vehicles, in 2021, it was 14.9 lakh and in 2022 it climbed to 15.4 lakh, but the infrastructure more or less stayed the same. Police said that looking at 2020-21 and 2021-2022, there has been a 3% increase in vehicle population, but the infrastructure hasn't changed much.It has been found that two-thirds of the people who died in road accidents in 2022 were linked to two-wheelers. The state witnessed an almost 9% rise in road accidents during the year.In 2022, 3,011 road accidents were reported, of which 253 were fatal, wherein 271 succumbed to injuries. A total number of 181 persons on two-wheelers died in accidents while 51 pedestrians lost their lives.In 2021, 2,849 accidents were reported, of which 218 were fatal. Almost 226 people lost their lives. A total number of 152 persons on two-wheelers died while 36 pedestrians were killed.The highest number of accidents in North Goa was reported in the jurisdiction of Panaji, Mapusa and Porvorim police stations areas. In South Goa, the highest number of accidents were reported in Ponda, Verna and Vasco police station areas.State witnessed 9% rise in road accidents in 2022In 2020, the vehicle population was 14.5 lakh vehicles, in 2021, it was 14.9 lakh and in 2022 it climbed to 15.4 lakh, but the infrastructure more or less stayed the same. Police said that looking at 2020-21 and 2021-2022, there has been a 3% increase in vehicle population, but the infrastructure hasn't changed much.It has been found that two-thirds of the people who died in road accidents in 2022 were linked to two-wheelers. The state witnessed an almost 9% rise in road accidents during the year.In 2022, 3,011 road accidents were reported, of which 253 were fatal, wherein 271 succumbed to injuries. A total number of 181 persons on two-wheelers died in accidents while 51 pedestrians lost their lives.In 2021, 2,849 accidents were reported, of which 218 were fatal. Almost 226 people lost their lives. A total number of 152 persons on two-wheelers died while 36 pedestrians were killed.The highest number of accidents in North Goa was reported in the jurisdiction of Panaji, Mapusa and Porvorim police stations areas. In South Goa, the highest number of accidents were reported in Ponda, Verna and Vasco police station areas.

Drunken driving, indiscipline behind spike in accidents: Goa CM Pramod Sawant
CM Pramod Sawant moots collab with international universities in Goa
Times of India | 3 months ago | |
Times of India
3 months ago | |

PANAJI: In a bid to put Goa on the global education map, the state government intends to open its arms to higher education in the state by collaborating with world class universities, said CM Pramod Sawant. He was speaking at the closing ceremony of the QS India Summit 2023 in Goa on Tuesday.The state is in talks with various stakeholders to set up a national design institute, national sports academy, marine technical academy, and few language institutions. "We are also focusing on having research and development in waste management, which will not only help the state with zero wastage, but also be a changemaker for the rest of the country," Sawant said.He further said that Goa wants to "bring internationalisation in its education". He pointed out that the directorate of international cooperation and exchange looks after the internationalisation strategy at Goa University.

CM Pramod Sawant moots collab with international universities in Goa
Goa: Plain-clothes cops deployed to nab violators of M V Act
Times of India | 3 months ago | |
Times of India
3 months ago | |

PANAJI: Following a hue and cry over the increased number of road accidents in the state, Goa police have started deploying plain-clothes personnel at various locations on Tuesday. These police personnel will take photographs of those violating traffic rules and fine them. Police caught 145 traffic violators on day one.Plain-clothes police personnel are being deployed to ensure that violators do not attempt to escape looking at a policeman in uniform, said deputy superintendent of police (DySP) Jivba Dalvi. “Whenever people see a policeman in uniform, they either try to overspeed or they take another route to escape being caught.” He said that among the violations observed were the failure to wear helmets or seat belts and riding triple seat, adding that helmets can prevent fatalities and major head injuries.“To overcome such practices, we have deployed plain-clothes policemen at all police stations in the Mapusa Sub division, which covers the jurisdiction of the Mapusa, Anjuna and Colvale police stations. The police personnel have been directed to click the photographs of violators,” said Dalvi.Police personnel have been asked to submit their reports, which will be forwarded for the issuing of challans.

Goa: Plain-clothes cops deployed to nab violators of M V Act
Cabinet OKs amendment to save certain unauthorised structures
Times of India | 3 months ago | |
Times of India
3 months ago | |

Panaji: The state cabinet on Tuesday granted its approval to issue the Goa Regularisation of Unauthorised Construction (Amendment) Ordinance, 2023, to save certain unauthorised constructions carried out prior to February 28, 2014, from demolition pursuant to a court order. The ordinance will stop authorised officers from rejecting applications for regularisation of unauthorised structures on the grounds that the applicant does not have the consent of the co-owner of the house despite the property or land already being legally divided. “As the existing provision of the act does not make clear distinction between dispute as to that of title/ownership of a property/land or otherwise, the authorised officers do not entertain applications for regularisation of unauthorised construction or proceed with regularisation process of unauthorised construction, even where the title or ownership of any property/land upon which the unauthorised construction has been carried out is not the subject matter of a dispute before any court, authority or tribunal, among others,” the cabinet note stated.The provisions contained in sub-section (8) of Section 3 of the act override the Goa Land Revenue Code, 1968 (Act No 9 of 1969, the Goa Town and Country Planning Act, 1974 (Act No 21 of 1975), the City of Panaji Corporation Act, 2002 (Goa Act 1 of 2003), the Goa Municipalities Act, 1968 (Act No 7 of 1969), the Goa Panchayat Raj Act, 1994 (Goa Act No 14 of 1994), the Goa (Regulation of Land Development and Building Construction) Act, 2008 (Goa Act 6 of 2008) and any other state law that regulates construction in the state, and the rules, regulations, bylaws, notifications and orders issued under them.

Cabinet OKs amendment to save certain unauthorised structures
For a fee, govt employees can draw salary advance
Times of India | 3 months ago | |
Times of India
3 months ago | |

Panaji: The state government has decided to offer advance salary to its employees based on earned wages. Salary paid in advance will be adjusted with the final pay the employee receives at the end of the month. To this end, the cabinet has approved the execution of an MoU with Bengaluru-based firm Refyne Tech Pvt Ltd to provide government employees access to their earned wages. The company has developed a platform called ‘earned wage access’ that aims to provide immediate liquidity to employees in the form of salary proportional to the number of days worked. At the end of the month, the same amount and a transaction fee will be debited from the employee’s salary.Refyne Tech will also allow users to save a part of their salary as digital gold, which will help them build a corpus and even borrow against the digital gold.“The company allows uninterrupted access to financial liquidity and power to pay in 30 seconds. If users build their Refyne score over a period of time, typically after nine months, they can avail education, home and car loans at better rates than those available in the open market or those offered by banks that only take a borrower’s CIBIL score into account,” the cabinet note stated.A senior official said that the company approached the state government seeking to improve the financial health of employees and to introduce India’s first on-demand, real-time salary platform.

For a fee, govt employees can draw salary advance
Workshop on Pickleball held at Don Bosco College, Panaji
Times of India | 3 months ago | |
Times of India
3 months ago | |

On February 7, 2023, at the Don Bosco College campus in Panaji, a workshop on the growing racket sport pickleball which was held for Bachelor of Physical Education students in collaboration with Globel Sports Pvt. Ltd., Mumbai. A group of five coaches led two-hour practical sessions with 80 BPEd students and four faculty members, and ten of them were chosen to serve as officials at the 2023 “Indian Pickleball Open” 2023, which will take place at Clube Tennis de Gaspar Dias in Miramar and Panjim Gymkhana Sports Club on February 10, 11, and 12.Additionally, Global Sports Pvt. Ltd. from Mumbai has indicated an interest in working with DBC, Panjim, to promote the sport in Goa.

Workshop on Pickleball held at Don Bosco College, Panaji
Film screening of classic Casablanca held in Panaji
Times of India | 3 months ago | |
Times of India
3 months ago | |

Sachin Chatte hosted the screening of the classic film Casablanca, starring Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman on February 16, at ESG, Panaji.Film: Casablanca (1942)Cast: Humphrey Bogart, Ingrid BergmanDirected by: Michael CurtizDuration: 1hr 42mins"True yesterday, true today and true tomorrow" - this description of one of the greatest films Hollywood has ever made is absolutely apt. Humphrey Bogart plays Rick Blaine who is caught between the woman he loves (played by Ingrid Bergman, in her most memorable role) and helping her husband escape from the Nazis.

Film screening of classic Casablanca held in Panaji
Revellers enjoy the first Carnival at Porvorim
Times of India | 3 months ago | |
Times of India
3 months ago | |

The three -kilometer stretch from culinary college to Holy Cross chapel was filled with fun, laughter and a lot of selfies, as the Goa Carnival curtain raiser was held in Porvorim on February 17. This is the first time that Porvorim witnessed their own carnival, which was led by the float of King Momo, and was followed by live musicians, traditional floats and people dressed in colourful costumes.Along with a fun parade there were floats which focused on social messages like say no to drinking and driving, unity and diversity and safe forests. Svetlana Andrade, who attended the Carnival with her daughter said, "It was a great feeling to have our own festival. We could sit very close to the floats. This usually doesn’t happen when we attend the parade at Panaji. This felt very homely and the traffic was not a problem. My daughter had a nice time as she could sit and watch the parade.”In the seating arrangement provided, the Carnival venue also had a space kept for the special needs kids who could watch and be a part of the festivities. King Momo, Russel D’Souza, says “Being the King Momo for the first time, I had a great time at the parade in Porvorim.”

Revellers enjoy the first Carnival at Porvorim
Roast, grind, pour: Goa’s newfound love for coffee roasters
Times of India | 3 months ago | |
Times of India
3 months ago | |

Janice RodriguesFor a coffee lover, the distinct smell of freshly roasted coffee is heavenly. In keeping with this trend, Goa has seen the setting up of roasteries across its main touristy areas like Panaji, Assagao, Margao, Anjuna and even Palolem.What's so special about roasting? Why not just get ground coffee from Coorg or Chikmagalur? That’s because the true taste of a coffee lies in its freshness, says Carlos Noronha Jr, from a cafe in Panaji. “We would get our coffee roasted and ready from Coorg earlier, but then with the transportation, we would generally lose four days, and it is a known fact that coffee tastes best 12-24 hours after roasting. That’s why we decided to set up the roastery in the café premises,” says Carlos.Coffee is complexA cup of coffee comprises a lot of work that has gone into its making, especially if it is an artisanal, brewed one. The roasting process itself may look simple – you get the ripe coffee beans, put them into the roaster and then they come out roasted, only to be ground. “But it is much more complex than that,” says Siddharth Munjal, a coffee connoisseur who now runs a roastery at a meditation community in Assagao.The process for coffee roasting, as Siddharth says, begins with the harvesting of the beans. “We work closely with the coffee farms across the country, where the beans are harvested in February-March. When we started, we worked with around 180 samples of arabica beans, after which the seven selected ones are procured, fermented, dried and then roasted,” says Siddharth.And then there is the roasting. “We have to decide on the end product and then decide the temperature and duration of roasting. Every kind of coffee you drink has a specific roast. For example, a black coffee will need a lighter roast, an Americano will need a medium roast and an espresso will need a dark roast,” says Carlos, who not only makes the coffee, but also sells three variants of the coffee online.Light dark and medium - What’s the difference?Mohsin Taj, another coffee aficionado, set up his roastery in Candolim to cater to European tourists. “The Europeans love their coffee dark, and prefer the best grade of Arabica, roasted dark. It makes the coffee itself a bit sweeter, with least amount of acidity and caffeine as compared to the other roasts,” says Mohsin, who, with his partners Carolyn Fernandez, Kevin Gaffney and Joel Fernandes, has graduated from using a 1 kg roaster to a 5 kg one. “We source our green beans from Chikmaglur, and get the best grade of AAA arabica,” adds Mohsin.“The longer you roast the coffee, the lesser acidity, sourness and caffeine you have in your cuppa,” adds Carlos. Apart from the different kinds of grinds, the various roasts are used in different brew processes as well. “For example, medium roasts are best suited for espresso and moka pot, while the light roasts for the French press and dark roasts can be used in espresso or pour overs,” says Siddharth.Goan weather and coffeeGoa’s humid climate does have an impact on the roasting of coffee beans here. “Since its humid, the beans don’t stay as fresh longer as they would in cooler places,” says Carlos. The humidity also messes with the equipment. The roasters tend to face corroding faster, also the maintenance is an issue. Since there are no repair people around, there have been times when the roasting had to stop for a while the people sorted out the issues. “We’ve trained ourselves in the processes involved, including repair. Our consolation is that we have two roasters, so if one has an issue we can continue on the other one,” says Mohsin.

Roast, grind, pour: Goa’s newfound love for coffee roasters
Release dues of Rs 3.7 crore for midday meals: GFP
Times of India | 3 months ago | |
Times of India
3 months ago | |

Panaji: Goa Forward Party (GFP) has written to the state government demanding that the pending amount of Rs 3.7 crore be immediately released to self-help groups (SHGs) as payment for preparing midday meals for schools. In a letter to the chief secretary, GFP said that SHGs depend on the payments to meet their family expenses. “Timely payment of what is due to them by the government is critical to sustain their operations. Unfortunately, we have received many grievances and complaints in this regard,” said GFP general secretary Durgadas Kamat. During the winter session of the state legislative assembly in January, GFP president Vijai Sardesai had asked for details of the dues kept pending by the department of education (DoE) to various SHGs. The government had replied that Rs 3.7 crore has yet to be paid to these groups. “This is not an acceptable state of affairs. We request you to issue appropriate directions to the department concerned to release the payments without further delay and on priority,” said Kamat. The government provides food to needy students at government schools under the scheme. The food is cooked and supplied by several SHGs across the state.GFP said that rising food and gas prices as well as travel expenditure adversely affects the income and financial stability of SHGs.

Release dues of Rs 3.7 crore for midday meals: GFP
Amit Shah praises renovation of Saptkoteshwar temple
Times of India | 3 months ago | |
Times of India
3 months ago | |

PANAJI: Union home minister Amit Shah on Sunday praised Goa chief minister Pramod Sawant’s efforts in refurbishing 350-year-old Shree Saptakoteshwar temple at Narve, Bicholim. “During Mughal and other foreign invasions, various temples were destroyed across India. Just last week, Goa chief minister Pramod Sawant inaugurated the renovated Shree Saptakoteshwar temple. This Shree Saptakoteshwar temple had been rebuilt by Shivaji Maharaj. Now, it has further received a new life with this refurbishment,” Shah said at the launch of the first phase of ‘Shiva Srishti’ at Narhe-Ambegaon. The launch coincided with the birth anniversary of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. Last week, after inauguration of the works, Shah had congratulated the Goa government on the reopening of the historic temple after renovation.“After being attacked by multiple invaders, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj rebuilt the temple. As a major pilgrimage site, it will draw tourists from all over India,” he had tweeted.Saptakoteshwar was the deity of the royal dynasty of Goa, the Kadambas, and Shivaji Maharaj had renovated the dilapidated laterite cave shrine into a full-fledged temple in 1668, at a time when many Hindu temples faced destruction in the Old Conquest territories of Goa.

Amit Shah praises renovation of Saptkoteshwar temple
Rights of PwD Act invoked suo motu
Times of India | 3 months ago | |
Times of India
3 months ago | |

Panaji: The office of the state commissioner for persons with disabilities has taken suo motu cognisance under Section 80 of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act of the death of a seven-year-old student of St Francis Xavier Training cum Production Centre for Children with Disabilities, Old Goa. The child died of burn injuries after falling into a hot water tub.The commissioner has issued notices to the district magistrate North, chairpersons of the two child welfare committees, and the inspector of the Old Goa police station to inquire into the matter and submit an action-taken report by February 21.“The commission is of the opinion that prima facie there is a violation of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016, under Section 7,” said the notice of of the state commissioner for persons with disabilities. Section 7 relates to protection from abuse, violence and exploitation. tnn

Rights of PwD Act invoked suo motu
After slight fall, temperature to rise by 2C again
Times of India | 3 months ago | |
Times of India
3 months ago | |

Panaji: A slight fall in temperature on Wednesday following two consecutive days of raised temperatures brought relief to Goans. The India meteorological department (IMD) recorded a maximum temperature of 34.5C in Panaji on February 15. However, temperatures are set to increase by 2C yet again on February 16 and 17, returning the heat in the midst of winter.The IMD had said that the reason for the increased temperature was the easterlies that affected the setting of the sea breeze. “The winds set in much earlier on Wednesday compared to the previous two days, and as a result, the weather cooled,” said IMD scientist Rajashree VPM.Compared to Monday, when the sea breeze set in at about 3pm, and Tuesday, when the sea breeze set in at 1.30pm, on Wednesday the sea breeze set in between 11am and 11.30am.IMD recorded 37.9C in Panaji on Monday, and 34.2C in Mormugao. The following day, on Tuesday, the IMD recorded 37.2C in Panaji and 38.2C in Mormugao.Dry weather prevailed over the state on Wednesday. Haze and shallow fog were reported at isolated places over the state. The IMD has issued a forecast saying that the maximum temperature is likely to be above normal over the state in the coming four days. “After February 16, there will be a fall, and the conditions will be similar to those prior to February 13,” said Rajashree.

After slight fall, temperature to rise by 2C again
Man gets 10-year RI for raping 17-year-old in 2018
Times of India | 3 months ago | |
Times of India
3 months ago | |

MARGAO: The fast-track special court, Panaji, has sentenced a man to ten years of rigorous imprisonment for raping a minor. The prosecution, however, failed to establish that the 17-year-old survivor had become pregnant after the accused raped her. He was acquitted on that count. He was 19 at the time of the crime.During the cross-examination, the survivor stated that when she was staying with the accused in a rented room, a fight broke out between them as the accused refused to accept that the child in her womb was his. A complaint was then lodged and he was arrested.The court found that although the medical report showed the survivor was pregnant, no DNA test had been conducted to determine whether the accused was the biological father of the girl child. The investigating officer stated that the DNA test was not conducted as the survivor was not traceable after she filed the complaint.The court found discrepancies in the name of the father shown in the birth certificate of the child and added that no divergence certificate was produced on record to prove that it is of the accused. “As such, that creates doubt on the story of the prosecution as to whether the accused is the father of the child,” stated the presiding officer, fast-track special court (Pocso) Panaji, Durga V Madkaikar. “Thus, the prosecution has failed to establish that pursuant to rape and penetrative sexual act of the accused, the victim, aged 17 years, became pregnant.”The case of the prosecution was that in 2018, on the pretext of marrying the 17-year-old girl, the accused took her to North Goa and raped her.The mother of the girl lodged a complaint after she couldn’t find her daughter. The survivor called her on two to three occasions over a period of two to three months. The mother then invited her to a family wedding. When they met, the woman was shocked to find her daughter four months pregnant.At the time, the accused told the woman that he would marry the girl. However, he backtracked later. In her evidence, the survivor stated that she met the accused through Facebook when she was in Standard IX. Soon thereafter, she dropped out of school to work, following her father’s death. The prosecution’s case was that in 2018, on the pretext of marrying the 17-year-old girl, the accused took her to North Goa and raped her.(The victim's identity has not been revealed to protect her privacy as per Supreme Court directives on cases related to sexual assault)

Man gets 10-year RI for raping 17-year-old in 2018
Goa man gets 10-year RI for raping 17-year-old in 2018
Times of India | 3 months ago | |
Times of India
3 months ago | |

MARGAO: The fast-track special court, Panaji, has sentenced a man to ten years of rigorous imprisonment for raping a minor. The prosecution, however, failed to establish that the 17-year-old survivor had become pregnant after the accused raped her. He was acquitted on that count. He was 19 at the time of the crime.During the cross-examination, the survivor stated that when she was staying with the accused in a rented room, a fight broke out between them as the accused refused to accept that the child in her womb was his. A complaint was then lodged and he was arrested.The court found that although the medical report showed the survivor was pregnant, no DNA test had been conducted to determine whether the accused was the biological father of the girl child. The investigating officer stated that the DNA test was not conducted as the survivor was not traceable after she filed the complaint.The court found discrepancies in the name of the father shown in the birth certificate of the child and added that no divergence certificate was produced on record to prove that it is of the accused. “As such, that creates doubt on the story of the prosecution as to whether the accused is the father of the child,” stated the presiding officer, fast-track special court (Pocso) Panaji, Durga V Madkaikar. “Thus, the prosecution has failed to establish that pursuant to rape and penetrative sexual act of the accused, the victim, aged 17 years, became pregnant.”The case of the prosecution was that in 2018, on the pretext of marrying the 17-year-old girl, the accused took her to North Goa and raped her.The mother of the girl lodged a complaint after she couldn’t find her daughter. The survivor called her on two to three occasions over a period of two to three months. The mother then invited her to a family wedding. When they met, the woman was shocked to find her daughter four months pregnant.At the time, the accused told the woman that he would marry the girl. However, he backtracked later. In her evidence, the survivor stated that she met the accused through Facebook when she was in Standard IX. Soon thereafter, she dropped out of school to work, following her father’s death. The prosecution’s case was that in 2018, on the pretext of marrying the 17-year-old girl, the accused took her to North Goa and raped her.(The victim's identity has not been revealed to protect her privacy as per Supreme Court directives on cases related to sexual assault)

Goa man gets 10-year RI for raping 17-year-old in 2018
Architects, history experts from Brazil, Portugal to study Goa’s manor houses
Times of India | 3 months ago | |
Times of India
3 months ago | |

PANAJI: Goa, a former Portuguese territory, has a vast architectural treasure trove which is the spotlight at the seventh International Colloquium on Manor Houses that kickstarted at Fundacao Oriente on Tuesday.About 30 architects, researchers and history experts from Portugal and Brazil are in Goa to study the manor houses in the state as part of this programme.“The manor houses in Goa have their own identity much like those in Brazil and Portugal,” said Paulo Gomes, delegate of the Fundacao Oriente in Goa.The first six editions were only about Portugal and Brazil, however, in 2020, when the seventh edition was being planned, Goa was included. The pandemic delayed the event, postponing the colloquium to this year.The idea began when professor Ana Pessoa, the curator of the programme, started studying the subject and initiated the idea of the international colloquium. “The visual of the manor houses may be very similar but they are still individually unique,” Pessoa told TOI.The programme also features an exhibition of the manor houses of Goa at the Fundacao Oriente in Panaji. “Through their architecture, we are learning that the manor houses shared similar systems of verandahs, courtyard, etc,” said Helder Carita, the main curator of the exhibition. One of the distinct characteristics of Goan houses that makes them an interesting subject is the oyster shell windows. “The form, functionality and mechanism of these windows are unlike anything else seen elsewhere in the world,” said Alinto Coelho, one of the Goan participants in the programme.

Architects, history experts from Brazil, Portugal to study Goa’s manor houses
GST compensation issue will soon be discussed: Union MoS for finance
Times of India | 3 months ago | |
Times of India
3 months ago | |

PANAJI: Union minister of state for finance Bhagwat Karad said on Tuesday that inflation in India is well controlled thanks to the policies of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He was speaking at the BJP headquarters in Panaji. He said that GST compensation issues will be discussed in the next meeting with stakeholders concerned. “Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Bhutan have double-digit inflation,” Karad said. “In our case, we have controlled inflation and our economy is strong.” Karad said that the measures announced in the Budget and the Union government’s decision to spend Rs 10 lakh crore will generate employment in the country.The minister said that despite the circumstances brought about by Covid, the government’s revenues have increased, unlike the case with other nations. He said that the Budget focused on the next 25 years of development. He added that the state government can benefit from various announcements made in the Budget.“If the state government submits proposals to the Union government under various schemes, money will be allocated,” he said. Chief minister Pramod Sawant had said that the state will get Rs 7,000 crore from the Union Budget under various schemes.

GST compensation issue will soon be discussed: Union MoS for finance
Officials inspect Porvorim land for bypass, find it full of buildings
Times of India | 3 months ago | |
Times of India
3 months ago | |

PANAJI: A government team of various departments that went to inspect land in Porvorim for a proposed bypass had to return after it found that the area was full of houses, residential complexes, and bungalows.The state government has proposed the construction of an elevated road in Porvorim to ease traffic along its stretch of the national highway. To ensure there’s no traffic congestion while this road is being built, the government constituted a team comprising representatives of various departments including PWD, panchayats, town and country planning, and land survey, apart from the Goa police’s traffic cell. A senior official said that on the PWD plan for the bypass road, no encroachments were shown.“We went to conduct the inspection last week, so we could divert traffic along this stretch. But even after walking for almost a kilometre, we could not find any open space. It was full of houses, buildings, and commercial establishments. Looking at the encroachments, we decided to call off the inspection,” a senior official at the inspection told TOI.He said that in 2000, a 25m-wide bypass road was proposed from Chogm road to connect to the Mapusa-Panaji road at Guirim. When the state government wanted to acquire the land around 2004, it was noticed that some structures had come up. “When the matter was discussed with then chief minister Manohar Parrikar, it was decided to reduce the width from 25m to 12m, so that structures could be saved and there is no traffic issue.”A senior officer said that the survey will be conducted again to see how much land is available to take up the bypass road, and if it is possible to go ahead with the bypass.He said that some people have given affidavits to the PWD and TCP department that they will demolish their structures in case the government goes ahead with the plan to construct the bypass.PWD minister Nilesh Cabral has told TOI that the tentative plan has been prepared to construct a six-lane elevated road from the Guirim junction to Teen Building (near Gauri petrol pump) in Porvorim. Cabral said that the consultant will give him a presentation. The total cost of the project is expected to be over Rs 650 crore.

Officials inspect Porvorim land for bypass, find it full of buildings
As waste turns to compost, CCP earns revenue to shore up funds
Times of India | 3 months ago | |
Times of India
3 months ago | |

Panaji: While the Corporation of the City of Panaji (CCP) awaits the commissioning of a 15-tonne biodigester unit, the civic body has succeeded in treating up to 15% of the wet waste generated in the state capital through composting. CCP earns around Rs 13 lakh by selling this compost to farmers, said officials.The waste segregation system adopted by Panaji several years ago has helped CCP encourage composting of wet waste, but the long time taken to convert food waste into compost remains a disadvantage.“Panaji generates about 28 tonnes of wet waste per day, of which around 20 tonnes are treated at the decentralised biodigestor plants,” said a CCP official. “The gas generated by these plants is used by canteens and restaurants for cooking.”Around eight tonnes of biodegradable waste are converted into compost with one composting plant installed near the municipal market.“CCP is exploring the option of hiring an agency to handle the composting. The compost is being sold right now, and in 2021-22, we made Rs 13 lakh selling it,” said the CCP official.Meanwhile, CCP’s biomethanation plant behind the Heera petrol pump has missed its commissioning date due to the unavailability of some parts. It was supposed to be operationalised in January. Once operationalised, the 15 tonnes of wet waste that are being sent to the solid waste treatment plant at Saligao can be processed within the city itself.Another challenge for composting efforts has been the presence of biodegradable bags. CCP workers have found fragments of bags that are supposed to be biodegradable. CCP officials said that there is no clarity about the time required for biodegradable bags to decompose.

As waste turns to compost, CCP earns revenue to shore up funds
7-year-old girl dies in Goa after falling into hot water at special school, 2 booked
Times of India | 3 months ago | |
Times of India
3 months ago | |

PANAJI: Old Goa police booked two people after a seven-year-old child died after falling into a hot water tub at the St Francis Xavier academy for special children. Old Goa PI Satish Padwalkar said that they have booked hostel warden Rita Fernandes, 51, a nun, and Meena Dabre, 48, a helper for death due to negligence. They have also been booked under Section 8 of the Goa Children’s Act, and Sections 75 and 85 of the Juvenile Justice Act, 2015.Padwalkar said that Old Goa police received a complaint from Esther Torres, chairperson of the child welfare committee, North, Apna Ghar, that at around 4.45pm on Monday, Fernandes and Dabre, who were assigned to take care of the girl (among others), left them unattended near the tub. He said that the tub had very hot water, and that the child fell in it and sustained burn injuries. “The girl was shifted to Goa Medical College (GMC) and Hospital for treatment, where she succumbed to her injuries,” Padwalkar said.The PI said that the body has been preserved at GMC, and that he has written to the North Goa collector to direct a deputy collector to conduct an inquiry into the matter. He added that the girl’s family is from Odisha, and that her father is an engineer who works in a private company.

7-year-old girl dies in Goa after falling into hot water at special school, 2 booked
  • Girl, 7, Dies After Falling Into Hot Water In Bath Tub At Goa Centre: Police

    • Ndtv

    Police said the process of filing an FIR was underway (representational)Panaji: A seven-year-old girl died of burn injuries after falling into a bath tub with hot water in a centre for the specially-abled in Old Goa, a police official said on Monday.The child fell into the bath tub, which had hot water, at around 5pm on Sunday in the St Xavier's Training cum Production Centre for Children with Disabilities, and she died at 2am on Monday, the official said.According to a letter written to the state's Child Welfare Committee by Father Rosario Walter D Souza, who represents the missionary-run centre, the child fell into the bath tub with hot water when the warden had gone to fetch more water.The mentally unwell child was rushed to a private hospital and then the state-run Goa Medical College and Hospital, where she died of 79 per cent burns at 2am on Monday, according to Mr Rosario's communication to the CWC.PromotedListen to the latest songs, only on JioSaavn.comThe Old Goa police station official said the process of filing an FIR was underway in the case, and the district collector has been informed, who has instituted an inquiry under the sub divisional magistrate since the victim is a minor.(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)Featured Video Of The DayWatch: "Satisfied After Lunch" - Baby Rescued 128 Hours After Turkey Quake

Panaji logs third-highest maximum temperature for February in 55 years
Times of India | 3 months ago | |
Times of India
3 months ago | |

PANAJI: The sunshine state sizzled on Monday as India meteorological department (IMD), Panaji, recorded a maximum temperature of 37.9C in the state capital, the third-highest in the past 55 years. There have been just eight days from 1969 to 2023 when the maximum temperature recorded in February was 37C or higher, data available with the IMD indicates. The highest maximum temperature of 39.8°C in Panaji was recorded on April 7, 1989.If all months are considered, Monday’s reading is the tenth-highest daily maximum temperature recorded in Panaji, the IMD said while clarifying that the reading of 37.9C is the third-highest for the month of February only. “The easterlies are stronger and that affects sea breeze. On Sunday, the sea breeze set at 11.30am while on Monday it set at 3.45pm. The longer the sea breeze takes to set, the hotter it gets in the morning,” said IMD scientist, Rahul M.However, considering the climatology of the season, the sudden rise of the temperature is not uncommon during February in Goa. The IMD pointed out that while this has happened in the previous years as well — with a two degree increase — this year’s reading was higher. The maximum temperature this time increased by three degrees as Panaji recorded 37.9°C on Monday, compared to 35°C on Sunday.Weather experts said a relief from the heat is expected as the IMD forecast shows a drop by 1-2°C the following day.

Panaji logs third-highest maximum temperature for February in 55 years
Extend restoration scheme to other historical monuments: Yuri
Times of India | 3 months ago | |
Times of India
3 months ago | |

Panaji: Opposition leader Yuri Alemao has written to chief minister Pramod Sawant, appealing to him to extend the Restoration and Renovation of Temples Scheme to other places of historic importance such as forts, churches, mosques, and religious relics. While the government has made specific references to the restoration of temples, other sites of historic importance remain low on its priority list, said Alemao.“The minister for archives and archaeology has publicly said that the scheme initiated by the government is only for temples and will not be applicable to churches or mosques,” Alemao stated in the letter. The government, he said, should not discriminate against other sites of historical importance while spending state funds on restoration works. Monuments of historic importance such as the Chieftain’s Memorial at Cuncolim, the Lohia Maidan at Margao, the Martyr’s Memorial at Assolna, and at Patradevi, besides other sites connected with Goa’s Liberation are craving attention, he said. The forts at Betul, Chapora and Colvale, as well as those at other places, also need to be restored, renovated, and protected before they are totally ruined, Alemao said.“During the second session of the Goa legislative assembly, the House was assured that steps will be taken to protect, preserve, and maintain the sites mentioned. But till date, no action has been taken,” said Alemao.

Extend restoration scheme to other historical monuments: Yuri
Opposition leader writes to Goa CM Pramod Sawant over restoration of places of historic importance
Times of India | 3 months ago | |
Times of India
3 months ago | |

PANAJI: The leader of the opposition in the Goa assembly, Yuri Alemao has written to chief minister Pramod Sawant appealing to him to extend the Restoration and Renovation of Temples Scheme to the places of historic importance forts, churches, mosques, and religious relics.While the government has made specific references to the restoration of temples, Alemao said, other sites of historic importance remained low on its priority list.“The minister for archives and archaeology has publicly said that the scheme initiated by the government is only for temples and will not be applicable to churches or mosques,” Alemao stated in the letter. The government, he said, should not discriminate against other sites of historical importance while spending state funds on restoration works. The monuments of historic importance such as Chieftain’s Memorial at Cuncolim, Lohia Maidan at Margao, Martyr’s Memorial at Assolna and Patradevi as well as other sites connected with Goa’s Liberation are craving for attention, he said. The forts at Betul, Chapora, Colvale as well as at other places, also need to be restored, renovated, and protected before they are totally ruined, he said. “During the second session of the Goa legislative assembly, the House was assured that steps will be taken to protect, preserve and maintain the sites mentioned. But till date, no action has been taken,” Alemao stated.

Opposition leader writes to Goa CM Pramod Sawant over restoration of places of historic importance
44-year-old man held with drugs worth Rs 2 lakh in Goa
Times of India | 3 months ago | |
Times of India
3 months ago | |

PANAJI: Anjuna police on Sunday arrested a 44-year-old Siolim resident for allegedly illegally possessing narcotic substances worth Rs 2 lakh.DySP Jivba Dalvi said that reliable information was received regarding the accused person being involved in drug activities.“Based upon the information, a raid was conducted, wherein accused Nitin Suresh Banaulikar was found in illegal possession of 23.4g of a psychotropic drug suspected to be cocaine, worth Rs 1.8 lakh, and 3.4g of a psychotropic drug suspected to be ecstacy, worth Rs 17,000,” Dalvi said.The said illegal suspected narcotic drug, along with other exhibits, has been seized by the police following provisions of the NDPS Act.Further investigation is in progress under the supervision of PI Prashal Dessai and North Goa SP Nidhin Valsan.

44-year-old man held with drugs worth Rs 2 lakh in Goa
Goa: Temperature likely to fluctuate by 2 degrees till Thursday
Times of India | 3 months ago | |
Times of India
3 months ago | |

PANAJI: A rise in maximum temperature by around 2°C is likely over Goa on February 13 and 16. However, the temperature is likely to fall by 1-2°C on February 14 and 15. The India meteorological department (IMD) has attributed the reason for the same to the strengthening of easterly winds in the lower atmosphere over Goa.“February generally records some of highest maximum temperatures in a calendar year. Strong easterlies and occasional delay in setting of sea breeze play a role in it. For coastal climate like Goa’s, sea breeze plays an important role in maintaining temperature values. Following the same patterns, there has been fluctuations in maximum temperatures recorded at Panaji in the past few days,” said IMD scientist, Rahul M.“On February 13 and 16, there is a possibility of rise in maximum temperature by around 2°C as compared to that of 14 and 15. The reason is the possible strengthening of easterly winds on these days and possible delay in sea breeze setting time,” he added.On Sunday, dry weather prevailed over the state with haze and shallow fog being reported at isolated places over Goa and a minimum temperature of 19.9°C.The sky was mainly clear, which the IMD has forecast to continue being so in the coming days as well. “Haze is likely in the morning. Maximum and minimum temperatures are likely to be around 35°C and 21°C respectively,” the IMD said.

Goa: Temperature likely to fluctuate by 2 degrees till Thursday
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