Illegal extensions to 30 tourism department stalls in Colva demolished

Times of India | 4 weeks ago | 09-11-2022 | 04:40 pm

COLVA: The tourism department on Tuesday demolished the illegal extensions of 30 stalls at Colva beach on the orders of the Goa Coastal Zone Management Authority (GCZMA). The demolition commenced in the morning. A sizeable police force was present on site. A few leaseholders initially put up some protest and sought time to remove the extensions. One even tried to gain time by telling the officials that he is approaching the High Court and that he should be given time as a matter of natural justice. The tourism department constructed the 30 stalls in 1988 and subsequently leased them. In 2006, the High Court taking suo motu cognisance of extensions and constructions carried out in Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) areas had directed all panchayats and municipalities to submit an action taken report before the GCZMA. The tourism department in its submission to the GCZMA admitted that the stalls had been illegally extended by the lease holders following which the coastal authority, in exercise of its powers under Section 5 of the Environment (Protection) Act, directed the department to demolish all the illegal extensions. It also directed the Salcete deputy collector to submit compliance within a day of the demolition.

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IndiGo to start operations from Goa’s second airport from January 5 with 168 flights per week

Times of India | 3 hours ago | 08-12-2022 | 09:08 pm

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PANAJI: Ahead of the inauguration of the new Goa International Airport at Mopa low cost airline IndiGo announced that it would start 12 daily flights from the new airport from January 5. IndiGo will operate 168 weekly flights connecting all the major metros along with Pune, Jaipur and Ahmedabad. The private airline said the Mopa will be the "largest ever new station launch" in the country with direct flights to eight airports. At the same time, IndiGo said that it will continue with the existing flights from Goa International Airport at Dabolim. "We are very excited to announce our largest ever new station launch with new direct connections from the New Goa International Airport in Mopa," said IndiGo chief executive officer Pieter Elbers. IndiGo said that the new flights are designed to cater to travelers who are "constantly on the lookout for new and affordable flying options" to fly to Goa whether for business or for tourism. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate Goa’s second international airport at Mopa on December 11 but the airport will begin operations from January 5. IndiGo said that it is introducing new flights to cater to the “increasing demand” from tourists who want to travel to north Goa. “Residents of Goa will also be able to utilize these new services to fly directly to many large cities across India and utilize IndiGo’s comprehensive network at its hubs to connect onward to its entire network spanning more than 100 destinations,” said the airline in a statement.

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Times of India | 3 hours ago | 08-12-2022 | 08:35 pm

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Times of India | 7 hours ago | 08-12-2022 | 04:40 pm

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Times of India | 21 hours ago | 08-12-2022 | 02:40 am

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