Friday, May 7, 2010

Goa Blog

Goa Blog

GOLMAAL 3 is bigger, better:Tushar in Goa

Posted: 07 May 2010 07:28 AM PDT

Tusshar Kapoor  is currently stationed in Goa for the shooting of GOLMAAL 3. An integral part of the film’s cast right from the first in the series (GOLMAAL) and the sequel (GOLMAAL RETURNS), Tusshar is happy to be playing the role of a mute prankster yet again.

“This time around the film would be presented as a hardcore family film. Also, mark my words - GOLMAAL 3 is going to be much bigger and better than both of the earlier films combined together. The characters are much funnier this time around”, says Tusshar in a confident tone.

What really makes him believe that the film would be twice as big as the first and the second part?

CHECK OUT: Meet the new stylish & toned GOLMAAL gang

“That’s because not just the film boasts of a far better screenplay; there are also quite a few emotions that have interspersed into the narrative. GOLMAAL 3 is being pitched as a very big commercial film”, is all that Tusshar is willing to state on record.

After GOLMAAL RETURNS, Tusshar had jokingly asked the film’s director Rohit Shetty ‘not’ to cast him as a mute guy any more. Now the shooting of GOLMAAL 3 has begun, news is that Tusshar would continue to go mute. Any regrets? “Arrey no, not at all”, smiles Tusshar, “In fact I am quite happy that I am mute all over again. I am sure audience love that part of mine.”

A huge multi starrer with Mithun Chakraborty, Ajay Devgn, Kareena Kapoor, Arshad Warsi, Shreyas Talpade and Kunal Khemu forming the film’s principal cast, GOLMAAL 3 is aiming for a Diwali release.

Courtesy:Glamsham

Goa has no threat from Naxalism, says tate Home Minister Naik

Posted: 07 May 2010 05:39 AM PDT

Home Minister Ravi Naik on Friday said the coastal state has no threat from Naxalism.

“We do not have any threat from the Naxalism. It would also not be proper to say that Naxalites were taking shelter in the state,” Naik told reporters on the sidelines of annual passing out parade of police training school at Valpoi, 60 kms away from here.

Naik’s statement came in the wake of arrest of Sambu Beck, 25, a top Naxal leader of Maowadi Trishul Manch (MTM) wanted by Orissa Police in several cases of kidnapping, dacoity and armed robberies from Mapusa town on Thursday.

Seventeen others were also arrested for harbouring Beck in a joint operation by Goa police crime branch and anti-narcotic cell (ANC) wing.

Naik said police have taken swift action after they received information about Beck from Orissa police. He said Police have been asked to cross check antecedents of all the Orissa people working in unorganized sector in the state.

Goa’s fishing and real estate sector has huge presence of Oriya people.

Courtesy:Hindustan Times

Goa drug peddler in jail may be innocent: BJP

Posted: 06 May 2010 09:32 AM PDT

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) chief Nitin Gadkari Thursday said an alleged Goan drug peddler currently lodged in a Mumbai prison for suspected links to an Israeli drug dealer may be innocent.

Speaking to reporters here, Gadkari also tried to justify BJP legislator Dayanand Mandrekar’s recent plea to Goa home minister Ravi Naik to “help” alleged drug peddler Savlo Salgaonkar, arrested by Mumbai Police for possessing drugs.

“The person arrested may be innocent. That is why he (Mandrekar) must have demanded his release. I will personally cross-check the issue,” Gadkari said, adding that the party was seriously concerned about the narcotics scenario in the state.

State BJP president Laxmikant Parsenkar Tuesday (May 4) dismissed Mandrekar’s plea to help the alleged drug peddler as a sarcastic joke. “Mandrekar must have joked. He might have passed a sarcastic comment,” Parsenkar said.

Mandrekar, a former minister, said in the state assembly in March: “The drugs were given to him (Salgaonkar) by Israeli drug peddler David Griham alias Dudu. He (Salgaonkar) fell into the trap for a few rupees.”

“The home minister should approach the Maharashtra government and help him get out of trouble,” he said during a discussion in the state assembly.

“If you can help this boy, please do it,” said Mandrekar, a legislator from Goa’s narcotics-infested Siolim constituency.

Courtesy:TOI
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Thursday, May 6, 2010

Goa Blog

Goa Blog

Congress patronage of Goa’s casino industry worrying: Seva Dal

Posted: 06 May 2010 07:15 AM PDT

The patronage of the Congress-led coalition government to the casino industry in Goa is an issue of concern and will be taken up with the party’s state and central leadership, a senior Seva Dal functionary said Thursday.

Speaking to reporters at a press conference in Panaji, Seva Dal chief national organizer Mahendra Joshi also said that Seva Dal, a grassroots organizational outfit of the Congress party, was also taking stock of the environmental scenario in Goa.

‘Gambling does not fit into the principles of Seva Dal. We will speak to the Congress leaders in Goa about the issue,’ Joshi, who was in Goa to take stock of Seva Dal activities in the state, said.

There are presently more than a dozen land-based casinos in the various five star hotels spread throughout Goa, in addition to the seven offshore casinos licenced to operate off the coast of the tourism state.

The casino industry in Goa, has prospered in recent times under the Congress-led coalition government much to the chagrin of civil society groups, who have repeatedly protested against endorsement of the casino industry by the state government.

Joshi also said that his organization would also take stock of the environmental degradation in the state.

‘I am here to meet my cadre in Goa. We will study the environment issue,’ Joshi, who is the head of the Seva Dal throughout the country, said.

Known by their trademark Gandhi ‘topi’ and a white attire, the Seva Dal has nearly 3,000 members in Goa and nearly 7,000 branches throughout India.

Earlier he was welcomed at the airport by J.T. Vaz,Chief of Goa Pradesh Congress Seva Dal.

Courtesy:Mynews.in

Instruments worth 12.30 crores are proposed to be installed at Meteorological Centre, Goa

Posted: 06 May 2010 05:18 AM PDT

Union Minister of Earth Sciences, Shri Prithviraj Chavan informed Mr. Shantaram Naik, MP in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha that instruments worth 12.30 crores are going to be installed at Meteorological Centre, Goa.

Shri Chavan further told Mr. Naik that a Doppler Weather Radar costing Rs.11 crores, Global Positioning System based Upper Air System costing Rs.84 lakhs, Automatic Weather Systems costing Rs.15 lakhs, Automatic Rain Gauges costing Rs.15 lakhs and Radiation Equipment costing Rs.16 lakhs form part of the equipments.

The Meteorological Centre of Goa was earlier designated as Goa Observatory, Panjim, and it was upgraded to Meteorological Centre, Goa, Mr. Chavan said in his reply.

In another written reply of Mr. Naik whether the Government proposes to enact a separate legislation to govern CBI, Mr. Chavan has stated in his written reply, “The Government has not taken any decision to enact a separate legislation to govern CBI.”
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Wednesday, May 5, 2010

Goa Blog

Goa Blog

Soha rushes to meet an injured Kunal Khemu in Goa

Posted: 05 May 2010 06:00 AM PDT

Soha Ali Khan flew into Goa four days ago to spend time with the Golmaal 3 unit. Most people assumed she had gone there to bond with her brother's girlfriend Kareena Kapoor, who is the leading lady of the film. But the truth is that Soha heard that her 'good friend' Kunal Khemu, who is also a part of the Golmaal-3 starcast, had met with an accident while doing a stunt scene.

Rohit Shetty, the director of the film, confirms the news of the mishap. Says he, "Kunal was on a waterski and he injured his leg really badly.''

One of the unit members said that at one point, Kunal was in so much pain that they thought he had fractured his leg. And that he would be rendered unfit for shooting for a few days. However, it turned out that his injury wasn't that serious and he is now able to continue shooting with a sprain bandage on his upper leg, just above his knee.

Obviously, Soha heard of the accident and she immediately rushed to Goa to check how badly Kunal had injured himself. What's more, after she landed there, she apparently decided to hang out in Goa for a few days making sure that Kunal didn't take any risks with his injured leg and attempt any dangerous action scenes in his hurt state.

An insider says that it was indeed very sweet to see the way Soha cared for Kunal hanging around the sets, though the temperature on the Goa beach where the unit is stationed is a raging 38 degrees.

Of course, the fact that Bebo is around makes things that much simpler. "Soha gets along famously with most of the actors who are around,'' says the source. "Seeing her sitting around with the cast actually makes it seem like she is part of the unit too.''

And is Kunal happy with this development? Those who have seen the actor in the last few days say he looks more than happy to Soha around. And he is absolutely basking in all the extra attention that he has been getting.

Courtesy:Indiatimes

Complete land aquisition for NH 4 by May ;Centre tells Goa Government

Posted: 05 May 2010 05:17 AM PDT

Union Minister of State for Road Transport and Highways informed Mr. Shantaram Naik, MP in the Rajya Sabha today that national highways authority of India has requested Government of Goa to complete the process of land acquisition for NH-4A by May, 2010 and for NH-17 earliest possible before October, 2010.

He further told Mr. Naik that the total area to be acquired is 132 ha for NH-4A and 310 ha for NH-17.

Mr. Singh told Mr. Naik that the construction period of NH-4A is 30 months and for NH-17 is 36 months.

The Minister further said that for NH-4A tender has been awarded under Build, Operate & Transfer (BOT) (Design, Build, Finance, Operate & Transfer pattern) for a total project cost of Rs. 471.00 crore.  The total project cost of NH-17 is Rs. 1872 crore for which bidding is in process.

In the reply to another question on State Highways and District Roads Mr. Singh told Mr. Naik that as per provision of the Central Road Fund (CRF) Act, 2000, the cess levied on Petrol and High Speed Diesel is utilized for the development and maintenance of National Highways, development of the rural roads, development and maintenance of other State roads including roads of Inter-State Connectivity and Economic Importance and construction of roads either under or over the railways by means of a bridge and erection of safety works at unmanned rail road crossings.

He further told Mr. Naik that this Ministry is responsible for the allocation of funds to the States for the development and maintenance of State roads including State Highways, Major District roads and other roads of importance excluding rural roads.  The allocation made to the States accordingly for such roads is Rs. 13613.05 crores so far.

State Governments implement the projects sanctioned under the CRF by incurring expenditure against the annual allocation made to them and release of funds based on progress of works and actual expenditure.  The total amount released to States till date is Rs. 11104.42 crores, he added.

39 new dragonfly species found in Goa

Posted: 04 May 2010 07:42 PM PDT

The whir of tiny dragon flies and damsel flies was not heard much amidst the recent din about turtles and tigers. But a 19-month long study carried out in Goa some time back is likely to bring them into sharper focus as the number of their species has now gone up to 74.

In an extensive study carried out in 2007-08, wildlife enthusiast Parag Rangnekar, associate professor of zoology Manoj Borkar and computer engineering student Omkar Dharwadkar listed 39 new species. “The significant finding is reporting of 34 new species and four families of dragon flies for the first time,” Borkar said.

“In 2007-08, in all 38 surveys were conducted throughout the state to cover varied habitats ranging from mountain streams, inland water bodies, paddy-fields to marshland,” says Rangekar. While, dragon flies are robust, natural flies are delicate.

The study was published by the Journal of Threatened Taxa, a peer reviewed research journal published by Coimbatorebased Zoo Outreach Organization. “The publication took time as it was preceded by aprocess of peer review, which, in this case was done by K A Subramaniam, a reputed odonatologist of the Zoological Survey of India (ZSI),” he added.

Dragon flies are considered indicators of the health of wetlands. “Dragon flies lay their eggs only in clean water. As wetlands are being reclaimed, their conservation is at stake,” Borkar said. They also serve to keep a check on a lot of insects and pests as a means of biological control. Biological diversity or biodiversity is variety, variability and number of living organisms. But only two, plants (floral diversity) and animals (faunal), are appreciated as they are more noticeable.

“Very importantly, there is a greater range and diversity of microbes which we hardly appreciate due to lack of optical gadgets,” Borkar said. Odonata is a scientific term to classify dragon flies and damsel flies. In India, documented dragon flies number 499 species. Till the mid 1990s, serious taxonomic work to document them was not conducted in Goa. In 1995, M Prasad, an odonatologist of repute published findings of a sporadic survey of dragon flies in Goa and listed 17 species. In 2006, Borkar along with two of his students, Durga Karnam and G Chandraprabha added 16 more species after some field work in Salcete. “These species were not included by ZSI in its paper published in 2008 under the authorship of P P Kulkarni and S S Talmale”, he added.

Courtesy:TOI

Ajay Devgn likes a suite on Palolem Goa beach

Posted: 04 May 2010 09:41 AM PDT

What Ajay Devgn wants, he gets. In this case, a suite at the Hotel Intercontinental The Lalit on Palolem beach, Goa.

Says a source close to the actor, “Ajay feels comfort is essential for an artiste to perform well. To him, the hotel rooms he stays in, while shooting in India or abroad, have to feel like home - spacious, stylish and comfortable. While shooting in Hyderabad, he stays at a particular suite; when in Goa, he stays at the Presidential Suite at the Palolem beach hotel.”

Mera wala kamraa
The source adds that Ajay’s staff books the suite months in advance and if an earlier booking has been made, it is changed discreetly to suit Ajay’s staying specifications. “It has almost become the ‘Ajay Devgn Suite’. It is very close to the gym and swimming pool. It has two big rooms, a big hall and two seating areas, which includes a dining room. He has also installed his own LCD screen in the room — so he can watch TV with friends and family in comfort.”

“When Ajay’s family comes to Goa, they stay in the suite. It is the biggest suite in the hotel and Ajay always insists on it. He even has the hotel chef coming to him to take his order. Often, the chef whips up some exotic dish as per the actor’s specifications.”

Won’t leave
In fact, Devgn is so fond of his suite that he refuses to leave it despite ‘ghostly’ rumours. “Once Golmaal director Rohit Shetty and the unit tried to play a prank on the actor saying the suite was haunted and created an elaborate tale around it. He didn’t fall for it and refused to leave the room.”

Courtesy:Oneindia
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Tuesday, May 4, 2010

Goa Blog

Goa Blog

Seminar on FIFA World Cup in Goa

Posted: 04 May 2010 08:40 AM PDT

The 34th National Convention of the Sports Journalists’ Federation of India is to be held in Goa from May 5 to 9 and, among the highlights of the five-day meet, is the FIFA World Cup 2010 seminar to be held on May 7 ahead of the mega event starting on June 11 in South Africa.

Football Olympians S S Narayan and Fortunato Franco, AIFF Player of the Decade (1985-95), former India goalkeeper Brahmanand Shankawalkar and ex-India forward Bruno Countinho are the panelists at the seminar, a media release from SJFI said today.

The convention, to be attended by around 100 sports journalists representing 16 states including members of Sports Journalists’ Association of Goa, would also feature discussions on the future of Indian cricket (May 5), the Olympic Gold Quest project (May 6) and Indian rugby (May 8), the release said.

Former national cricket selection panel chief and ex-India stumper Kiran More, seasoned first class cricketer Amol Muzumdar, veteran boxing administrator Kishen Narsi and former Indian hockey captain Olympian Viren Rasquinha (CEO, Olympic Gold Quest), will be among key speakers.

Greg Davey, Development Manger, Rugby India will make a presentation on India’s preparations for the Commonwealth Games to be held in New Delhi in October, the release said.

V M Prabhu Desai, Executive Director, Sports Authority of Goa, would be the chief guest at the inaugural session on May 6.

Competitions on a zonal basis for the the J K Bose Twenty20 cricket tournament, A C Bali Table Tennis Tournament and the ESPN-Star Penalty Kicks competition are the other highlights of the convention, the release said.

In a special message to the SJFI, Sports Minister, M S Gill said, “I find that a very impressive four-day programme has been made out and it should be a fine opportunity for sports journalists and sportspersons to have a dialogue on matters of national interest.”

The convention is being held in Goa for the first time. The cricket tournament will be held at Panjim Gymkhana and SAG ground, Campal. Table tennis tournament and penalty kicks competition would take place at the SAG complex, the release added.

Courtesy:TOI

Squads to check hill cutting, land filling in Goa

Posted: 03 May 2010 07:41 PM PDT

The government has decided to constitute and induct a flying squad for each district to respond to calls on illegal hill cutting and filling of low-lying land. Sources said each flying squad will be headed by a deputy collector and comprise officials from the police, town and country planning and survey departments.

This was decided at a meeting chaired by CM Digambar Kamat and attended by secretary (town and country planning) Raajiv Yaduvanshi, chief town planner Morad Ahmed and others.

The decision to constitute the flying squads comes in the wake of persistent complaints by citizens, and especially the Goa Bachao Abhiyan, that hill cutting and filling of low-lying land is done on Saturdays, Sundays and other holidays when no government authorities can be reached. Sources said the flying squads are the government's way of ensuring quick response to such complaints. The chief minister has already signed the order and it is now up to the district collectors to constitute the flying squads, sources said.

The government has decided to constitute a special committee having legal experts under the chairmanship of commissioner and secretary (TCP) to review the TCP Act, 1974 as amended from time to time.

Sources said the government also decided to release additional funds and appoint technical assistants for expeditious completion of the Regional Plan 2021. It was decided that the government would respond to advertisements that give a wrong picture of projects as and when brought to the notice of the government.

Courtesy:TOI

20% mangroves along Goa Galgibaga river destroyed in October flooda

Posted: 03 May 2010 09:36 AM PDT

Around twenty per cent of mangroves along the banks of Mashem-Galgibgaga-Tolpona river were destroyed in October 2009 floods. The floods also damaged twenty five per cent of other plants alongside the river. According to local environmentalists, the main mangrove areas in Canacona are in Maxem, Galgibaga and Tolpona and the maximum damage took place along Maxem-Galgibaga river bank and as such there is an urgent need to initiate steps to carry out the afforestation otherwise soil erosion would take place on a massive scale.

Goa:Mangrooves

Mr Bhanudas Naik Gaonkar and Mr Manoj Naik Gaonkar, both environmentalists and school teachers, said that mangroves saved around ten per cent of the houses in the last October floods and also the lives of several cattle. They further said that mangroves protect shorelines from getting damaged from storms, hurricane winds, and waves. "Mangroves also help prevent soil erosion by stabilizing sediments with their tangled root system. They maintain water quality and clarity, filtering pollutants and trapping sediments originating from land."

Mr Bhanudas Naik Gaonkar pointed out that "mangroves, admittedly, are not only important but crucial for the coastal areas. Since estuarine areas are highly populated areas, the slightest ecological imbalance will take a heavy toll. They play a vital role in stabilizing these areas. No engineering and technological solutions can be sought for stabilizing these areas. Even if we negate all benefits of mangroves as forests, their value as protector of shoreline is enough to convince us for conserving them."

Out of total 15 types of mangroves found in Goa around nine to ten types of mangroves are found in Canacona, he stated adding to preserve them is the need of hour. According to Mr Omu Dhuri, a traditional fisherman and former councillor, mangrove forests and estuaries are the breeding  grounds for a number of marine organisms, including the commercially important shrimps, crabs and other fish.

Mangroves are being now looked upon by the scientists as saviours in the today's scenario of global warming. Most of the coastal areas throughout the world are going to be affected by sea level rise due to global warming, the effects of which are already visible. Therefore, when most of the coastal areas will be flooded, mangroves can possibly provide a gene bank for cultivating salt tolerant species of crops which could be our future resource.

In fact, the mangroves in Canacona and Pernem talukas too, and some small patches in Bardez and Tiswadi talukas are worth their weight in gold — they are repositories of an array of biodiversity and nurseries for fishes, a large number of birds including darters, herons, curlews and plovers, etc. The Indian monitor lizard as well as the marsh crocodiles besides other species have been documented in Goa's mangroves, informed Mr Manoj Naik Gaonkar.

Due to the last year's floods, the estuarine rivers of Mashem-Galgibaga and Talpona in Canacona taluka have developed spits at their mouths giving apprehensions that this phenomenon could make the rivers lose their identity and the only solution to keep a check on the phenomenon is desiltation of rivers at the earliest, added the environmentalists.

Courtesy: NT
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Monday, May 3, 2010

Goa Blog

Goa Blog

Goa MP Seeks Law for Death Penalty for Rapists

Posted: 03 May 2010 08:38 AM PDT

Mr Shantaram Naik M.P. today moved a private members amendment bill to amend section 376 of Indian penal code dealing with rape, to provide for death penalty of certain category of offences of rape.
In his statement of Objects and reasons, Mr Naik says, certain classes of rapes are to be handled differently providing for more stringent punishment considering the circumstances under which such offences are committed.

The bill provides that for death penalty or imprisonment for life to:
Whoever,-
(a) being a police officer commits rape-

(i) within the limits of the police station to which he is appointed; or
(ii) in the premises of any station house whether or not situated in the police station to which he is appointed; or
(iii) on a woman in his custody or in the custody of a police officer subordinate to him; or

(b) being a public servant, takes advantage of his official position and commits rape on a woman in his custody as such public servant or in the custody of a public servant subordinate to him; or

(c) being on the management or on the staff of a jail, remand home or other place of custody established by or under any law for the time being in force or of a women’ s or children’ s institution takes advantage of his official position and commits rape on any inmate of such jail, remand home, place or institution; or

(d) being on the management or on the staff of a hospital, takes advantage of his official position and commits rape on a woman in that hospital; or

(e) commits rape on a woman knowing her to be pregnant; or

(f) commits rape on a woman when she is under twelve years of age; or

(g) commits gang rape .

Offences of rape committed by the aboverefered category of persons or committed  in the circumstances mentioned above has to be treated differently, Mr Naik says in his statement

No threat to Goa:CM

Posted: 03 May 2010 07:19 AM PDT

There is no specific terror threat to Goa, but being a touristic state we don’t want to take a chance, said Chief Minister Digambar Kamat while talking to media persons in Panaji on Monday.

Goa police on Sunday in the evening suddenly held Nakabandi on all major roads in the state. Reacting on that CM said that, there is no specific threat to Goa. In these days you have heard what is happening in Delhi and other states. We thought that we should not take a chance.

Goa police atleast created an atmosphere that police are alert. People face hardships during Nakabandi but there is no alternative for that, CM said.

When reporters asked about the growing incidences of desecration of idols and statues, CM said i visited the Guardian Angle church at Curchorem after the incidence of desecration. Police are investigating the case. Let us hope that something will come out.

I am not aware whether any Gang is involved in desecrating these statues, CM clarified when reporters asked few pointed questions.
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Sunday, May 2, 2010

Goa Blog

Goa Blog

Destination Goa For a Healthy You

Posted: 02 May 2010 06:24 AM PDT

Travelers have always preferred Goa as a famous destination   for fun and relaxation but of late another type of tourists is making a beeline to Goa. These international tourists are coming to get treated in the State's super specialty health centres.  Western Europeans and North Americans along with NRIs are coming in large numbers to get cured   for myriad health problems ranging from cataract to obesity.  The hi- tech and well equipped super specialty  hospitals and modern medical clinics with their comparatively low cost treatment and high calibre doctors is fast attracting hordes of foreigners who are coming to Goa  to get themselves treated .

Opines Dr Oscar Rebello, noted medical practitioner and former Convenor of Goa Bachao Abhiyan ( GBA)  "Goa can really do very well in certain non emergency areas like dental,  cosmetic, ophthalmologic, orthopedic, etc. For instance in many of the Western countries the waiting period for cataract is over a year. Goa can establish its important position on the world health tourism map." Goa getting connected directly with international airlines is also helping to get foreign tourists all 365 days of the year. Till some time back these special tourists came in the tourist season i.e. from  October  to April but with the commencement of foreign airlines like Air Arabia, Qatar Airways this segment of travelers are now coming round the year.

"Tourists from the West and NRIs from UK and USA  are coming to Goa mainly  due to two factors : 1) reasonable  cost of  surgery and 2) the availability of the best  qualified doctors . For example  the cost of cosmetic surgery is one fifth  of that in the UK and a tenth of that in US. The cost of the popular cosmetic surgeries at Apollo Victor is :  bariatric  ( weight loss)    Rs 1.5 lakh,  facelift  ( removal of wrinkles) Rs 61,500  , Liposuction ( fat removal) Rs 82,000   " opines Varun Albuquerque  of Alcon Victor Group which  owns Apollo Victor Hospital –Margao and Devaaya at Divar  .

Concurs Dr Hubert Gomes who has been running one of the most popular dental clinic Dr Hubert Gomes clinic at Margao since 1984. "My prices are ten times cheaper than that prevalent in the West .The cost for  dental  implant and Metal Free Ceramic Veneers / Crowns ranges between 14,000-25,000 and   Rs 6000 (per crown) respectively. " Every year Dr Gomes treats around 2500 international tourists and NRIs. Eye treatment is another area where the goose is laying golden eggs for health tourism . Foreign tourists from western countries are visiting Goan ophthalmologists for cataract surgery,  retina , refractive error, Glaucoma etc

Says Dr. Chandrakant Shetye who runs the popular Vision Care Super Speciality Eye Hospital-Mapusa, "Cost of Surgery or treatment compared to UK & USA is only  ½ in our hospital in Goa. The cost of Cataract surgery per eye ranges from Rs. 7000 to Rs. 49000 which depending  on the type of lens package the patient chooses. Similarly,Retinal Surgery ranges from Rs. 25000 - to Rs. 40000 and Retinal Laser treatment costs depends on the number of laser seatings. Our hospital get 10-15 foreign patients a year for surgical treatment and  1-2 foreign patients for OPD per day during tourist season."

Apart from allopathy, tourists are also frequenting Goa for non allopathic treatment. For instance Devaaya at Divar is the Ayurveda and Nature Cure Centre which offers extensive facilities for providing Ayurvedic Panchakarma & Wellness treatment. It combines Ayurvedic treatments with Yoga, Meditation, Music, Lifestyle correction, Diet Planning and medicines to achieve a healthy body, mind and spirit.  Tourists from Germany, Austria, Switzerland and NRIs from UK and USA  frequent Devaaya.

Health tourism has a great scope in Goa , and on January 26th this year  the foundation stone for the proposed Rs 120 crore EIH Goa Super Speciality Hospital at Bambolim was laid by Chief Minister  Digambar Kamat . This all points to the happening of good times for this new variety of tourism. Experts believe that Goa has a great potential for health tourism. " The climate and environment existing in Goa is very conducive  after post surgery especially  during convalescence period   . The average age of Western Europeans and North Americans visiting Goa is more than 55.   Similarly the State recieves more than 40 per cent of repeat tourists .   All this indicates to a great potentiality for health tourism in Goa " says Ralph de Souza president, Travel and Tourism Association of Goa- (TTAG).

But ground realities are different, on its own the State government  is not doing much to attract these new tourists. Rather it will not be wrong to say that the government is neglecting this new kind of tourism. Post surgery ,accommodation needs must be provided in the vicinity of the hospitals . The example of  Health villages in Malaysia, Thailand etc can be followed. These health villages offer accommodation, restaurants and even provide facilities of interpreters and translators .They come very handy in a foreign country  and people accompanying patients feel more relaxed and at ease . The infrastructure would have to include catering to the basic needs of the people accompanying the patient in terms of stay, food, hygiene and to an extent overcoming the language barrier.

Places like Divar , Guirim could  be  the best abode for recuperation. "The government should promote health villages by transferring land at subsidized rates and ensure continuous supply of power." opines Albuquerque. A large number of foreign travelers who come to Goa  are mostly recommended by physicians of their own countries. Regular fairs and shows should be held in the Western countries to popularize  this brand of tourism. There is also a dire need that quality aspect of health tourism is maintained because of late many  dubious dental clinics have mushroomed in the coastal belt of the state . Medical experts believe that along the lines of tourist police there needs to be a body, where patients can get redressal of  there grievances if  they have not received proper and correct  treatment . This would go a long way to prevent the tarnishing of the image of the State.

Confidence of International tourists can also be gained by not overcharging them. Be it local or foreigner both should be charged the same for the treatment availed. Dr Gomes' clinic displays the price list both on its website and its office.  "A forum to check the quality aspect in dentistry or any health aspect is vital to eradicate people with dubious credentials." feels Dr Gomes. In the same way, the garbage lying strewn all over the State is today an eyesore not only to locals but even tourists. "Garbage is the main challenge and it will affect the growth of this budding industry. The government is doing nothing to solve this menace because there is not a single waste processing plant. " rues D'Souza

Instead of inviting   semi clad  or scantly dressed or frugal or rogue tourists from Russia, the State government will do a great favor by taking up the initiative and harnessing the huge foreign exchange earning potential of this sunrise segment. Destination Goa should be the credo of marketing Goa to overseas patients especially in the Western Europe, North America and the Gulf.

by Isidore Domnick Mendis

Excise scam: CBI raids liquor units

Posted: 01 May 2010 07:25 PM PDT

After raids in Daman, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has reportedly raided two liquor units in Goa, although the state excise department refutes it.

According to government sources, CBI officials raided two units at the Cuncolim and Canacona industrial estates respectively on Friday.

The alleged involvement of these units in a multicrore excise scam was raised by opposition leader Manohar Parrikar during the last state assembly session.

Sources said that both these units are owned by excise inspectors in benami names.

The CBI, last Wednesday, swooped down on distilleries in the union territory of Daman to carry out searches in connection with excise duty evasion worth over Rs 400 crore.

It was reported that the tentacles of the excise scam are spread over Gujarat, Maharashtra and Goa.

However, excise commissioner Sandeep Jacques said he was unaware of any CBI raid on liquor units in Goa.

“On reading media reports, I asked my officers to inquire about it. As of now, none of it has been comfirmed,” Jacques told TOI.

He said he has also asked his department for an inquiry on permits issued to import liquor from Daman into Goa.

“As per the preliminary report submitted to me, there has not been a single permit issued for the import of liquor from Daman to Goa since the last five years,” said Jacques.

“In any case, verification will continue and these matters need to be investigated. It could be true, or it could be false. I think all authorities concerned need to step in and investigate into this matter,” he added.

Incidentally, Parrikar had also alleged in the House that large consignments of liquor are being exported to North-Eastern states, but they are lost in transit along the route.

The money in this scam is possibly being used to fund terror outfits in border states, the opposition leader had alleged.

Courtesy:TOI
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Saturday, May 1, 2010

Goa Blog

Goa Blog

Parallel Econony of IPL be Investigated:Goa MP

Posted: 01 May 2010 07:02 AM PDT

Mr Shantaram Naik M.P has demanded that parallel economy run under IPL should be investigated to curb the dangerous money generation.

Speaking on the Apropriation Bill 2010, Mr Naik said one team is sold for an amount as high as 1700 crores and then one does not know who owns a company.

Ex-chairman of IPL has been staying in a hotel suit paying 10 to 20lakh per day, Mr Naik said.

Mr Naik urged upon the Finance Minister to constitute the committee for the purpose of examining laws dealing with finances, which he announced during the budget, at the earliest as this examiniation will also cover rules governing administration of the government.

Mr Naik said that according to his estimates that there are also other laws numbering not less than 500 hundred which require small amendments to make them more useful. He suggested that if need be a special session be called for passing such amendments.

Mr Naik strongly pleaded the case of Union Territories and said that UTs like Lakshyadwip and Anadamans and Nicobar Islands are ruled by Administrators who are advised by Advisory Councils.

Mr Naik said that the advce of these Councils normally are not accepted by the administrators , and therefore, the law governing UTs should be amended to make it binding just as the advice given by a Council of Ministers in the States is binding on the Governors.

Mr Naik also said that Goa which was ruled by Portuguese got the status of statehood but Pudicherry which had a French regime has still not got the status and therefore urged upon the government to consider their case for statehood.

‘Feni’ fun time at Ancestral Goa

Posted: 30 Apr 2010 09:22 PM PDT

The festival of 'Feni' began at Ancestral Goa, The Big Foot, Loutolim on April 24 where stalls displaying varied products of cashew - the nut and the coconut - vied for attention with stalls selling flavoured distil 'Feni'.

Goa: Feni

These were either flavoured with ginger, lemon-grass, herb, lime, coriander, cumin and the 'Dudhshiri' roots. This festival showcased the traditional flavoured alcoholic varieties.

Feni the traditional alcoholic beverage of Goa – both of the cashew and coconut – is still considered to be a poor man's drink. But this crystalline extract has a history that is as colourful as it is colourless.

Coconut feni - is made from the sap of the coconut palm, and cashew feni is made from the fermented juice of cashew fruit, is also called 'caju feni'.

Recently cashew feni got its GI registration as a specialty alcoholic beverage from Goa. There are known to exist around 4,000 such traditional mini-distilleries or stills in Goa that manufacture cashew feni and about 2,200 manufacturing coconut feni. About 75 per cent of stills making cashew fenny are in north Goa while the rest are in south Goa. Of the stills making coconut feni, south Goa has about 65 per cent of them while the rest are in north Goa.

The friars are said to have taught the locals the process of distilling the beverage and down the ages this came to be a process that got improved on and evolved into the variety that we have before us, today. The bright red, gold and pale yellow luscious fruit that is the cashew apple had finally come into its own.

Courtesy: NT

Recall Currency To Weed Out Black Money: Ramdev in Goa

Posted: 30 Apr 2010 09:33 AM PDT

Yoga guru Baba Ramdev today said recalling currency was the only way to weed out black money from the country.

“I have insisted that Central Government recall the currency. If not the small notes but at least notes of high denomination of Rs 500 and Rs 1,000,” Ramdev told a news conference here.

He feels that the currency recall will weed out black money from the country.

“Only genuine money could be exchanged during currency recall and that will cease the menace of black money and corruption,” the Yoga guru, who is planning to launch a political party, said.

Down in Goa, Ramdev will be holding the first yoga camp in the tourist state heralding the series of camps targeting the rural population.

“Raiding people to curb black money will not help. Those who raid and unearth disproportionate money themselves are bribed forcing the authorities to raid houses of the raiding officers,” he quipped.

Ramdev said that currency recall is a way out from the issues of black money, corruption, fake currency and terrorism.

“Terrorism flourishes on black money and fake currency. Once these elements are out, the terrorism will cease to exist immediately,” he suggested.

Fondly talking about his plans to launch a political party, the guru said that if his life gets a threat, ruling party would be responsible for it.

“If there is a threat to my life then ruling party would be responsible for it. I have accepted the challenge to change the world and we will do it,” Ramdev said.

The yoga guru insisted that political outfits knock out corrupt, criminal and characterless activists from their organisations.

Ramdev said that other political parties should not feel threatened with his political plans as he will support all the candidates who are genuine irrespective of their party affiliation.

“We will contest next Lok Sabha polls and will offer clean faces to the voters. If there are existing good candidates of other parties, we will support them,” he said clarifying that his political party, which is yet to be named, is not interested in contesting against good candidates.

Courtesy:Outlook
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