Thursday, October 7, 2010

Goa Blog

Goa Blog

12 dissident Karnataka BJP legislators in Mumbai, may go to Goa

Posted: 07 Oct 2010 01:15 AM PDT

A group of 12 dissident legislators from Karnataka’s ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), including four ministers, arrived here from Kerala early Thursday and are holed up at Mumbai Airport, party sources said.

The dozen strong group of BJP legislators had planned to travel to Shirdi in Maharashtra Thursday morning, but owing to security considerations abandoned the proposal. Temporarily housed in the airport, they are likely to catch a flight to Goa later in the day and stay there for the next three days or so, the sources said.

The 29-month-old BJP government in Karnataka was Wednesday reduced to a minority in the 225-member assembly after 19 lawmakers, including 14 from the ruling party, submitted a joint letter to the governor withdrawing support and expressing lack of confidence in chief minister BS Yeddyurappa.

A senior Maharashtra BJP leader, Vinod Tawde, received the 12 legislators around 1.30 am at the Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport and made arrangements to make them comfortable while in transit. They arrived from Kochi.

Tawde also conveyed a personal message from senior party leader LK Advani to the group. He, however, declined to name the legislators who have come to Mumbai or the contents of Advani’s message to them.

A party spokesperson told IANS that “we have made the arrangements” as required for the group of legislators. “Beyond that, we are not involved in the issue in any manner,” he asserted.

Karnataka Governor HR Bhardwaj has directed Yeddurappa to prove that he enjoyed the confidence of the house by 5 pm on Oct 12. However, Yeddyurappa said he would do it a day earlier.

“I have requested Governor HR Bhardwaj to convene the assembly session Monday (Oct 11) at 10 am. I am confident of proving majority on the floor of the house,” an unfazed Yeddyurappa told reporters outside Raj Bhavan Wednesday.

Courtesy:TOI

CBI submits ‘confidential’ documents to JMFC, Goa

Posted: 06 Oct 2010 08:34 PM PDT

The central bureau of investigation (CBI) on Wednesday submitted confidential documents to a judicial magistrate first class (JMFC) court in Margao while opposing the application of former tourism minister Francisco “Mickky” Pacheco. Pacheco is seeking the return of his laptops and cellphones seized in the alleged immigration forgery case.

The CBI had confiscated Pacheco’s five laptops and three mobile sets last month after raiding his office and house at Betalbatim. Subsequently, Pacheco had approached the JMFC court to get the same back.

During the hearing of the case, CBI’s lawyer Joseph Vaz handed over documents to the court and urged it to keep the material “confidential”.

With regard to the confiscated property, Vaz pointed out that the items - which he claimed are an important piece of evidence - were sent to the forensic laboratory for analysis. “Hence, they cannot be released at his stage,” Joseph Vaz said.

On the other hand, Pacheco’s lawyer Srikant Naik alleged that the property was seized by the CBI to harass his client.

“In the Nadia Torrado death case, the same mobile phones and laptops were attached by the crime branch and later released as they (CID) could not find anything incriminating against Pacheco. The seizure of the same property by the CBI in this case indicates that it is done with an intent to harass Pacheco. Therefore, the same should be released” Naik said.

The court has posted the next hearing on October 8. The CBI has alleged that Pacheco entered into a criminal conspiracy and had obtained crew members’ visas from the US consulate in Mumbai, in the name of two persons and other unknown persons on the basis of forged documents.

Courtesy:TOI
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Wednesday, October 6, 2010

Goa Blog

Goa Blog

It is not “climate” change its “Climate Disorder”:Goa MP

Posted: 06 Oct 2010 08:55 AM PDT

Issue of climate change is , in fact, an issue of climate disorder and that it should be renamed as such said Mr Shantaram Naik, Member of Parliament from India while intervening in a discussion on  the  three days conference on "Effect of Climate Change On Human Health" organized by World Health Organisation in in Thimpu, Bhutan.

mps

Prime Minister of Royal Government of  Bhutan Shri His Excellency,
Lyonchhen Jigmi Y.Thinley.is seen with the members of Indian delegates
Shri Shantaram Naik, Mrs Mabel Rebello, Smt Viplove Thakhur, all MPs
,Shri Surinder Singla,Former Finance Minister of Punjab and Shri
Manmohan Sharma ,Executive Secretary of Indian Parliamentarians Forum
on Population Y.

Intervening further   Mr Naik said that  when one goes from one area to another and  gets cold and cough , one often remarks that it is due to change of climate but today,  we are not,  in reality,  discussing about climate change but "climate disorder".

Mr Naik also said that issue of possible rise in sea level should be scientifically studied as people living in coastal areas including , Mr Naik said, his State Goa, have been told that after some years the costal areas of the State will be wiped out.

At this  Dr Poonam Ketrapal Singh, Deputy Regional Director of World Health Organisation  said that similar is the case of Mumbai, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka etc and,therefore,  she assured the delegates that WHO will look into these aspects.

The Indian delegation to Thimpu consisted of ,besides Mr Naik, Mrs Mabel Rebello,M.P., Mrs Viplov Thakur M.P., Shri Surinder Singla,former Finance Minister of Punjab and Shri Manmohan Singh ,Executive Secretary of Indian Association of Parliamentarians on Population and Development.

Delegates from India, Bhutan, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Indonasia and Bangla Desh are participating in the Seminar. Mrs. Mabel Rebello who made her presentation on effect of climate change on human health said that climate change would badly affect India's water resources and therefore it will be difficult for the country to feed its population which is today,  120 crores. Respiratory deceases like asthama would increase by 20%.Smt Viplov Takhur said that we should try to identify deceases which are caused due to clime change from the ones which are normally caused on account of other factors.

Shri Surinder Singla said that WHO should select a limited number of health issues so that finance ministers of various countries, with limited budgets,  are able to do proper justice to at least a few serious health issues.

‘Goa’s Israeli drug dealer is a wanted man at home’

Posted: 06 Oct 2010 08:32 AM PDT

Israeli drug dealer Yaniv Benaim alias Atala, who jumped bail in August and escaped to Israel, has 16 criminal cases against him in his home country, a senior police officer said Wednesday.

Deputy Superintendent of Police (Crime Branch) Chandrakant Salgaonkar told reporters here that Atala, who has been linked to Goa Home Minister Ravi Naik’s son, was a wanted man in Israel.

‘Atala is a wanted man in Israel. The Interpol has written to us that he has 15 convictions in offences ranging from drug peddling, assault, theft and fraud,’ said Salgaonkar adding that Atala had come to India in order to flee the law in Israel.

The officer further said that, according to the Interpol report, the Israeli police were also investigating a case against him which involved obstructing law officers from discharging their duties.

‘There are no chances of Atala roaming freely there (in Israel). The Israeli police will take necessary action against him,’ Salgaonkar said.

The officer further said the Goa police had already asked Interpol to contact the authorities in Israel to track Atala down.

Atala is one of the main cogs in the police-politician-drug mafia nexus, in which Home Minister Ravi Naik’s son Roy is linked, according to a witness in the drug mafia case.

Atala was arrested in March after his Swedish model girl friend Lucky Farmhouse uploaded videos of him boasting of his links to senior policemen and politicians on www.youtube.com.

Seven policemen have been arrested for being a part of the narcotics mafia in the state.

The police investigation into the drug nexus case in which several senior police officials and politicians are linked has also been criticised by the opposition and media as well as the Bombay High Court — the latter even observing that the investigators were trying to prevent political skeletons from tumbling out in course of the investigations.

Courtesy:Sify

Voters to be photographed, finger-printed for first time in Goa

Posted: 06 Oct 2010 08:22 AM PDT

For the first time in India's electoral history, voters casting their ballot in a by-election here scheduled Oct 18, will be fingerprinted and photographed at the time of voting, a top official said.

According to North Goa District Collector Mihir Vardhan, the novel policy of photographing and fingerprinting of voters at the polling booth itself was approved by the Election Commission two days ago and is being introduced in consultation with candidates contesting the by-poll.

"The software has been developed by Goa Electronics Ltd (GEL). This will help us in identifying and zeroing down on the exact voter and will make the process transparent," Vardhan said.

The fingerprinting and photography have been made compulsory for all voters, which includes women wearing burkhas.

"We have also started a voters facilitation centre at every polling booth, which will be computer equipped. Each voter will be able to search their name, serial number or part number immediately at the click of a button," Vardhan said.

"We had purchased netbooks for all our talathis (ground level revenue officials) for carrying out crop surveys. The same netbooks will be used to carry out both exercises at the Valpoi by-poll," Vardhan said.

There are 17,912 registered voters in the Valpoi legislative assembly constituency.

The by-poll was necessitated after the elected legislator Vishwajeet Rane, who contested as an Independent candidate in the last assembly poll, resigned to join the Congress party. He is contesting against Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) candidate Santosh Haldankar.

Courtesy: T
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Tuesday, October 5, 2010

Goa Blog

Goa Blog

Indigo coach hits Jet aircraft in freak accident at Goa Airport

Posted: 05 Oct 2010 09:31 AM PDT

In a freak accident, a passenger coach of Indigo airlines rammed into a Bangalore-bound Jet airways aircraft Tuesday evening at the Dabolim airport in Goa. All the 140 passengers onboard were safe. According to Airports Authority of India (AAI) officials, the coach hit the left wing of the Jet aircraft at about 5 p.m., after smashing into a mounted ladder nearby.

“We are medically examining the driver of the coach. As of now, he has said that he lost concentration,” an AAI official said, adding that the coach was travelling at the speed of 50 km per hour against the prescribed speed limit of 20 km per hour.

Courtesy:HT

Inspect Palolem-Goa shore, directs HC

Posted: 05 Oct 2010 07:25 AM PDT

The high court of Bombay at Goa on Monday directed the Goa Coastal Zone Management Authority (GCZMA) to inspect the Palolem beach to ascertain the exact number of shacks constructed within the No Development Zone (NDZ) and file a report on November 15.

A division bench comprising Justice D G Karnik and Justice F M Reis passed the order in a petition filed by one Vikas Bhagat, a shack owner. The petitioner has alleged that beach shacks were blocking access to the Palolem beach. An intervention application was also filed by the Goa Shack Owners Association opposing the petition.

During the hearing, the petitioner’s advocate, Mahesh Sonak, produced photographs to point out that the shacks had been directly built in the NDZ area. There is no access to the beach whatsoever as a result of the erection of the shacks, he said.

Advocate general Subodh Kantak told the court that the GCZMA will monitor the constructions of new shacks along the Palolem beach and would take effective steps to monitor any violation of law.

However, the court was of the view that the exact number of shacks in the NDZ should be ascertained.

Subsequently, the court directed the GCZMA to carry out the inspection by the end of October, and file the report before the court on November 15.

The court also made it clear that the order of September 6, directing the GCZMA not to grant permissions for new shacks along Palolem beach will remain in force

In its earlier order, the court had earlier order observed that it is apparent that the shacks have been erected not only on the beach but ‘even appear to have been erected beyond the high tide line and some shacks appear to be in the water’.

Courtesy:TOI

Goa Pradesh Congress Seva Dal Appoints New Block Presidents

Posted: 05 Oct 2010 06:01 AM PDT

On the occasion of Gandhi Jayanti day we have appointed Shri. Shrikant Naik, Block Chief of Congress Seva Dal of Sanguem Block and Smt. Graciana Fernandes and Radha G Naik appointed Block Mahila Organiser, Sanguem & Tivim Block of Congress Seva Dal.

jt1

The appointment letters given by the Hon. Chief Minister Shri. Digambar Kamat at Congress House in the presence of Shri. Subash Shirodkar, Shri. J. T. Vaz, Shri. Altinho Gomes, Shri. Luis Alex Cardozo, Shri. Ramakant Kalap, Smt. Ezilda Sapeco, Dr. Ulhas Parab, Dyneswar Kamble and others.

Russian company urges Goa govt not to confiscate its property

Posted: 05 Oct 2010 02:47 AM PDT

A Russian-owned company in Goa has requested the state government not go ahead with the confiscation of their properties as the matter is sub-judice.

The state cabinet decided to confiscate four land plots owned by True Axis Pvt Ltd , as per the directives of the Directorate of Enforcement (DE) for violation of the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA).

Following this, the company, in a letter written to the Goa Chief Secretary, said it has already filed a case against the DE order at the Appellate Tribunal For Foreign Exchange.

Company’s lawyer Vikram Varma said the state through various authorities under it had ratified the purchase of the said properties by executing the deeds of sale as well as by providing various permissions and certifications for repair of buildings, their lawful occupancy and other tourism related activities.

The company has plans to construct a hotel project on these properties valued at Rs 1.26 crore located at Mandrem village, 60 kms away from here.

True Axis’ property was one among around 400 properties that came under the scanner of DE for violating FEMA.

Varma said the equity for his client has been provided under the 100 percent Foreign Direct Investment policy of the Government of India .

He said the DE in past had directed the company to pay a penalty of Rs 7 lakh along with additional penalty (on its director) of Rs two lakh for violation of various sections of FEMA 1999. Besides, it ordered confiscation of the said properties.

Courtesy:ET

Goa:Relocating casinos shocks Narvekar

Posted: 04 Oct 2010 09:31 PM PDT

Aldona legislator Dayanand Narvekar has expressed shock and dismay over the State Cabinet's decision to relocate three off-shore casinos towards Britonna and Salvador do Mondo side of Mandovi river.

In a letter shot to the Chief Minister Digamabar Kamat, Narvekar reminded that during the debate in last assembly he had asked the government to shift the casinos to the high seas as per the off-shore casino policy.

"I had pointed out that the High Court had not stayed the order of the government for shifting casinos in high seas. In fact the consensus of house was for shifting casinos from River Mandovi," he said.

Further Narvekar expressed surprise that casinos are shifted in his constituency against the wishes of the people.

"The government is also aware that many casinos are not sea worthy and do not have proper permission," he stated.

He also expressed dismay at the support being given to casinos by government for reasons best known to them.

"I request the government not to carry out such arbitary decision against the feeling of local representative and failing which people will agitate against the government decision," Narvekar said.

Courtesy:Oheraldo

No. 1 draw for Indian tourists? Not Goa,It’s Andhra

Posted: 04 Oct 2010 09:20 PM PDT

Where do Indians travel when they have the time, money and inclination to explore their own country? No, not to Goa; not even to ‘god’s own country’ Kerala. The number one domestic travel destination for Indians, believe it or not, is Andhra Pradesh.

Over the past three years, most Indians have headed to Andhra, especially to Tirupati. Uttar Pradesh comes a formidable second, thanks to Agra’s Taj Mahal.

In recently released data, the market research division of the Union tourism ministry said: “During 2009, the number of domestic tourist visits to various states was 650 million (65 crore), as compared to 563 million (56.3 crore) in 2008 and 527 million (52.7 crore) in 2007.” With the young and the middle class getting more mobile, the ministry predicts that the domestic market will grow at a healthy clip of 20% in 2010.

The ministry added, “The top 10 states in terms of number of domestic tourist visits during 2009 were Andhra Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Uttarakhand, West Bengal and Gujarat.” Put together, these states accounted for 88% of the total number of domestic tourist visits in 2009.

While 15.75 crore Indian tourists visited Andhra in 2009, UP and Tamil Nadu received 13.48 crore and 11.57 crore visitors respectively. In distant fourth, fifth and sixth place were Karnataka (3.27 crore), Rajasthan (2.55 crore) and Maharashtra (2.37 crore), respectively. Maharashtra’s domestic tourist base has steadily grown, from 1.92 crore in 2007. Interestingly, while most states saw a steady increase in tourists, Karnataka saw a huge dip — from 3.78 crore in 2007 to 1.28 crore in 2008 — but bounced back in 2009. Rajasthan has had a see-saw ride, going from 2.59 crore to 2.83 crore and 2.55 crore in 2007, 2008 and 2009 respectively.

These figures contrast starkly with states known for being popular tourist haunts. Himachal Pradesh, with attractions like Shimla, Kullu and Manali, had just 1.1 crore Indian tourists in 2009. Kashmir had 92.35 lakh, Kerala 77.89 lakh and Goa 21.27 lakh. Goa bucked the trend by not seeing a steady rise in domestic tourists — 22.09 lakh (2007) and 20.2 lakh (2008).

Jayesh Ranjan, tourism secretary of Andhra Pradesh, said, “The maximum number of visitors come to bow in front of Lord Balaji in Tirupati, and they are followed by those who come for a holiday and mostly head to Visakhapatnam, one of the few cities that has the sea and hills in close proximity. The third most-visited city is Hyderabad, which mostly sees corporate tourists because of the presence of so many Fortune 500 companies.”

All this catapulted Andhra to the first rung 14 years ago, said Ranjan. And the state has stayed there ever since. In 2009 alone, Andhra raked in Rs 400 crore from tourism.

Religious tourism or work-related visits have pulled domestic tourists to places like Andhra and Tamil Nadu, or for that matter, even Rajasthan or Maharashtra as tourism packages now offer a range of experiences — from traditional health spas to local cuisine — an essence of India, so to speak.

A C Mohandoss, director of the Tamil Nadu tourism department, said that while his tourism corporation had several attractions lined up for visitors, most travellers from the north, particularly from Gujarat, came to visit Rameshwaram. “We now have direct trains from north India to several important destinations. Moreover, we are also the first in medical tourism. An equal number of domestic (mostly from the north-east) and international visitors come to our mission hospitals,” he said.

With TN realizing the economic potential of tourism, it is now planning to start winter festivals to boost numbers. “For instance, this December, we are showcasing the dances of India in Mahabalipuram,” said Mohandoss.

In Maharashtra, too, most tourists head to Shirdi, followed by Pandharpur, which sees a lot of visitors from south India, said Kiran Kurundkar, managing director of the Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation. “Then we also see lakhs of visitors heading for the Ajanta and Ellora caves. A recent phenomenon is that a lot of tourists land up in Goa and travel north to spend time on our beaches in Sindhudurg and Ratnagiri,” he added.

Rajasthan, a dyed-in-the-wool tourist destination, has witnessed a slight drop in domestic as well as international footfalls. The number of foreign visitors fell from 14.78 lakh (2008) to 10.73 lakh (2009). “But the fall was in line with the overall trend that the country witnessed in case of international tourists. We realize the potential of domestic tourism, and now we are portraying Rajasthan as a hub for holding marriages that have a touch of royalty. Religious and desert tourism, too, are popular on the domestic visitors’ itinerary,” said a senior officer in the state’s tourism office.

Courtey:TOI

Congress-BJP in a straight fight for Goa by-poll

Posted: 04 Oct 2010 11:27 AM PDT

Congress and BJP are in a straight fight in Valpoi by-elections which are scheduled on October 18. Congress’ Vishwajit Rane, who is also a sitting MLA, will contest against BJP’s Santosh Haldankar in this constituency located 50 kms away North-East of Panaji. Dipaji Rane, a BJP office bearer, had flung surprise by filing his form as an Independent candidate. Returning officer for bypoll, Raju Gawas, told PTI that Rane has withdrawn his nomination today, the last day for withdrawal. The by-election is necessitated here after Rane, who had got elected as an Independent candidate, had resigned as MLA to join Congress last month. Rane is a Health Minister in Digamber Kamat cabinet. On the other hand, BJP was left in the lurch after its leader Puti Gaonkar, who had contested against Rane during 2007 general polls joined hands with him. BJP has now fielded Santosh Haldankar, a businessman whose elder brother Narahari Haldankar had represented this constituency before Rane won it. The constituency has 17,824 voters and for 2007 polls, 79.25 per cent voters had exercised their right.

Courtesy:IBN
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Monday, October 4, 2010

Goa Blog

Goa Blog

Goa Pradesh Seva Dal celebrated Gandhi Jayanti with inmates of old age home

Posted: 04 Oct 2010 02:31 AM PDT

Shri. Shantaram Naik M.P. said that it should be endeavor of every citizen to try his or her best to see that the last drop of tear from the eyes of the poorest of the poor is wiped out.

Shri. Naik who visited Old Age Home near Hospicio Hospital, Margao, on Saturday, to distribute a few utility items to the inmates of the house on behalf of Goa Pradesh Congress Seva Dal,  said that no one in the world has succeeded in this endeavor but, to make an attempt towards this goal is equally important.

GPCC Vice President Shri. Luis Alex Cardoso said that the simple way life of Mahatma Gandhi can, to a large extent be emulated by the citizens.

Shri. Altinho Gomes, General Secretary of GPCC said that the life of the two great sons of India namely Mahatma Gandhi and Lal Bahadur Shastri can give sufficient strength and direction to those who genuinely desire to serve this country.

Chief Organiser of Goa Pradesh Congress Seva Dal Shri. J. T. Vaz gave welcome speech.

Shri. Manguesh Naik compered the proceedings of the brief meeting held at the Old Age Home, while Shri. Damodar Korgaonkar proposed a vote of thanks.

At the outset, Shri. Naik and Shri. Vaz garlanded the portrait of Mahatma Gandhi.

Sumanth-Priyamani shoot Rim Zim in Goa

Posted: 04 Oct 2010 02:13 AM PDT

The Sumanth-Priyamani starrer movie Rim Zim has completed its first schedule. The shooting of the film was recently completed in Goa.

The producers say, “Our movie reflects the perspective and lifestyle of present generation. If a youngster simultaneously romances with two girls, the circumstances would be quite different and it obviously leads to troubles. What kind of troubles the youth faces is the basic subject of the film.”

Director says, “I have tried to mix the entertainment and emotions in equal share in this film. The performance of Sumanth would be a highlight. We are making efforts to release the film as a Diwali gift.”

Viji Sipivista is directing the film and Kumar Brothers are producing the film.Koti is scoring the music and Vimala Raman also playing the lead role in the flick.

Courtesy:OI
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Sunday, October 3, 2010

Goa Blog

Goa Blog

Security lockdown for Commonwealth Games

Posted: 02 Oct 2010 11:48 PM PDT

Referred to as the most trouble-plagued Commonwealth Games ever, all eyes are now on India to see if the sporting event will progress smoothly.Despite facing a lot of flak for its poor preparations leading up to the Games, the Delhi government has reportedly begun pitching for a possible Olympics bid. The authorities are congratulating themselves even before the grand opening ceremony promised by Suresh Kalmadi, Chairman of the Commonwealth Games Organising Committee, this evening.

Two-hour ceremony

The two-hour ceremony will start with President Pratibha Patil and Britain's Prince Charles declaring the Games open.

Tennis sensation Sania Mirza will not be part of the 619-member strong Indian contingent, but badminton star Saina Nehwal, Beijing Olympic Games bronze medallist boxer Vijender Kumar and wrestler Sushil Kumar will carry the baton during the ceremony.

The Indian Home Ministry is taking no chances with security. New Delhi is under a security lockdown with an estimated 100,000 police and military personnel deployed to keep the athletes, visitors and Games venues safe. Ever since foreign governments issued travel advisories highlighting a risk of terror attacks in India during the Games, Home Minister P. Chidambaram has stepped up efforts to plug security loopholes.

Police said security will be extra tight for the opening and closing ceremonies. The Delhi government has used special powers under the Delhi Shops and Establishment Act 1954, to order a shutdown of shops and markets on the opening and closing days. This means that all shops and commercial establishments, including grocery stores and shopping malls, will remain closed today and on October 14.

According to reports, more than 5,800 athletes and officials have already arrived in Delhi. ”With more arrivals scheduled in the coming days, the Games are well on the way to becoming the biggest in history,” Lalit Bhanot, Secretary-General of the Organising Committee, said. The fact that several stars have opted out has failed to deter the organisers, who maintain that more than 6,700 athletes and officials have confirmed their participation in the Games.

Watch it

The Commonwealth Games opening ceremony will kick off at 5.30pm (UAE time) on Sunday. The Commonwealth Games opening ceremony will be telecast live on DD Sports at 5.30pm UAE time (7.00pm India time).

Courtesy: bellevision

Evidence of tiger presence in Goa: Official

Posted: 02 Oct 2010 11:33 PM PDT

There is good news on the tiger conservation front. A top forest department official has confirmed the presence of tigers in the forests of Goa. Additional principal chief conservator of forests Shashi Kumar said the department had indirect evidence of tiger presence in the four wildlife sanctuaries which ring the hinterland of the state. ”There is a possibility of tiger presence in the state’s forest. There is evidence of its presence which will be confirmed through camera trapping method,” Kumar told reporters after a wildlife-related function here Saturday.

Kumar said the indirect evidence was collected during the course of the wildlife census which was conducted in the state’s forests which are contiguous to Maharashtra and Karnataka. The census was carried out with the assistance of the Wildlife Institute of India (WII), a central government institute based in Dehradun, Uttarakhand.

Members of the Western ghat conservation panel have already suggested that the forests of Goa should be notified as a tiger reserve, a move which has been resisted by the state forest department in the past. A tiger had also been poached in the Mhadei wildlife sanctuary, about 60 km from here, last year which had resulted in the arrest of three people.

Courtesy: topnews
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Saturday, October 2, 2010

Goa Blog

Goa Blog

To brand Cuncolim Revolt not a freedom struggle is Unpatriotic

Posted: 02 Oct 2010 02:10 AM PDT

Those who do not consider 16th century revolt of Gaoncars from Cuncolim as freedom struggle are unpatriotic as, these people are misinterpreting the sacrifices of the ancestors of Cuncolim  Gaoncar who fought  valiantly against the oppression of Portuguese agents. Mr Naik who was the Chief Guest at a function organized to celebrate the 75th birthday of Prof.Verossimo Coutinho, President of Chieftain Memorial Trust on Friday at Cuncolim,further said that it is attempt made by the agents of the Portuguese who sought to impose illegal taxes against the villagers, snatch their lands, impose their own draconian rules that was opposed by the Gaonkars and, therefore,to hear someone who   say that it was not a freedom struggle,  is painful.

Mr. Naik ,who is one of the descendants of the Gaoncars who were killed by the Portuguese agents said that we have not seen our ancestors but Verossimo represents the spirit of these great fighters.Mr. Naik said that their demand for inclusion of the history of the Cuncolim revolt in school text books will be vigorously pursued, and that,  he along with trust members and Ex-MLA Shri Radharao Gracias will be calling on the Education Minister Shri Atanacio Monseratte  soon for the purpose. Mr. Naik said that production of a documentary for the purpose will be pursued with the government and private parties will also be roped in. A regular film will be a costly proposition, which fact, he realized after discussing with film producer Shri Shyam Benegal. Mr. Naik said that he will soon meet the Prime Minister and acquaint him with the history of Cuncolim revolt.

Shantaram Naik: Goa MP

Prof. Verossimo Coutinho, President of Chieftain Memorial Trust, Cuncolim being felicitated at the hands of Shri Shantaram Naik M.P. Also seen in the photograph from left to right Deputy Collector of Mormugao Shri L.J.Martins, Ex. MLA Shri Radharao Gracious, Prof. Subhash Velingkar, Cuncolim Municipal Council President Shri Devendra Desai and Shri Oscar Martins.

Prof Verossimo Coutinho said that Cuncolim and surrounding villages of Assolna and Velim  has produced eminent persons  including  late Shri Juliao Menezes , a close associate of Dr Ram Manohar Lohiya, whom we should remember, so that we get constantly  inspired by their deeds and action. He said that Chiefton Memorial needs to be further upgraded by a suitable hall with requisite facilities which, the Trust will soon endeavor to realize.

Ex-MLA Shri Radharao Gracias said the sacrifices of Gaoncares of Cuncolim has attracted towards the people of Cuncolim and said that Verossimo's initiatives needs support from every quarter. He assured Mr Naik of his full support in getting justice to the Gaoncar's of Cuncolim. Prof. Subhash velinkar said that he has high hopes of Rajya Sabha M.P. Shri Shantaram Naik and congratulated him for his Private Member's bill seeking  to name India as Bharat.

He said that whenever he goes to various parts of Goa for his oganisational work, he sites the example of the sacrifices of Cuncolim Gaoncars and requests them to visit the Chieftain's Memorial there and pay their respects. Deputy Collector of Mormugao Shri L.J Martins who also hails from Cuncolim, introduced Prof Verossimo Coutinho. Shri Devendra Desai, President of Cuncolim Municipal Council made a welcome speech and Oscar Martins proposed a vote of thanks, while Shri Vijay Kopre compered the proceedings of the meeting.

Church accuses Goa government of shielding illegal mining

Posted: 02 Oct 2010 12:29 AM PDT

Accusing the Goa government of shielding illegal mining in the state, the Goa Roman Catholic Church has asked people to "awaken" and save the hills, forests and tribals residing in the hinterland. In a message to its flock on the occasion of Social Apostolate Day Oct 3, the Council for Social Justice and Peace (CSJP), the social arm of the Roman Catholic Church here, and Caritas, the Church's development arm, has accused the Congress-led coalition government in the state of "bad, insensitive governance".

"Should not the government have taken immediate steps to stop illicit mining activities? If this is not bad governance, what else is it? Goans, awaken and together save our hills, our forests, the ?aam admi' of those areas and rest of us!," states the message titled 'Environmental Value of Biodiversity — a Common Responsibility', a copy of which his available with IANS.

The message is endorsed by CSJP executive secretary Fr. Maverick Fernandes and Caritas director Fr. Valeriano Vaz. Calling mining in the state "illegal" and "immoral", the CSJP has also said that illegal mining for iron ore was rapidly destroying Goa and the ecologically sensitive Western Ghats, in which 104 operational mines in Goa are located. "Environmentally immoral and in many cases illegal mining for iron ore is rapidly destroying Goa," the message states.

The Church castigates the state's politicians, accusing them of being blind to the loss of traditional occupations and livelihood of farmers and others who earned on the produce of the forest. "Statements by politicians that this industry provides jobs to a large number of people and hence must be permitted to prosper, reveal how little these persons in power are concerned about the irreparable destruction of the lower slopes of the Western Ghats, the devastating pollution of air, soil and water which threaten the basic health and well-being of the people of the area, including the labour force," the message states.

The Church in Goa is an influential organistion with over 25 percent of the state population being Christian. Illegal and unchecked mining is a sensitive issue in Goa, with both civil society groups and the opposition voicing their concern about the issue repeatedly. According to data submitted in the monsoon session of the Goa legislative assembly, ore worth Rs.4,000 crore was illegally mined and exported out of Goa to countries like China, Japan and Romania.

Leader of Opposition Manohar Parrikar claims that nearly 18 percent of Goa's total 40 million mining output comprised of illegally mined ore. He has also accused Chief Minister Digambar Kamat and several of his cabinet ministers of being in hand-in-glove with the illegal mining industry.

Courtesy: thaindian

FIFA gives green signal for artificial turfs in Goa

Posted: 01 Oct 2010 10:01 AM PDT

As part of the ambitious ‘Win in India with India programme’, FIFA has given its nod to lay two artificial fields in Goa.  The All India Football Federation has confirmed that the FIFA technical team, which visited Goa last month, has found four venues “technically feasible” to lay the artificial turfs, two of which — Tilak Maidan, Vasco and Duler ground, Mapusa — will reap the benefit.

AIFF general secretary Alberto Colaco, in a communique to Goa Football Association (GFA) early this week, has informed that FIFA development office has approved sanction of two artificial football turfs in Goa. Colaco also said that the decision has been endorsed and confirmed at the emergency committee meeting of the AIFF in the presence of Asian Football Confederation (AFC) president, Mohammad Bin Hammam, AFC vice-president Manilal Fernando and David Borja from the FIFA Development office in Zurich.

The Don Bosco ground in Panaji, and Cuncolim ground has been shortlisted as the alternate venues, if the Sports Authority of Goa or Goa Football Association, who own either stadium, turn their backs on the project. ”We have received a communique from the AIFF informing us that Tilak Maidan has been approved,” confirmed SAG executive director V M Prabhudesai.  The SAG were initially hesitant to sign the mandatory Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) and instead suggested changes.

Courtesy: zeenews
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Friday, October 1, 2010

Goa Blog

Goa Blog

Ban SNSes like Facebook, Orkut, demands Goa Chief Minister

Posted: 01 Oct 2010 09:34 AM PDT

In the backdrop of fake accounts of ministers being created, Goa Chief Minister Digamber Kamat has demanded a ban on social networking sites (SNSes) including Facebook. The Chief Minister has recently written a letter to the Indian Computer Emergency Response Team, which functions under I&B Ministry, demanding a ban on the SNSes.

“Social networking sites like Orkut, Facebook, Hi5 etc, are adversely affecting the lives of people with unscrupulous elements using them to post defamatory, vulgar and obscene material to blackmail, defame, cause mayhem among the people and destroy the social fabric of a peaceful society like Goa,” he said in the letter. Innocent people fall victim to emails or “add friend” requests when they see email IDs belong to their friends or their acquaintances, he said adding therefore these sites should be banned. Two of Goa’s ministers Churchill Alemao and Atanasio Monserratte had filed a police complaint last week after their fake IDs were created on social networking websites.

Jobs damand for locals is justified: GOA , MP

Posted: 01 Oct 2010 06:12 AM PDT

Demanding jobs for locals is not anti-constitutional, and that even late Smt. Indira Gandhi had said that people should get jobs nearer to their homes, said Mr. Shantaram Naik M.P. at Margao on thursday.

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Mr. Naik, who was a Chief Guest at the function organized by Konkani Bhasha Mandal, at Ravindra Bhawan, Margao to celebrate its 48th Anniversary, further said that it is the duty of central institutions like Railways, Goa Shipyard, Mormugao Port Trust, Airport Authorities etc. to give necessary preference to the candidate belonging to the state, while making recruitments.

Those who say that demanding reservations for locals constitutes narrow mentality say so with ulterior motives, Mr. Naik said. Mr. Naik also said that it is most unfortunate that in spite of the announcements made by Goa Government that they will bring out a State Education Policy, the same has not seen the light of the day.

Mr. Naik said that a policy which will stress on Goan Culture its history, its people, land, rivers, is the need of the hour and that such a policy should be framed within the parameters of National Education Policy 1986 as amended in 1991.

Mr. Naik further said that if,  Konkani Bhasha Mandal,  which is basically devoted to school and propagation of Konkani literature, proposes to widen its activities by taking up social issues,  then, it is advisable that they establish a separated division or section within the mandal to take up such issues.

Former Presidents of Konkani Bhasha Mandal, Prof. Shyam Verekar, Shri Bhiku Bombi Naik, Dr. Francisco Colaco, Shri Gurunath Kelekar, Prof.Gunaji Desai, and Shri Narayan Mauzo , Shri Sadanand Kanekar, werealso present on the occasion.

At the outset, President of Konkani Bhasha Mandal, Shri Prashant Naik gave a welcome address. Literary, Service, Education and Journalism Awards as also Awards to those students who excelled themselves in Konkani Subject, were given at the hands of Mr. Naik.

Miss Anvesha Singbal and Mr. Anant Agni compared the proceedings of the function and Shri Chetan Acharya proposed a vote of thanks.
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