GOA NEWS: GENERAL
Goans greeted on Diwali HERALD NEWS DESK PANJIM, NOV 7 – Extending his warm greetings on the occasion of Diwali, Governor S C Jamir in his message has said that Diwali is one of the most ancient and deeply entrenched festival and is widely celebrated throughout the country with tremendous gaiety and community fervour. The Chief Minister Digambar Kamat in his message recalled tah Diwali — the festival of lights is one of the biggest festival with universal appeal. “Everybody celebrates the festival with equal enthusiasm and interest, which is the rich tradition considering the diversity in our religious and customs. In his message, the opposition leader Manohar Parrikar has extended his warm greetings to the people of Goa on the occasion of Diwali celebrations. Parrikar said “let this Diwali bring happiness and prosperity to people. Wishes, aspirations and resolutions of everyone may fulfill with the grace of Goa.” http://oheraldo.in/pagedetails.asp?nid=3956&cid=26 Festival of lights to be celebrated today NT Staff Reporter Panaji, Nov 7 Diwali, the festival of lights, will be celebrated in the state with the rest of the country tomorrow with traditional joy and fervour. The unique Goan tradition of displaying the effigies of the demon Narkasur on the Diwali eve and burning the same at dawn next day was however affected by the incessant rains which began in the afternoon. Earlier in the day, the people thronged the market as well as shops around the city buying gift items, sweets and cloths for the festival. The partial hike in the prices of commodities did not dampen the festive spirit. This year, Laxmipujan, which signifies obeisance to the goddess of prosperity, will be held on November 9. Laxmipujan is celebrated by businessmen/entrepreneurs in their shops, offices and industrial units as well as devotees. The Diwali festival also includes Bhaubeej, witnessing the sisters paying respect to their brothers. The Governor, Mr S C Jamir, extending warm greetings to the people of Goa on the occasion of Diwali, said, “I expect everyone, irrespective of caste, creed and religion to participate in the celebrations of this unique festival with renewed enthusiasm and spiritual fervour, greater co-operation and friendship.” “The joyous celebrations of this festival are intended to eliminate all evil vices from our minds like ignorance, superstition, selfishness, arrogance, jealousy, hatred, animosity, etc, and to illuminate and enlighten our minds, bodies and souls with the fragrance of universal love, goodwill, friendship, brotherhood, co-operation, mutual understanding, mutual trust, righteousness and virtues, in order to make our life more happy and meaningful,” he added. The Chief Minister, Mr Digambar Kamat has also extended warm greetings to the people of Goa on the occasion of Diwali. In his message to the people, Mr Kamat said that Diwali, the festival of lights, is one of the biggest festivals with universal appeal. “Everybody celebrates the festival with equal enthusiasm and interest, which is a rich tradition considering the diversity in our religions and customs,” he stated. The leader of the opposition, Mr Manohar Parrikar in his message said that the Diwali brings happiness and prosperity to people. “On this occasion, wishes, aspirations and resolutions of everyone may be fulfilled with the grace of God,” he wished. http://www.navhindtimes.com/articles.php?Story_ID=11088 Rains paralyse life in Goa NT Staff Reporter Panaji, Nov 7 Un-seasonal rains accompanied by lightning and thunder played havoc in the state on the eve of Diwali, uprooting trees, disrupting power supply for nearly four hours and causing traffic jams in various parts of the state particularly due to flooding. The rains dampened the spirit of the people ahead of burning of effigies of Narkasur and Diwali celebrations. Prior to the rains, lightning and thunder, darkness prevailed in most part of the state prompting last-minute buyers among the people to return to their homes to escape being caught in the rains. The rainfall was around 1.5 inches. The Chief Secretary, Mr J P Singh informed ‘The Navhind Times’ that there were no reports of any damage and that he was waiting for reports from the collectors. He said that power supply has been disrupted due to thunderstorm. The collector of North Goa district, Mr Swapnil Naik said that there were reports of tree uprooting and falling of trees on power lines etc. He also said that no report of damage to any property or life has been received so far, adding that waterlogging near the bus stand caused traffic jam. The chief electrical engineer, Mr Nirmal Braganza informed that lightning was the cause of conductors snapping at various places. He said that power supply to Panaji would be partly restored from Ponda station in due course of time. The electricity department chief further said that restoration of power supply from Tivim and Verna station could take some more time. He also went on to add that some of the transformers were also damaged due to lightning and restoration of power supply in some parts of the state could take some time. The meteorologist in-charge of the Indian Meteorological Observatory in Panaji, Mr K V Singh said that the un-seasonal rains were part of post-monsoon phenomenon observed in the state. He also said that thunderclouds were formed at about 10-12 km above the sea level. He said that this phenomenon is observed during October-November period in the state and that various places receive rainfall during the afternoon/evening hours. This rainfall he added continues for about 2-3 hours. Mr Singh further said that thunderclouds have been formed over the state, particularly the coastal areas throughout the state. He said that the phenomenon could continue for some more time. Our Margao Bureau adds: The festival of lights turned into darkness for the citizens of South Goa, as 110 KV line in Ponda snapped, cutting off electricity supply to Margao and other parts of South Goa, from 4.00 p.m. onwards. Power was finally restored to most parts of Margao and Vasco at 7.30 p.m. but Benualim continued to remain in darkness. “Our men are working in the area to restore power in Benaulim, as early as possible,” the executive engineer, Mr Peter Fernandes said. Continuous lightning and windy condition in the evening played havoc with the power lines at many places in the state, Mr Fernandes informed. According to the executive engineer, the 110 KV line between Ponda, Borim and Verna snapped, mainly due to lightning, plunging parts of South Goa in darkness. 33 KV power supply of Kundaim Industrial Estate was diverted to Vasco and parts of Margao via Verna, the executive engineer informed. The superintendent engineer, Mr Talegao disclosed that heavy damage has been caused to power lines and other electricity equipment in Curchorem, Quepem and Sanguem areas. The business community in Margao were worst hit due to the power failure. People who came to make last-minute purchases of Diwali goodies and fireworks also found it difficult on account of darkness. Most of the traders make roaring business on the eve of Diwali, as people rush to make last-minute purchases. Our Mapusa Correspondent adds: The untimely rains that lashed the state created havoc in large parts of Bardez taluka. Fire brigade personnel were kept on their toes attending to calls of removing fallen trees in villages of Nerul, Guirim, Verla Canca, Para, Calangute, Assagao, Mapusa and Anjuna. Many trees fell on houses damaging valuable properties while many others fell on roads breaking electric wires and poles and completely disrupting electric supply in all the above villages. The entire Bardez taluka and parts of Bicholim and Pernem talukas were in darkness as lightning struck the Tivim sub station. The Mapusa executive engineer, Mr Ulhas Kerkar when contacted however claimed that he had deputed his men to restore the supply at the earliest after he came to know about the fault. Power supply that was disrupted at around 3 p.m was finally restored at around 8 p.m. However, due to the rains and the lightning many parts of Mapusa and other villages were still in blackout. http://www.navhindtimes.com/articles.php?Story_ID=110810 Expert flays implementation of sex education at primary level NT Staff Reporter Panaji, Nov 7 The education syllabi have made our students mere consumerists with little interest in the needs of the society, stated the Maharashtra zone in-charge of Students Islamic Organisation of India (SIOI), Mr Sayed Mazhar. Speaking to the media reporters this evening at a city hotel, Mr Mazhar stated that the education system today has become degree-oriented rather than knowledge and personality-oriented besides becoming a medium to promote Western culture, which has led to excessive emphasis on individual freedom and liberty. “Sexual anarchism has become the order of the campus besides promoting pre-marital and live-in relationships,” he observed. Criticising the implementation of sex education for school children, he pointed out that the education on usage of condoms and contraceptives will be the final step towards making the society open to all the vices prevalent in the Western society. He further said all these have made our student community lose its vitality, energy and the spirit for a life of struggle and endurance and has fallen prey to lethargy and immobility. Mr Mazhar said, in this kind of circumstances, the society needed to redefine education and regain struggle to transform the society. He noted that the year 2007 marks the 25th year of organisation’s existence in the country. On this occasion, SIOI would be organising a nation-wide campaign on the theme `25 years of redefining education, regaining struggle, renovating society, SIO awakening the nation.’ As part of the campaign, three caravans would be leaving from New Delhi, Kolkatta, and Calikat. The caravan leaving from Calikat would reach Goa on November 22 and would culminate in a public meeting at Lohia Maidan in the evening. All the three caravans will be meeting in Mumbai on November 25 at the National Students Converging Conference. In Goa, they will be organising essay competitions for higher secondary school, colleges and university students besides meeting people from different background. http://www.navhindtimes.com/articles.php?Story_ID=11085 Restrictions on powers of Calangute sarpanch, deputy NT Legal Correspondent Panaji, Nov 7 The Division Bench of the Bombay High Court comprising of Mr Justice R M S Khandeparkar and Mr Justice A P Lavande has by way of interim order restrained the sarpanch and deputy sarpanch of Calangute village panchayat from taking any decision involving financial implications and granting of licence for construction activities in the panchayat area. The Bench while issuing the rule, observed that out of the 11 members of panchayat, 6 members appeared to be consistently expressing no-confidence against the sarpanch and the deputy sarpanch and hence granted interim relief. The Bench has also noted that there is a failure on the part of Director of Panchayats to take appropriate decision till date pertaining to the resolution expressing no-confidence motion passed on October 21. The petitioner had challenged the communication dated October 29 by the BDO, Mapusa declining to fill up the vacancy to the office of sarpanch and the deputy sarpanch. The BDO in his communication had also informed that the resolution of October 21, was not passed by a majority of total members of the panchayat as required under the Section 51 of the Goa Panchayat Raj Act. The petitioner had submitted in his petition that the sarpanch and the deputy sarpanch are deemed to have vacated the office after the resolution was passed on October 21 in as much as it was passed by the majority of the members present and voting. It may be recalled that the BDO, appointed by the High Court had observed in his report that since only five members had passed the resolution, the motion was not passed by majority of the members of the panchayat. http://www.navhindtimes.com/articles.php?Story_ID=11084 Charge-sheet filed in Mapari murder case NT News Service Ponda, Nov 7 The investigating officer in the Samir Mapari murder case, DySP, Mr Mohan Naik today filed the charge-sheet against the three accused -- Rajesh Desai, Balesh Desai and Vinay Desai for abduction (section 364), murder (section 302), destroying evidence (section 201) and conspiracy ( section 120(B) read with 34 IPC) with the Judicial Magistrate First Class (JMFC), Quepem. According to the police, Rajesh Desai and Balesh Desai, the two accused were arrested on August 17, 2007 for allegedly kidnapping and murdering their driver, Samir Mapari, as he was learnt to have known about their involvement in the panch Mariano Mascarenhas shooting case. The notice of leaving the job from June 1, 2007 by Mapari was what forced the businessmen to commit the offence, the police said further and added that the third accused was arrested on August 21, 2007. It may be recalled that Mapari was missing since July 31, 2007 and that missing person complaint was filed. The body of Mapari was found floating in the river Zuari on August 8, 2007. It was recovered and later identified by his relatives. The police inspector, Mr Manjunath Desai was the first investigating officer in the case, and later on the case was handed over to Mr Mohan Naik for investigation. http://www.navhindtimes.com/articles.php?Story_ID=11083 Sadhana, Sardessai to perform at IFFI 2007 NT Staff Reporter Panaji, Nov 7 The programme committee of the governing council of the Entertainment Society of Goa today short-listed Kunal Ganjawala, Milind Ingle, Sadhana Sargam, Hema Sardesai, Anagha Ghaisas and Ravindra Sathe for performing at various venues in the state, during the forthcoming International Film Festival of India. The ‘Euphoria’ and the ‘Indian Ocean’ bands have also been short-listed for the film event. ‘Marathi Bana’, a mega show will also be performed. The committee also attended yet another presentation by the event management agency, Times Innovative Media Ltd, earlier in the day as regards fresh ideas about creative concepts and visuals to be used during the International Film Festival of India. The presentation was given by the Times team led by Mr Sumeet Chatterji. The chairman of the committee, Mr Vishnu Wagh later told ‘The Navhind Times’ that committee members gave a green signal to the event management agency after they witnessed concepts for the backdrop and stage decor to be used during the opening and closing ceremonies of the festival as also for the stages at the five urban venues where cultural programmes would be held during IFFI. The presentation also included concepts for the mega arch to be set up at the film festival venue, and decorations at the INOX courtyard as well as Campal corniche. “Mr Francis Martins and Mr Shridhar Kamat Bambolkar will monitor the decor,” Mr Wagh added. The vice president of the committee, Mr Vishal Pai Cacode said that the IFFI volunteers would be wearing Kurta and blue denim, the attire aimed towards giving an Indo-Western feel to the film festival. He also informed that the committee will now work on day to day basis to ensure success of the festival. http://www.navhindtimes.com/articles.php?Story_ID=11086 Not for India Has the Indian captaincy suddenly become a dirty word for the players to handle or are they getting two soft for the job? First Rahul Dravid said no and now its Sachin Tendulkar’s term. So what is the problem? As Raj Singh Dungarpur, former BCCI member rightly said, “in Sachins case, he was not getting runs and things are a little difficult for him. If he accepts and loses matches the knives will be out for him.’’ And that could be the case for Dravid too? The other school of thought, let a junior player take the captaincy and the seniors can bully him on and off the field. And if anyone though that cricket and patriotism took a front seat, please thing twice. It was only their personal gain and financial fortunes that is uppermost on everyones minds. Patriotism is dammed. http://oheraldo.in/pagedetails.asp?nid=3965&cid=26 Bicholim cops register assault case HERALD CORRESPONDENT BICHOLIM NOV 7 - Bicholim police today registered a case against four persons from Karapur-Sarvan for assault. According to the Bicholim police the incident occurred at about 9.30 am. Due to some earlier enmity between neighbors one Sangeeta Gaonkar was allegedly assaulted by four of her neighbours Vinayak Gaonkar,Vinanti Gaonkar, Vidya Morajkar and Vidya Gaonkar with Koita and bamboos. The police have registered a case against the four under Section 324, 504, 427 r/w 34. Hawaldar, Uday Umarye is further investigating the case. http://oheraldo.in/pagedetails.asp?nid=3961&cid=26 Narkarsur effigies bear the brunt HERALD CORRESPONDENT CURCHOREM, NOV 7 – Heavy rains accompanied by thunder and lighting lashed Curchorem and Sanvordem areas on Wednesday afternoon disrupting electricity in most areas. Although there were no reports of any casualties, the rains however the dampened the spirit of especially the youth towards the Narkasur effigy competition organized by the Shining Star Sports and Cultural Club. Many narkasur effigies were either damaged or could not brought on to the streets due to heavy rainfall. Quepem Correspondent adds: The rains also spoiled the Narkasur competition organized in Quepem town by the Deumol Sports Club. The rainfall also caused major problems to the agricultural activities, which is in progress in the hinterland of the taluka. Ponda Correspondent adds: In Ponda also, normal life was through out of gear by the post-monsoon rainfall. Apart from snapping wire-lines due to heavy winds, many Narkasur effigies were also damaged. http://oheraldo.in/pagedetails.asp?nid=3960&cid=26 Donations ‘rain’ in Taleigao for Narkasur effigies BY HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, NOV 7 – Taleigao, the constituency, which is famous for beer and chicken during elections, is now set to become the village having the most Narkasur effigies in Goa. The trend of narkasur began decades ago and the number was almost insignificant in the village of Taleigao at that time. From around a dozen narkasur effigies 10-15 years ago, the number has risen manifold to about 100-120. Incidentally, the number has increased ever since the former MLA Somnath Zuwarkar was replaced by a new dispensation – the one who has gained the notoriety for giving huge donations for such celebrations. Shocking but true the residents of Taleigao received donations of Rs 20,000 for a Narkasura. However, the donations vary in size while a normal size gets Rs 20,000 the smaller ones (5-feet) fetch upto Rs 10,000 while the bigger one has no limit (upto 50,000 or more). The amount of donation, which was Rs 10,000 last year has been, doubled much to the joy of the Taleigao youth. It is learnt that the Taleigao bigwig was busy doing a survey of the narkasurs on Saturday and disbursed the amount the next day. Though he continues to be the major patroniser of narkasur effigies, his former allies (most of them friends turned foes) are also in the race for bringing colour to the demon god. Moreover, while the youth are happy with the ‘big heart’ of the MLA, the residents also have much to cheer except the noise pollution. They are happy as they are no more troubled by the youth for donations. Says one resident, “every year around five groups use to come and ask for donations but for last few years we have some relief.” http://oheraldo.in/pagedetails.asp?nid=3957&cid=26 GBA gets Vincent Verodiano Award BY HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, NOV 7 – Even as the lights failed Panjim city on Wednesday evening, in a dark corner of Menezes Braganza Hall the Goa Bachao Abhiyan received the Vincent Xavier Verodiano Award amidst the burning of candles and torch lights. With the burning of candles we have achieved the significance of Diwali, announced the compere of the function as he introduced the Verodiano Foundation’s Awards Committee Chairperson and prominent lawyer Norma Alvares, who spoke at length on the significance of the award. Ms Alvares said even though the award was given to people who have served and influenced society over a period of time, she as chairperson campaigned hard so that GBA got the award. The reason for this, she cited, was that the Abhiyan in such a short span of time had dared to come up with an agenda to save Goa capturing people’s imagination. Convenor GBA Dr Oscar Rebello, Secretary Patricia Pinto, Dean D’Cruz, Treasurer Anand Madganvkar, Miguel Braganza, Raboni Saha, Jamshed, Leroy and others received the award at the hands of veteran journalist Rajan Narayan. The award, instituted by Dom Martin in 1989 in memory of his father Vincent Xavier Verodiano, constitutes a cash prize amounting to Rs 1,00,000. Speaking on the occasion, Dr Rebello maintained that GBA was very much alive and the rumblings in Keri, Sancoale and Verna were nothing but extensions of the Abhiyan’s emotional trigger. The GBA may have conflicting interests within, but its democratic set-up remains intact, he asserted. Rajan Narayan called upon GBA to take cognizance of Special Economic Zones and maintained that the zones are not part of the land-utilisation plan of Regional Plan 2001 and as a matter of fact shouldn’t be allowed. Miguel Braganza said that GBA is opposed to SEZs and supports all those groups that oppose these zones. However, he cleared that GBA would not share the platform with any political party to oppose the zones. Secretary of Vincent Xavier Verodiano Foundation, Herman de Souza, proposed a vote of thanks. Past Secretary Percival Noronha was also present. http://oheraldo.in/pagedetails.asp?nid=3955&cid=26 Legal camp at Malcornem HERALD CORRESPONDENT QUEPEM, NOV 7 -- The Taluka Legal Services Committee Quepem in coordination with District Services Authority, South Goa Margao will conduct legal Literacy Camp at the panchayat hall at Malcornem on November 14 at 4 pm to observe the National legal Literacy fortnight. The Chairperson of Taluka Legal Services Committee and Civil judge Senior Division Quepem Synora Telles Laad will preside over the function. Adv Luiza Antao will speak on “The duty to protect the environment with particular reference to the Environment Protection Act 1986, Adv P Dessai will speak on Right to Information Act 2005 and Adv Visvas Naik will speak on Entitlement of legal Aid under the Legal services Authority Act 1987 http://oheraldo.in/pagedetails.asp?nid=3953&cid=26 Diwali festival brings ‘relief’ to encroachers BY HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, NOV 7 - MMC on Wednesday has suspended its drive against encroachments in view of the ensuing Diwali festival. Chief Officer, N D Agrawal, however, told Herald that the Civic body would resume the drive from Monday to clear the footpaths and pavements from encroachments. Agrawal said the anti-encroachment drive was undertaken in view of obstructions caused to pedestrians on the pavements and footpaths by some unscrupulous owners of shops and business establishments. MMC drive had earned appreciation from city-based NGOs and other promiment citizens against the encroachments. In fact, the citizens have called upon the Civic body to carry out the drive on a day-to-day basis by making optimum use of the services of market inspectors, supervisors and Municipal workers. http://oheraldo.in/pagedetails.asp?nid=3954&cid=26 Blackout hits State as rain wreaks havoc BY HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, NOV 7 — On the eve of the festival of lights, major parts of the State were plunged into darkness as lightening damaged power lines and unseasonal rain caused water logging turning normal life topsy turvy. Severe lightning streaks on Wednesday afternoon damaged power supply lines of 110 kv at Tivim, Ponda, Verna and 220 kv at Xeldem affecting all the major cities. The Chief Electrical Engineer Nirmal Braganza when contacted by Herald said that work force was pressed into service round-the-clock to repair the damaged lines. Motorists had a tough time late evening as traffic jams were witnessed near KTC Circle in Panjim and Bambolim-Goa Velha Road. The weather bureau reports indicated light to moderate rainfall in the State which caused water logging at a few areas in Panjim city. The State weather bureau disclosed that today’s stormy weather and thunder activity was a localised phenomenon which developed suddenly on Wednesday evening and lasted for around 2-3 hours. Officials at the IMO state bureau said that it was a normal post-monsoon phenomenon which developed locally and could continue for a few days. The bureau said that the prevailing weather conditions in the State had no link with the existing upper air cyclonic circulation prevailing in Lakshwadeep. While power supply to remote areas of the State was also disrupted, complaints also poured in of water shortage in the capital city. The Principal Chief Engineer who was unaware of the complaints said that the power failures could have disrupted water supply on Wednesday. http://oheraldo.in/pagedetails.asp?nid=3948&cid=10 New law mooted to protect Goa’s coastal areas BY HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, NOV 6 — When pressure on the environmentally-sensitive land is increasing by the day, should Goa go in for Transfer of Development Rights (TDR) law? A suggestion to this effect was strongly made by Botanical Society of Goa before the Task Force for Regional Plan 2021 here today. The Task Force had invited various NGOs and other organisations who had written to it earlier, to make their presentations before the panel on Tuesday. Advisor to Goa government on land use plans and renowned town planner - Edgar Ribeiro, Nodal officer of Task Force – S T Putturaju, Rahul Deshpande, Dean D’Cruz, Datta D Naik, Dr Oscar Rebello and Patricia Pinto were present. Task Force chairman – Chief Minister Digambar Kamat was not present as he was out of station. Making the presentation, Botanical Society of Goa President Miguel Braganza mooted the idea of TDR for protection of areas under coastal coconut plantation, sand dunes, private forest, mangroves etc. He said transfer of FAR/FSI (Floor Area Ration/Floor Space index) of such areas would meaningfully compensate the owners of such lands without cost to the state exchequer. The builders, Braganza said, could buy these rights for additional construction in other areas and appropriate entries made in the land documents of the FSI being consumed by the one-time TDR. “This would enable the perpetuation of green cover in fragile coastal zone and other CRZ areas”, he said. Under TDR, the landowner would be able to sell development rights to a developer who then uses those rights to increase the density of his project at another location. TDR system is being followed in Mumbai, parts of Delhi and western countries too. Similar TDR system could be worked out for mangrove areas in privately owned inter-tidal mud flats and khazans, Braganza suggested. He said in a market-driven environment that we live in, it is imperative that there is financial incentive to conserve the natural, cultural, social, religious or built-up heritage. While the socio-cultural heritage is relatively well taken care of, attention is needed for the natural heritage, he emphasized. The Botanical Society also stressed for a better policy on beach shacks and restaurants for the protection of coastal sand dunes and their vegetation. It has also suggested that planned tree planting must be made an integral part of plans for all major projects – whether roads, housing estates, or industrial estates – when submitted for approval to the TCP Board or any successive body. Among others who made presentations before the Task Force were Ramesh Gauns, K D Sadhale, Adv Andre Pereira, Soter D’Souza, Rajendra Kerkar and Roland Martins. http://oheraldo.in/pagedetails.asp?nid=3896&cid=2 - Forwarded by: Sanny de Quepem <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Visit: http://www.live365.com/stations/61664 Goa's first and only Konkani music station online, brought to you by Ulysses Menezes & Gaspar Almeida of www.goa-world.com based in Kuwait. Send instant messages to your online friends http://uk.messenger.yahoo.com