Cash award for Goan filmmaker over Toronto honour

The Goa government on Monday declared a cash prize of Rs 25 lakh to filmmaker, Laxmikant Shetgaonkar for winning the critique's award at the Toronto International Film Festival for his movie Pula Poltoddcho Munis (man beyond the bridge).

The decision was taken in the governing body meeting of the Entertainment Society of Goa (ESG) held in Panaji on Monday.

This was the first ever Konkani film to have won laurels in an international event held outside the country.

Although, the critique's award is only consolatory in nature, the ESG decided to honour Shetgaonkar with a cash reward to enable him to produce films of high standard in near future.

"This is a proud moment not only for Goa but for the entire country. This award has actually contributed to take our official language Konkani, beyond national boundaries.

This will surely serve as a huge boost to all the budding filmmakers of Goa," Chief Minister Digambar Kamat said. The film, which got the award on September 19, is based on a widowed forest ranger, Vinayak who develops an intimate relationship with a mentally ill woman, and in his struggle in giving her a fair chance to rebuild her life he risks becoming an outcast in his community.

Courtesy:ibnlive.com

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Indians 'welcome' in Goa now

: It’s an open secret that nobody really wanted to acknowledge, until

now.

Racial discrimination against Goans and Indian tourists by beach shacks has happened for years, but now the government wants to introduce a rule to prevent it.

Goa’s tourism department will add a clause to its shacks’ policy for the coming season saying their licences could be cancelled if they profile customers on the basis of race.

‘‘Such cases have now started to come out into the open,’’ tourism director Swapnil Naik told TOI.

‘‘We will add a clause in the shacks’ policy that discrimination against nationality and race will be treated as condition enough for cancellation of licence,’’ he said.

Nearly 90% of the people employed by beach shacks and coastal restaurants are non-Goan, belonging to Maharashtra and as far afield as West Bengal, Bihar and Nepal.

On many beaches shack owners brazenly favour dollar-powered tourists.

The simmering resentment erupted last week after a Goa University professor claimed discrimination by a well-known restaurant at Calangute beach. On Morjim, Ashwem and Mandrem beaches, Russians often outnumber locals and Indian tourists.

‘‘Shacks are being subletted by Goans to Russians, who have turned the area into their country,” says Fritzie Moraes Lobo, a resident of Mapusa and president of Citizens Rapid Action Committee.

‘‘We were physically stopped by two persons at the entrance of the restaurant. We wanted to sit inside the restaurant, but were told to sit somewhere else out on the porch. This, despite there being empty tables in the restaurant. Foreigners, who arrived after us, were welcomed with open arms,’’ the professor said, not wishing to be named for several reasons.

Naik said the government could intervene only in places where government land on beaches were concerned. ‘‘The clause will apply to beach shacks on land owned by the tourism department. With regard to shacks on private property and restaurants, I will have to consult legal advice,’’ he said.

Courtesy:timesofindia.com

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Goa to focus on backwater tourism

Known more for its beaches, Goa now wants to cash in on the tourism potential of backwater tourism on the lines of Kerala.

The State tourism authorities will develop infrastructure along the coconut palm-lined Mandovi and Zuari rivers, which flow into the Arabian sea, to ensure that beaches are not the State's only big draw.

The tourism department has prepared a blueprint for developing a backwater circuit each in North and South Goa, along the two principal rivers to add variety to its tourism bouquet, Goa Tourism Development Corporation (GTDC) vice chairman Lyndon Monteiro told reporters here on Friday.

"We already have an excellent network of water bodies linking a lot of places of tourist interest. Our plan is only to interlink commutation services to these places by river," Mr. Monteiro said.

Lotus Environment, a Pune-based consultancy, has been roped in.

Jetties will be built along the river bank at places like Britona, Divar and Savoi Verem for tourists to alight and visit nearby places of historic, architectural, religious or scenic interest.

"A similar project has also been worked along the Zuari river in South Goa," Mr. Monteiro said, adding that work on the construction of jetties will begin next month.

The cost of the entire project has been pegged at Rs.16 crore (Rs. 160 million).

Goa annually attracts nearly two million tourists between October and March.

Courtesy;hindu.com

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State gears up for Ganesh Chaturthi

PANAJI - Ganesh Chaturthi, Vinayak Chaturthi or Chavat (as it is popularly known in Goa) would be celebrated with pomp and gaiety in hindu households and at community places throughout the state. The Ganesh Chaturthi festivities are billed as the biggest among the Hindus in Goa and in the neighbouring state of Maharashtra.
The festivities begin with Hindus throughout the state installing the idols of Lord Ganesh at designated and well-decorated places in their homes amidst bursting of crackers and chanting of mantras and playing of devotional songs. The idols are also installed at pandals erected for the community Ganesh (Sarvajanik Ganeshotsav) celebrations, similarly. The festival is also celebrated at police stations in the state.
The festival is celebrated as it is believed that Ganesh is known to bestow his presence on earth for all his devotees. The festival is observed on the fourth day in the Hindu calendar month of Bhaadrapada. Ganesh, the elephant-headed son of Shiva and Parvati, is also widely worshipped as the supreme God of wisdom, prosperity and good fortune and is known to drive away all the evils.
Normally, the celebrations last from one and half day to 11 days. In most of Goan houses the celebrations are held for one and half day but some families hold the festivities for five or seven days. A few families, however, observe the celebrations for 21 days. The community celebrations are held for 5, 7, 9 or 11 days. At the end of the celebrations the idols would be immersed in water of rivers, wells, ponds, etc.


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BJP to seek special status for Goa

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Opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) will move a resolution in the ensuing session of the Goa Assembly seeking special status for the tourist state.

"There is large-scale migration into the state because of which the infrastructure has collapsed. We have limited resources within which we have to manage," leader of Opposition Manohar Parrikar told reporters in Panaji on Saturday.

The BJP has worked out a strategy for the Assembly session beginning from August 18.

"We want the special status on par with Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand wherein we can control the financial and land dealings while stopping the demographic changes happening in the state," the former chief minister said.

The BJP has taken strong objection to both mega housing projects and slums, mushrooming across Goa due to increased migration into the coastal state having a population of 14 lakhs.

"The land dealings should be controlled or else we will not leave any land for our posterity," Parrikar said.

The Opposition party has clarified that they are not seeking special status on par with Jammu and Kashmir (under Article 370).

"The status will be sought under Article 371 of the Constitution," he said, briefing media at state BJP headquarters in Panaji.


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Pomburpa spring in for a major facelift

POMBURPA: Traditionally known for its famed medicinal waters, the Pomburpa spring will soon be a place where families can spend their leisure time. Moreover, children will be able to learn more about flora and fauna, and the entire local community will be able to stage cultural events.

All this and much more will be possible by the end of this year, when the Pomburpa beautification programme worth Rs one crore, undertaken by the tourism department will be completed.

"The spring is of great heritage value and we will try to retain the ambience," says Manguesh Prabhugaonkar, the architect appointed to draw up the plans.

The flow of spring water from its twin spouts is wasted throughout the night. But after the project is complete, the flow will be connected to a cistern for the purpose of harvesting the resource.

"It could be used for irrigation, drinking, bathing or even for washing clothes," Prabhugaonkar said. A facility will be also provided for villagers to wash their clothes.

Keeping the sentiments of villagers in mind, the tourism department has decided to draft the master plan carefully. "The plan is under execution with changes suggested by the people," tourism director Elvis Gomes told TOI.

Separate cubicles for ladies and gents to change their garments will be provided. Those using soap while bathing will be provided with a separate shower facility. Since large numbers of people visit the spring during the summer for health-related reasons, the bathing area will be given the requisite ambience.

In the eco nature reserve above the spring, mini gardens with walking tracks will be laid with a variety of ferns and other species.

"Children visiting the park will find something to learn about," Prabhugaonkar said.

Besides this, a family of four would be able to relax in a small multipurpose park. In an adjoining space, there will be a play area with minimal infrastructure for children. Not far from there, smokeless chullahs will be provided for picnickers or other visitors to cook a meal. The whole area will be fenced off to keep stray animals from ambling into the place. "Arrangements for parking facilities and a stage for a cultural programme will also be built," Prabugaonkar said.


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Deshmukh, Ambani on hit list

MUMBAI, JULY 27 (PTI) — The e-mail of Indian Mujahideen, which has claimed responsibility for the terror strikes in Ahmedabad, has warned of dire consequences to some politicians and business heads prompting authorities to increase their security.
In its 14-page email, the militant outfit, believed to be a shadow amalgam of the banned SIMI and Lashker-e-Taiba (LeT), warned Maharashtra Chief Minister Vilas Rao Deshmukh and his deputy R R Patil of dire consequences over the alleged targeting of minority communities in that state.
“We wonder at your memory. Have you forgotten the evening of July 11, 2006 so quickly and so easily?” the e-mail warned.
Reliance Industries Limited head Mukesh Ambani also figured in the e-mail in which he was asked to “think-twice” before “usurping and building a citadel on a land in Mumbai that belongs to the Waqf board.
“... Lest it turns into horrifying memories for you which you will never ever forget.”
There was a warning for the UP Bar Council too for their repeated stand of not taking up cases of Muslims.


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Patanjali Yog Samiti holds anti-plastic rally at Mapusa

MAPUSA — To mark the occasion of Guru Poornima, Patanjali Yog Samiti, Bardez, Goa, affiliated to Patanjali Yog Peeth Haridwar under the leadership of Swami Ramdev Maharaj organized Diksha Yadna including a tree plantation drive and an anti plastic rally.

The programme started with a welcome song by Mr Keshav Panshikar.

Gurupuja was held thereafter by lighting the traditional lamp and garlanding the photo of Guru Maharushi Vyas.

Mr Anant Govekar sang devotional hymns on Guru.

Thereafter, Diksha Yadna was performed by Mr Mandar Amshekar where in each devotee made an offering called ‘Aahuti’.

Thereafter, a huge anti-plastic rally was organized from Duler to Canca which was attended by 300 Yoga teachers from all over Goa. Dr Suraj Kanekar addressed the gathering.

The main motive of this rally was to eradicate the usage of plastic from Goa and India on the whole.

This was followed by a mass tree plantation drive at Sai Baba temple in Canca where nearly 500 saplings of medicinal value were planted.

Later Mr Vivek Joshi spoke on Yogsutras followed by devotional songs by Ms Rakhi Palyekar.

Ex-MLA Mr Mohan Amshekar spoke on ‘How to keep villages intact.” Dr Suraj Kanekar spoke on Yoga beyond meditation and emphasized that Yoga alone could help one lead a happy and healthy life.

Bardez President of Patanjali Yog Trust Mr Sarvesh Parab proposed a vote of thanks.


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Teenager found dead at Anjuna shack

PANAJI: A teenager working at Curlies shack, Anjuna was found dead in the shack staff room on Tuesday morning.

Given the unusual circumstances of the death, a post-mortem was conducted on the body of Abhay Ekka, 19, from West Bengal at Goa Medical College and Hospital later in the day.

Though the autopsy report has been reserved, as some samples have been preserved for chemical analysis and hystopathological tests, it notes an injury in the form of red contusion on the head of the deceased. The report also states that there is edema of the lungs and brain.

Curlies shack had come under the spotlight during investigation into the death of British teenager Scarlett Keeling.


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Accused in Colva molestation case exonerated

PANAJI: The children's court on Friday exonerated one Dawal Sab charged with allegedly molesting and sexually abusing a 10-year-old girl on the Colva beach last year.

President of the children's court Desmond D'Costa held "It cannot be ruled out that due to enmity with the accused, the mother of the victim child could have filed a false complaint against the accused."

The judge said that the prosecution has miserably failed to bring out the guilt of the accused in respect of the sexual offence under section 2(X) of the Goa children's act, 2003.

The accused was living with the mother of the child for the last 10 years. The mother complained that he took the child to Colva beach and gave her some alcoholic drink. Then, he sexually abused her.

She also admitted before the court that there were constant fights between her and the accused.

In its judgement, the court accepted the argument of the defence that the complainant has kept changing her statements as to the place from where the accused had taken the victim girl.


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holidays specially for honeymoon couples

PANAJI: The sun is a faint glow in the sky, it's rays peeping through grey clouds. The waves, not so gentle in the monsoon, rush to shore. There is a cool nip in the air and a drizzle softly falls. Hand-in-hand, oblivious to the crowds and the raindrops, walk Mahendra and Sapna Jain on Miramar beach, the waves washing their feet.

"It's our first time in Goa," say the blushing couple. "We got married in February and our friends suggested that Goa in the rains would be a great place for our honeymoon," says Mahendra.

And Goa in the rains is turning into a honeymoon haven. The sight of red-and-white bangles adorning the forearms of the bride, is becoming as familiar as the scent that emanates from the wet earth when it receives the first raindrops.

Realising there can be a harvest of riches in selling Goa to honeymooners, the Goa Tourism Development Corporation (GTDC) has packaged holidays specially for honeymoon couples.

'Honey Special' is one such package and four couples have already opted for this since June. "We have other similar packages for this season like Magical Moments, which has had 18 bookings so far," says GTDC Public Relations Officer Deepak Narvekar.

Another monsoon favourite among the tourists is the Misty Holidays package with 20 bookings already. GTDC also has a package designed for solely for rest and recreation called the Chill Out Package which has had 16 bookings since June.

If there exists an indicator that the tourist season has taken its first step towards promoting monsoon tourism then it is the 20 monsoon packages from the GTDC that have been picked already. And the GTDC awaits more tourists during this monsoon period.


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Lisbon-Goa Charters to start soon

PANAJI — The Portuguese Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr Luis Amado on Tuesday said that the Chartered flights between Lisbon and Goa, which could improve tourist traffic on both sides, will become a reality by the year end, albeit on a limited scale.

Mr Amado, presently on a visit to Goa, speaking to ‘The Navhind Times’ on Tuesday evening said that a hotel belonging to the Turismo de Portugal as well as an office of the TAP Portugal, the national airline of Portugal in Goa would complement these Chartered flights in an effective way. “I will have to talk to the TAP Portugal once I go back to Lisbon,” he added. “Meanwhile,” Mr Amado said, “I am sure, we can begin with some Chartered flights between Lisbon and Goa along the shortest route between the two destinations by the year end.”

Earlier, addressing a gathering of selected invitees at the Portuguese Consulate in the presence of the Ambassador of Portugal to India, Mr Luis Filipe Castro Mendes and the Consul General of Portugal to Goa, Mr Paulo Neves Pocinho, the Portuguese Minister for Foreign Affairs said that the world has today become multi-polar with India and the European Union already becoming two of the important poles.

“In the fast changing scenario of globalisation, Portugal has become an important gateway to promote relations among India and European countries, Latin America as well as Africa,” Mr Amado observed “While Goa will certainly become a door for our companies, institutions and artists.” Goa can become a platform to promote economic growth of India in the future, he pointed out.

Speaking further, Mr Amado said that India could initiate a process of creating a world of tolerance as well as a world of dialogues between civilisations, cultures and religions. “I have arrived in India with an agenda having new topics including discussion on problems of the world and bilateral relations between Portugal and India,” he informed stating that the two countries will fundamentally have an anchor which would facilitate “so many ties.” Stating that past is past and it stands before us, the Portuguese Minister for Foreign Affairs said that in present times we have responsibility as politicians to contribute to the new era of our relationship.

The Speaker, Mr Pratapsingh Rane; the Power Minister, Mr Aleixo Sequeira; the Chief Secretary, Mr J P Singh and the deputy chairman of the State Planning Board, Dr Wilfred de Sousa among others attended the Consulate function organised to welcome Mr Amado.

Courtesy:navhindtimes.com
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Police seize 17 swords in Margao

MARGAO — The police on Thursday recovered some 17 swords at Monte Hill, Margao, which limped back to normalcy two days back after witnessing communal violence over eve teasing last week. The swords were kept in an abandoned truck at the entry point of Monte Hill.

The South Goa superintendent of police, Mr Shekhar Prabhudessai informed that the Margao police received information about the truck bearing number GAO1W 5785 and carrying swords had been stationed at Monte Hill.

Police sub-inspector, Mr Navlesh Dessai along with his team visited the place. After searching the truck they found swords. Some swords are rusted and old while a few are new.

There were rumours that along with swords some choppers were also recovered from the truck. However, the police emphasised that nothing except swords were found in the truck.

The police seized these swords and the truck, which was in working condition. They took the truck to the police station However, no documents were found in the truck, said the police.

The incident of recovering of the swords rocked Margao. Several citizens rushed to Monte Hill, which is dominated by Muslims, to have a glimpse of the recovered swords. They expressed concern over law and order situation.

The police disclosed that verification of the swords is being done. Though nobody has been arrested yet, but some truck drivers living in Monte Hill have been interrogated.

The police have registered an offence under the Arms Act against the driver of the truck and its owner.

Police inspector attached to the Margao police station, Mr Rajendra Prabhudessai along with his team was camping till late Thursday night at Monte Hill to get more information on the truck.

Courtesy:nvahindtimes.com
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Goa ranks among corrupt states: Study

NEW DELHI: The level of corruption is 'alarming' in Assam, Bihar, Jammu and Kashmir, Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh, says a new survey based on experiences of BPL households in availing various public services last year.

Among the smaller states and UTs, Nagaland and Goa had high, very high or alarming levels of corruption whereas it was moderate in Chandigarh and Tripura.

The 'India Corruption Study 2007', brought out by NGOs Transparency International India (TII) and Centre for Media Studies (CMS), found that about one-third of the Below Poverty Line households in the country bribed officials to avail a total of 11 services. The services include like PDS, hospital, electricity and water supply as also need-based services like land records and registration, housing, banking and police service.


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Mining barons actual troublemakers: UGDP

MARGAO, JUNE 22 – The United Goans Democratic Party has said the BJP’s well-known links with the business and mining industry in particular are now clear and in the open.
UGDP Acting president, Radharao Gracias said the statement by the Leader of the Opposition, Manohar Parrikar alleging naxalite presence in the mining belt is a typical RSS tactics to misdirect public attention from the actual troublemakers, who in this case are the mining magnates.
He said the BJP has come to power in Karnataka with the full backing of the mining lobby, particularly in Bellary district, where it swept all the seats. “The Reddy brothers, who are the principal mining barons in that State, have been rewarded with Cabinet Ministries”, he said.
According to Gracias, the major victims of mining are the tribal people of Sanguem and Sattari talukas, who in the first place were coerced to live in the unhealthy jungles by the upper castes down the centuries. “Now that the mines have been unearthed in the jungles, the tribals are sought to be displaced from their last refuge”, he added.
The Acting UGDP President said it is time that the people of Goa rise up and gather forces to displace both the Congress and the BJP, parties which are controlled by the Delhi-based High Commands, with little interest and even lesser concern for the well being of the Goa.

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the red corridor could extend its activities to Goa.

ANAJI: The government is worried that the red corridor could extend its activities to Goa. “In the last two or three years there have been Naxal activities in the state. There are Naxals from the tribal areas of Jharkhand who have links with CPI (ML), a banned organisation operating in the state,” said leader of Opposition Manohar Parrikar.

Parrikar was chairing the Goa Legislative Assembly ad hoc committee on home on Thursday. The issue attracted great concern during discussions. The issue of SIMI entering Goa was also discussed. IGP Kishan Kumar said, “We are fully aware of the sensitivity of the issue.”

It is alleged that a group of about seven persons, three of them from Goa, having Naxal links are operating in the mining areas under the guise of uplifting the underprivileged. The Naxals are preying upon the mining belt taking advantage of the suppression of the people, hoping to instigate them against the authorities.

Targeting the mining areas of Bicholim, Quepem and Sanguem, the group has often spoken briefly, yet powerfully against mining activities, police harassment and people's rights.

A top police official confirmed that the Goa police have kept a close watch on the activities of the Naxals in the state and prepared a report that would be soon submitted to the government. The report clearly states that at the present time the group may not be an apparent cause of concern, but if not checked it could quickly turn into a serious law and order problem.

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Goan doctors overcharging foreigners

MARGAO — Medical care of international standards, affordable and a good holiday, well this is medical tourism for you in just one sentence. But is Goa slowly loosing out on its potential of providing quality services to the patients at reasonable rates even though the rates are much cheaper than Europe but not cheaper than other parts of the country?

Goa is one of the most sought after holiday destinations, Goan doctors command a lot of respect of patients not only from Goans but from the world over. However, recent trends in the industry in the name of medical tourism have changed. Doctors, realizing that there is quick and big money, have started openly practising unethical procedures to improve their ‘business.’

Sources in the industry informed that medical tourism has become completely commercialised. The doctors are learning from the taxi drivers and are over charging the foreigners. They informed that some doctors are openly giving commissions on patients sometimes even upto 25 per cent, and as a result the cost of treatment has gone up.

The sources also informed that even though many clinics and hospitals claim of having medical facilities of international standards, it is not true in all the cases.

As a result there has been a drop in the quality of services and the patients feel cheated.

Based on the feedback received from patients, noted dentist Dr Hubert Gomes observed, “Only those doctors who deliver value for money with quality services will survive in the industry. The tourists have become very wise. They study the set-up of doctors, the equipment and the value for money before they decide as to where they get their treatment done.”

He said that the patients even compare the services that are provided in other states and feel that they are being overcharged in Goa and that too after compromising in the quality in services. Dr Gomes fears that it’s just a matter of time that Goa will lose on its potential of medical tourism.

A British tourist, Ms M Julian (name changed) who was waiting at a dental clinic informed that she has both good and bad experiences in Goa with regard to medical care. She said thought treatment in Goa was cheaper then back in England, other states in India offer much better treatment and at rates much cheaper than Goa.

She said not all the doctors are bad, some doctors really treat you with a lot of respect and give you proper attention while there are a few who care too little. Citing her own example she said that she had visited a dentist in Mapusa to get a cavity treated and added that the dentist did filling up in such a hurry that she didn’t even wait for the cavity to dry up before doing the filling as a result she had to repeat her treatment.

Courtesy:navhindtimes.com
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Sun, surf, sand & surveillance

PANAJI: Tourism minister Francisco Pacheco unveiled Goa's ambitious beach safety management plan on Friday. The project that will see Rs 8.8 crore spent on infrastructure alone, features a 'multilayered response center' and 'safety matrix' to protect beaches and reduce drownings.

While the response center features beach towers, mobile beach units and high powered rescue boats, the latter is the training life guards will receive to reduce accidents by timely prevention of any situation turning into a hazard, says the Water Safety Patrol proposal drawn up by Drishti Adventure Sports Pvt Ltd for the state government.

The proposal further states that it can be implemented simultaneously or independently in three sectors. Sector one covers the shoreline from Baga to Caranzalem; two is from Velsao to Cavelosim and three covers the shores from Keri to Morjim, Vagator and Anjuna, Dona Paula to Bambolim, Baina to Bogmalo and Varca to Galjibag.

Announcing that the beach safety plan was "finally" given the go-ahead by the state government, Pacheco told press persons, "We have got clearances from all concerned authorities such as the finance department."

Rear Admiral (retd) P D Sharma of the Rashtriya Life Saving Society (RLSS), that is part of the venture, said the aim was to have informed lifeguards on beaches to ensure off-shore as well as in-sea safety of tourists.

"Our aim is to have a zero-drowning rate in Goa. Safety havens will be demarcated off different beach stretches. These will however, change according to sea conditions. Mobile and fixed lifeguard towers will be stationed at all beaches. While one lifeguard will sit atop the tower, two will handle the safety equipment on the beach," he said.

Drishti's chairman and managing director Rajiv Somani said that lifeguards would be provided with state-of-art rescue gear including all-terrain vehicles and four-wheel drive jeeps.

"Every beach will have internet protocol based surveillance cameras which will be linked to a base station at Vasco, as it is equidistant from beaches in the north and south," he said.

Tourism Director Elvis Gomes said that there have been 35 drowning deaths this year alone. "The beach safety management plan will also be subjected to audit by the International Rescue Instructors Authority (IRIA) or similar internal auditors," said Gomes.

Courtesy:timesofindia.com
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‘Lord Ganesha’ draws large crowds at Vasco

VASCO — People in and around Vasco are madly rushing to see the image of Lord Ganesh that has appeared on a leaf at Vaddem.

The residents of Vaddem informed ‘The Navhind Times’ that the image was first seen on Wednesday, late in the evening near a house close to Pai Nursing Home, Vaddem, late Wednesday evening.

The idol like image of Lord Ganesh has come up on a leaf and it appears as if it is seated on the linga of Lord Shankara. The news of the image spread like wild fire in and around Vasco and there was heavy rush to seek blessing of the Lord Ganesha. People from all walks of life are visiting the site. The site looks like a place of worship with men, women and children offering flowers and money and seeking blessing.

Courtesy:navhindtimes.com
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Curtains down on Battlo trial

MARGAO, JUNE 11 – Curtains finally came down on Wednesday on the two-year-old long trial of Goa’s first terror case, involving Kashmiri suspect, Tariq Ahmed Battlo, who is charged by Crime branch under the Explosives Substances Act and for waging a war against the country.
The Fast Track Court headed by Assistant Sessions Judge, Narayan Amonkar will give his verdict in the sensational case on June 30 after the accused represented by Delhi High Court defence counsel, P A Wani completed his arguments today.
While the prosecution has prayed for the conviction of the accused, saying it has successfully brought out all evidence on record, the defense has tried to demolish the prosecution story, terming the charges as false and concocted.
The case of the prosecution is that the accused was arrested at the Margao railway station while alighting from the Mangala Express with explosives such as the deadly RDX, two hand grenades and detonators.
The prosecution further contended that the accused was staying in Goa with two different names with a purpose of conceal his identity and hence charged him for cheating.
Battlo on the other hand, said he was not arrested on March 10 as claimed by the police, but was detained on March 3 from behind the Grace Church building. In support of his argument, he cited newspaper clippings containing the statement of then Chief Minister, Pratapsing Rane made at Sanvordem stating that the police has detained a Kashmiri suspect.
The prosecution, however, has dismissed the newspaper clippings, with the public prosecutor saying that “today’s news is tomorrow’s raddi”, and that the statement can be taken on record only if the author of the news is examined in the court.
The accused has also raised the defence why the Crime branch officials did not immediately alert railway officials or Railway Protection Force, or stop the running train given the danger involved, presuming that Battlo was carrying deadly explosives on his person.

Courtesy:oheraldo.in
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