Page 3 - Goa

Goa sets up task force committee for safety of medical professionals

Goa is the first state to announce the setting up of a task force committee dedicated to safety of medical professionals, minister Vishwajit Rane said on Monday. The announcement about the committee, which comes in the backdrop of the August 9 rape-murder of a trainee doctor in Kolkata, was made earlier in the day. "Goa has become the first state to set up such a committee. In line with Supreme Court's guidelines, we are committed to ensuring the safety and security of doctors at Goa Medical College (GMC). The task force will be chaired by GMC Dean Dr SM Bandekar," he said. "Its members will be Heads of Departments from Forensic Medicine, Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Pathology, Respiratory Medicine, Emergency and Trauma, Psychiatry, as well as the Director of Academics, the Hospital Matron, representatives from the Student Council, the Advisor to the Health Minister etc," Rane added. Apart from this, the demands of the Goa Association of Resident Doctors' (GARD), like enhancing ...

Goa police stations shall be able to register cybercrime complaints: CM

Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant has said that every police station in the coastal state shall be able to register cybercrime complaints and act upon them. The chief minister, who also holds the home portfolio, made the assertion on Friday during his address at the concluding session of the Cyber Crime Investigation Training for Goa Police Personnel'. Senior police officials, including Director General of Police Alok Kumar, were present for the training session held in the capital city of Panaji. In a post on X, Sawant wrote, Attended and addressed the concluding session of the cyber crime investigation training for Goa police personnel. The CM expressed confidence that the training would enhance the knowledge and capacity of the Goa police towards cybercrime and spreading awareness. In the post, he added, Every police station shall be able to register cyber crime complaints and act upon (them).

Taxi operators' strike at Mopa airport to continue; meeting with CM fails

A proposed meeting between protesting tourist taxi operators attached to the new international airport at Mopa in Goa and Chief Minister Pramod Sawant did not materialise on Friday afternoon, with the latter terming their agitation politically motivated. The taxi operators from Manohar International Airport at Mopa have been protesting since Thursday, pressing for their various demands, including complete stoppage of illegal transport at this greenfield airport, operated by GMR Goa International Airport Limited. The agitation was expected to be resolved on Friday afternoon after CM Sawant invited a delegation of the taxi operators to meet him at his official residence at Altinho in Panaji. Around 25 agitators went to meet the CM but were denied permission. Officials asked them to come with 8-10 members, said Chetan Kamat, a leader of the taxi operators. The protesters demanded that the entire delegation be allowed to meet the CM, or else the meeting should be cancelled, he said. K

Carriers moving operations from Dabolim airport a matter of concern: CM

Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant has conveyed his government's concern to the Centre over airlines shifting their operations from the old international airport at Dabolim to the new one in Mopa in Pernem taluka which became functional early last year. Sawant raised the concern during a meeting with Union Civil Aviation Minister K Rammohan Naidu in New Delhi, an official statement said here on Thursday. The statement from the Chief Minister's Office (CMO) said Sawant, accompanied by his cabinet colleagues, including Mauvin Godinho (transport) and Rohan Khaunte (tourism), interacted with Naidu and junior civil aviation minister Murlidhar Mohol. Civil aviation secretary Vumlunmang Vualnam and Airports Authority of India (AAI) chairman M Suresh were also present at the meeting in the national capital. The statement said the CM raised concern over the shifting of operations by airlines from the Dabolim aerodrome in South Goa to the Manohar International Airport (MIA) at Mopa, located ..

Kolkata rape-murder: Over 1,000 Goa doctors to keep OPDs shut for a day

More than 1,000 doctors at private and government hospitals in Goa will stay away from attending outpatient department (OPD) services for 24 hours from August 17 morning to protest the rape and murder of a postgraduate trainee physician in Kolkata and seek speedy justice for her, it was announced on Thursday. Indian Medical Association (Goa Branch) president Dr Sandesh Chodankar told PTI that there will be shutdown of OPD services in private and government medical establishments in the state from 6 am on August 17 to 6 am on August 18. The OPD closure decision was part of the nationwide strike call given by the IMA to denounce the rape and murder of the trainee doctor at the West Bengal government-run RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata last week. The Goa IMA functionary said more than 1,000 doctors will be on strike during this period and discussions are also being held with the support staff at hospitals to join the state-wide protest. Chodankar said the Goa unit of ..

Goa to be permanent venue for annual India Energy Week: CM Sawant

Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant on Thursday announced that the coastal state would serve as the permanent venue for the annual India Energy Week (IEW). Addressing the state on the occasion of 78th Independence Day, he said the Oil and Natural Gas Commission (ONGC) has decided to host the annual IEWs in Goa permanently. Sawant also said his government was dedicated to creating a bright future for the state in the fields of green economy and blue economy. While the term 'green economy' refers to the economic system that aims at reducing environmental risks and ecological scarcities, and that aims for sustainable development, 'blue economy' or the ocean economy, is a term used to describe the economic activities associated with the oceans and seas. "We have successfully conducted international events like Ironman, G20 and India Energy Week. ONGC has decided to host IEW permanently in Goa every year," he said. Hosting events like the IEW helps the state's economy, he said. The IEW .

RevPAR sees 4.8% growth in Apr-June quarter in hospitality sector: Report

The revenue per available room rose by 4.8 per cent year-on-year in the hospitality sector in the April-June quarter this year mainly driven by the rise in Average Daily Rate, a report said on Wednesday. However, sequentially, the June quarter recorded a dip in occupancy levels, which can be attributed to the onset of summer vacations and a subsequent decrease of corporate travel, according to JLL's Hotel Momentum India (HMI) Q2 report. The report further revealed that besides a slight decrease in Goa's Average Daily Rate (ADR), all other markets (Bengaluru, Chennai, Delhi, Goa, Hyderabad, and Mumbai) showed considerable growth in ADR and revenue per available room figures, with Hyderabad leading the list. Hyderabad emerged as the RevPAR leader in the second quarter registering a growth of 11.9 per cent over the same period of 2023, followed by Delhi and Bengaluru with year-on-year growth of 11.8 per cent and 10.4 per cent, respectively, it added. Although occupancy levels remained

Goa CM calls for use of biofuels to create future with clean energy

Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant on Saturday advocated using biofuels to create a future with clean, accessible and sustainable energy. World Biofuel Day is observed on August 10 to create awareness about biofuels made from agricultural waste, animal waste, algae, trees, crops, etc, which are a cleaner alternative to fossil fuels. In a post on 'X', Sawant said, "Biofuels, made from organic matter, offer a cleaner, greener alternative to fossil fuels, reducing greenhouse gas emission and mitigating climate change." "On this #WorldBioFuelDay, let us pledge to harness the potential of biofuels to create a future with clean, accessible and sustainable energy for all," he wrote.

Wayanad an eye-opener for Goa, no compromise on ecological stability: CM

The devastating landslides in Wayanad in Kera are an eye-opener for Goa, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant said on Thursday. Massive landslides triggered by torrential rains hit Mundakkai, Chooralmala, Attamala, and Noolpuzha hamlets in the early hours of Tuesday, killing 190 people, including women and children, so far, while more than 200 are missing. "The Wayanad tragedy is an eye-opener for Goa. I have given instructions to various departments that ecologically sensitive areas, which are prone to such incidents should not be touched. The stability of such ecologically sensitive places cannot be compromised," the CM said in the assembly. "A system will be developed to report and monitor hill cutting in the state. The government has identified four landslide hot-spots located in high altitudes in the north-eastern, eastern parts and in low-lying areas of western and south-western parts," he said. The major cause of landslides in Goa are found to be extreme rainfall events, slope ...

Bill seeking to protect groundwater passed in Goa, proposes Rs 10 lakh fine

The Goa legislative assembly has passed a bill proposing amendments to its ground water regulation law, providing for imposing a fine of up to Rs 10 lakh on those indulging in illegal construction of wells and transportation of ground water. The Goa Ground Water Regulation (Amendment) Bill was passed on Wednesday evening. State Water Resources Department Minister Subhash Shirodkar moved the amendments to the Goa Ground Water Regulation Act, 2002. However, Leader of Opposition Yuri Alemao, Congress MLA Carlos Alvares Ferreira and Goa Forward party MLA Vijai Sardesai opposed the move. The statement of objects and reasons of the Bill mentions that the present quantum of fine as provided in the Act are not effective to deter the activities of illegal sinking/construction of wells and illegal transportation of ground water. "There is an urgent need to protect groundwater aquifers from pollution and/or contamination. Therefore, the Bill seeks to amend clause (B) of section 17 of the Act

Shortage of 18 judges in ten courts across Goa: Minister tells Assembly

Goa Law Minister Aleixo Sequeira has told the legislative assembly that there is a shortage of 18 judges in 10 different courts, including district courts, across the state. In a written reply tabled in the House on Friday, the minister shared the details about the vacancies in the courts. As per the data, there is a shortage of as many as four judges in the civil and criminal courts in South Goa's Margao, while there is a shortage of three judges at the district and sessions court in this town. There is a shortage of two judges each at the district and sessions court in North Goa's Panaji, civil and criminal court there and civil and criminal court in Mapusa. It shows that there is a shortage of one judge each in the civil and criminal courts in Ponda (South Goa), Bicholim (North Goa), Gram Nyayalaya, Sattari at Valpoi (North Goa), Vasco (South Goa) and Gram Nyayalaya, Sanguem (South Goa). The strength of additional judges has been calculated for the state based on the 'Unit ...

Goa, Thailand, Bali, Coorg: Top 10 destinations for August holidays in 2024

For those looking to stay within India, Goa is the top choice, followed by Lonavala in Maharashtra, Udaipur in Rajasthan, Wayanad in Kerala, and Coorg in Karnataka

Why is Goa's Sunburn festival facing increasing backlash from locals

Local residents, political leaders, and environmentalists have raised concerns over possible environmental harm and an increase in crime and drug-related activities encouraged by Sunburn festival

IMD issues red alert: Maharashtra, Gujarat, Goa brace for torrential rains

A low-pressure area over the Bay of Bengal intensified into a depression on Tuesday, moving northwards towards Odisha

'Goa targeting new markets for tourism through international trade fairs'

Goa is looking forward to tap new and emerging markets through participation in global trade fairs after international tourism was affected due to the Russia-Ukraine war and other problems, minister Rohan Khaunte said on Wednesday. During COVID-19, the international footfall in Goa was only 33,000, which has now increased to 4.5 lakh for this particular year (calendar year), Tourism Minister Khaunte said in the state assembly. Responding to a question raised by Goa Forward Party MLA Vijai Sardesai in the assembly, he said after the COVID-19 pandemic, the perception about tourism in the state is changing, taking it away from beaches. Sardesai said Goa spent Rs 63 crore in the last four years (on various events), including Rs 29.84 crore to promote the state within the country. Former chief minister late Manohar Parrikar had emphasised on the pre-audit of roadshows and that accountability parameters should be framed, he said. Khaunte said after the COVID-19 pandemic, the tourism ...

IMD issues 'red' alert for heavy rains in Maharashtra, Goa, and Kerala

IMD weather update: The IMD issued a red alert for several districts in Kerala, including Malappuram, Kannur, and Kasaragod indicating severe weather conditions

Heavy rains in Goa cause waterlogging, traffic woes; IMD issues red alert

Heavy rains lashed parts of Goa for the fourth day in a row on Tuesday, which led to waterlogging in low-lying areas and traffic congestion in state capital Panaji and other cities. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a 'red alert' for Goa on Tuesday, saying heavy to very heavy rainfall was very likely at a few places and extremely heavy rainfall at isolated places with strong surface winds over North Goa and South Goa districts. Continuous rain with short intense spells and winds gusting to 50 kmph are very likely in the coastal state, as per the IMD. Fishermen are advised not to venture into the sea during the 'red alert', while people have been asked to avoid visiting flood-prone areas. On Tuesday, several low-lying areas remained flooded, throwing normal life out of gear in parts of Goa. Traffic congestion was reported in all major cities, including Panaji, Margao, Ponda and Vasco. The state traffic department on Monday released helpline numbers for people to

Goa lessons for BJP

If the party doesn't want to slip any further, it might want to take a page out of the state's former chief minister Manohar Parrikar's book

Authority's inspection of Mhadei basin crucial, will uncover truth: Goa CM

Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant has said the PRAWAH river authority's inspection of the Mhadei basin is crucial for the state, as it will uncover the truth. The Central government constituted the Progressive River Authority for Water and Harmony (PRAWAH) last year to enable the compliance and implementation of the award and decisions of the Mahadayi Water Disputes Tribunal. Members of PRAWAH began the inspection of the basin in Goa on Thursday in the presence of officials from Goa, Maharashtra and Karnataka. In a post on 'X', the chief minister on Thursday said PRAWAH members will conduct a detailed site inspection of the Mhadei basin, and it will familiarise them with facts about the extent of work the Karnataka government has undertaken. "The inspection is crucial for Goa as it will uncover the truth before PRAWAH members. This is an outcome of our continuous efforts to protect Mhadei, which will strengthen our case and vindicate our stand," he wrote. Talking to PTI on Friday,

Pramod Sawant meets PM in New Delhi, seeks guidance to build 'Viksit Goa'

Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant on Monday met Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi and sought the latter's guidance to build 'Viksit Goa' as part of the Centre's ambitious 'Viksit Bharat 2047' vision. A statement from the Chief Minister's Office (CMO) said Sawant congratulated Modi for becoming PM for a third consecutive term and wished him a successful tenure. "The CM stated that during the interaction he sought Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modiji's guidance and support to build a Viksit Goa under the ambitious vision of Viksit Bharat 2047," the release mentioned. He also met Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari and invited him to inaugurate the six-lane link road connecting national highway 66 to the Manohar International Airport in Mopa in north Goa, the statement added. Gadkari was also invited to lay the foundation stone of the four-lane connectivity road from MES College Junction to Bogmalo Junction in south Goa, the CMO statement informed. It .