FRIDAY APRIL 3, 2026 GOA @thegoanonline Summer care guide for your car: What most drivers ignore Duster roars back: Built tough, drives hard IN SHORT >> Bardez faces 2-day water disruption MAPUSA: A minor leak in a key water supply line at Colvale has escalated into a major disruption, prompting authorities to impose a shutdown that will affect large parts of Bardez over the next two days.The issue pertains to a 1000 mm conveying main pipeline near a canal crossing at Colvale.   >> See pg 3 Rains, gusty winds hit parts of Sattari VALPOI: Intermittent rainfall accompanied by gusty winds in several parts of Sattari taluka on Thursday led to multiple incidents of trees falling, disruption of electricity supply, while fire incidents also caused damage to cashew plantations. Fire tenders from the Valpoi fire station rushed to multiple sites and cleared fallen trees from roads.   >> See pg 3 Govt issues order cancelling bandhara SANGUEM: Agitators opposed to the proposed bandhara at Mirabag-Sanvordem were on Thursday finally handed a written order from the government stating that the bandhara has been cancelled. After 49 days of protest, villagers withdrew their agitation last week following an assurance from Chief Minister Pramod Sawant.   >> See pg 5 The Goan E-Paper (Playstore/IOS) 14 pages PRICE ` 10 PANAJI MARGAO GOA VOLUME XI, NO. 285 LPG pilferage resurfaces amid supply disruptions in Chandor Page 8 Facebook.com/thegoan 2 GOA Just before civic elections, PWD announces flurry of works in Mapusa State assures HC of safety at zatra PANAJI: The State government has assured the High Court of Bombay at Goa that it will implement a comprehensive set of safety measures for the upcoming Shirgao Lairai Devi Jatra, as authorities attempt to avert a repeat of last year’s stampede that left six people dead and around 80 injured.  >> See pg 2 RNI: GOAENG/2015/65729 LIFE Good Friday: The sacred story of sacrifice and salvation 6 THE GOAN I NETWORK PANAJI Even as Goa has made notable progress in reducing the number of polluted river stretches over the past six years, the sharp and alarming decline in the health of the River Sal -the lifeline of South Goa -- has emerged as a serious environmental red flag, with pollution levels now breaching critical limits. According to the latest data released by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), the number of polluted river stretches in Goa has dropped significantly from 11 in 2018 to just two between 2018 and 2023. However, this overall improvement masks the worsening condition of the River Sal, which has now entered the “critically polluted” category. Earlier classified under Criteria IV, with biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) levels between 6–10 mg/L, the River Sal now records BOD levels exceeding 20 mg/L, placing it among priority critically polluted stretches. The stretch „„River Sal’s BOD has stretch identified as highsurged from 6–10 ly polluted hotspot mg/L (Criteria IV) „„Mapusa River SAL’S to over 20 mg/L, HEALTH: remains the only marking critical other polluted CPCB pollution levels river, with no DATA „„Now classified improvement among priority „„Pollution linked critically polluted river to untreated sewage and stretches industrial discharge (STPs, „„Rumder to Orlim Bridge ETPs, waste facilities) „„Authorities call for source identification and control of pollutants „„Need for waste quantification and characterization in catchment areas „„Recommended measures include: River basin management, floodplain protection, improved irrigation practices, rainwater harvesting & groundwater recharge from Rumder to Orlim Bridge has been identified as highly polluted. The Mapusa river is the only other river that continues to remain polluted, with no improvement in its BOD lev- els. It remains under Criteria V classification. “Water quality of 15 rivers in Goa was monitored at 32 locations during 2022 and 2023. Out of these, four locations across two rivers were HUMILITY IN ACTION: Fr Cipriano Da Silva, parish priest of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception Church, Panaji performs the symbolic washing of feet on Maundy Thursday, reenacting Jesus Christ’s gesture of humility and service toward his disciples. Narayan Pissurlenkar Govt steps in to curb unchecked construction spree in villages THE GOAN I NETWORK PANAJI The State Home Department has directed the Town and Country Planning (TCP) and Revenue departments to take necessary action on concerns related to unchecked construction in Goa’s villages, which is reportedly altering their topography and demo- graphic character -- an issue highlighted in a 10-point charter submitted by former Chief Justice of the Allahabad High Court, Ferdino Rebello. The directive follows a communication from the Secretariat of President Droupadi Murmu, which forwarded Justice Rebello’s representation to the State government for appropriate action. In its order, the Home Department, through the Under Secretary (Home-I), has asked both departments to “take necessary action in the matter.” Justice Rebello had, in February, written to the President and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, outlining a comprehensive 10-point charter of >Continued on P9 Over 94% Goa wells record rise in groundwater levels: Data PANAJI: More than 94 per cent of wells monitored in Goa have recorded a rise in groundwater levels, indicating a positive trend in the State’s water table, according to data released by the Central Ground Water Board (CGWB). As per information provided by the Union Ministry of Jal Shakti in the Rajya Sabha, the CGWB analysed 68 wells across Goa from 2015 to 2024 and reassessed them post-monsoon in 2025.  >> See pg 3 found non-complying with prescribed water quality criteria with respect to BOD,” the CPCB report stated. The board has recommended a comprehensive restoration strategy focusing on US bombs Iran’s biggest bridge, Trump warns of more attacks PTI DUBAI US-Israeli strikes partially destroyed the tallest bridge in the Middle East after President Donald Trump warned of bombing Iran "back to the Stone age". Several people were injured in the strike. The bridge that was still under construction was supposed to link Iran's capital Tehran to the western city of Karaj. The bridge is 136 metres high and is presented as an engineering masterpiece of the Middle East. The footage shows heavy smoke rising from the site and the bridge collapsing. "A few minutes ago, the American-Zionist enemy once again targeted the B1 bridge in Karaj," state TV said, adding that the first strike had caused two civilian casualties. It said the later attack took place as emergency teams were deployed to the site to help victims of the first strike. Trump posted the visuals of the attack on Truth Social and said, "the biggest bridge in Iran comes tumbling down, never to be used again". Klaasen leads SRH to 65-run win over KKR D Investigation faces hurdles THE GOAN I NETWORK PANAJI Even as the Crime Branch obtained police custody of Soham Naik in a second alleged rape case, the investigation is facing mounting hurdles that could derail its momentum. The most immediate concern arises from the first FIR, where the complainant, a key figure in the case, is purportedly untraceable. Her absence has stalled efforts to record testimony at a crucial stage of the investigation. Police sources told The Goan the survivor had earlier approached the Goa police via email, and attached supporting photographs that allegedly showed her nude images -- allegedly clicked/accessed by Naik to threaten her. That material has been an important part of the case record, but officials are now unable to move forward without her statement. “She is not to be contacted, and her family claims they do not know her whereabouts,” a source said, adding they are making efforts to reach out to her for testimony. The setback has emerged just as officers are attempting to piece together a string of allegations across five FIRs, each handled separately but Eateries turn to firewood, but FDA flags safety PANAJI: The ongoing commercial LPG supply crisis triggered by the Middle East war has forced several restaurants in Goa to modify their kitchens, turning to firewood as an alternative fuel. The shift, while practical in the face of shortages, has nevertheless drawn the attention of the Food and Drugs Administration (FDA), which to what extent to transfer the burden to customers. While several large hotels have started working on increasing menu prices by around 5 per cent, smaller establishments remain cautious. INQUIRY SETBACK „„Key complainant in first FIR untraceable „„Family claims no knowledge of her whereabouts „„Delay in forensic analysis of accused’s mobile phone „„Critical data reportedly erased believed to carry overlapping elements. The probe has been further slowed by delays in the forensic examination of Naik’s seized mobile phone. The device, considered central to the investigation, was sent for data recovery soon after the FIRs. The investigation teams found that relevant content was erased, and its retrieval is essential for presenting a watertight case in court. “We are still waiting for the forensic report. Until then, we cannot access potentially critical material,” the source said. Naik, son of a BJP-backed councillor, was arrested on March 21 following public outrage over serious allegations. The case was later transferred to the Crime Branch. Noise curbs eased for 2 days during Easter THE GOAN I NETWORK dress systems between 10 pm to midnight. An order has been issued in this regard by Director Environment Sachin Desai, who said that the permissions shall be granted only on the case-to-case basis PANAJI The Environment department has relaxed the loud music restrictions on 15 festive days this year by permitting the use of loudspeakers or public ad- The relaxation applies to Easter eve on April 4 and Easter day on April 5. The government has also included Anan Chaturdashi (11th day of the Ganesh festival) in the order.  >> See pg 3 JUST RELEASED UNCOVER THE WONDERS OF 55 CHURCHES ACROSS GOA A special edition book featuring...  Fascinating origins and history  Rich spiritual, cultural heritage  Distinct architectural beauty  Conservation efforts  Altars at churches  Chapels linked to churches  Photos of churches Each church has a unique and special story to tell! SPECIAL PRICE: Rs 400 Eating at restaurants may burn a hole in your pocket! PANAJI ining out could soon pinch the pocket as restaurants and hotels, already dealing with a shortage of LPG cylinders and now hit by a sharp increase in commercial gas prices, are considering revising their menu rates. The cost of a 19-kg LPG cylinder has gone up by Rs 195.50, the second such hike in the last two months. This near 10 per cent jump is adding to the financial strain on restaurants, caterers and small food outlets, many of whom are now debating whether and Key victim in sex scandal vanishes source control, including identification and management of polluting sources such as sewage treatment plants, effluent treatment plants, and solid waste processing facilities. “Action plans should also include river basin management and floodplain protection measures, such as adoption of improved irrigation practices, rainwater harvesting, and groundwater recharge,” the report added. Back in 2018, Goa had 11 highly polluted river stretches, but by 2021, the number had reduced to six. In 2018, eight stretches fell under Category V, including Assonora to Sirsaim (Assonora), Bicholim to Curchirem (Bicholim), Ponda to Opa (Khandepar), Candolim (Sinquerim), Tiracol, Sankli–Bicholim to Poriem (Valvanti), and Curchorem to Madkai (Zuari). Two stretches — Marcela to Volvoi (Mandovi) and along Canacona (Talpona) — were categorised under Category IV, while the Khareband to Mobor stretch of the Sal river fell under Category III. WITH SHORTAGE AND LPG PRICE HIKE… THE GOAN I NETWORK 14 SPORTS CPCB PUTS RIVER IN ‘CRITICALLY POLLUTED’ CATEGORY Ponda man loses `4L in online scam PANAJI: A Ponda resident was duped of Rs 4 lakh by unknown persons posing as stock market brokers. The accused contacted the complainant between February 28 and March 23, promising high returns and induced him to transfer Rs 1 lakh via UPI and Rs 3 lakh to a bank account. They later claimed losses and demanded more money but failed to return any amount. 5 Instagram.com/thegoanonline Alarm bells for River Sal, contamination worsens ACTION PLAN log on to thegoan.net has warned of possible food safety violations. On social media, restaurateurs have begun publicising their move with several of them posting that their establishments had “gone back to traditional firewood cooking” and even redesigned menu cards to highlight dishes prepared on wood fires.  >> See pg 3 Many are concerned that even a slight hike could impact customer footfall in a price-sensitive market. Speaking to The Goan, President of the Goa Hotels and Restaurants Association , Gaurish Dhond said that price hike of the menu is inevitable. “Currently several hotels are working with restricted lunch and dinner menus while some hotels have already cut-off breakfast from their menu,” he said. “Now we have a price hike of commercial LPG and a shortage of supply, the hotels have no option but to revise the prices of the menu,” he said. Street food vendors, including those selling favourites like shev puri and ros omelette, are also feeling the impact. “There was already a shortage of LPG cylinders, and just as things seemed to improve, prices have gone up again. We may have to increase rates by Rs 5 to Rs 10,” said a ros omelette vendor from Taleigao. Restaurant owners say they >Continued on P9 ”This volume, Churches of Goa, brought out by The Goan, is indeed a timely and valuable initiative...the book highlights the rich spiritual and cultural heritage that forms an integral part of Goa’s identity. It will undoubtedly serve as a valuable reference for historians, students, researchers and all who cherish the legacy of the Church in Goa.” Cardinal Filipe Neri Ferrão Archbishop of Goa and Daman Books will be available at leading bookstores in Goa. FO R E N Q U I R I E S , C O N TACT Melvyn Misquita | PH: 9860597117 TO BOOK/BUY COPIES, CONTACT Vijay Mangale AREA: Bardez, Pernem PH: 9075760380 Mukesh Sharma AREA: Tiswadi, Mormugao PH: 8698939778 Vishal Gad AREA: Bicholim, Sattari, Ponda, Dharbandora PH: 9423398413 Ashfaq Shaikh AREA: Sindhudurg Ph: 94224 34496 Mangesh Desai AREA: Salcete, Sanguem, Quepem, Canacona PH: 9922582700