log on to thegoan.net @thegoanonline SATURDAY JUNE 21, 2025 GOA 14 pages Showdown at Fatorda Melava, BJP dares Vijai on development record Facebook.com/thegoan The Goan E-Paper (Playstore/IOS) PRICE ` 10 PANAJI MARGAO GOA VOLUME XI, NO. 4 3 GOA Goa govt finally relieves Sanjit; two IAS officers get new portfolios 3 Instagram.com/thegoanonline RNI: GOAENG/2015/65729 INFO Bad habits that are ruining your skin 11 13 SPORTS FIFA CWC: Messi stunner hands REVAMPS INDIA Inter Miami win over Porto TEST LINE-UP WITH GILL, PANT IN MIDDLE >>12 Goans hit by travel chaos as AI State charts ‘no-concrete zone’ shield around trees suspends Mopa-Gatwick flights Eyes Delhi model for healthy growth SHORT NOTICE COMES AS SHOCK TO MANY FLYERS, SEVERAL SCRAMBLE TO FIND ALTERNATIVE FLIGHTS THE GOAN I NETWORK LONDON Thousands of passengers in London and Goa have been severely affected after Air India decided to suspend flights between Manohar International Airport in Mopa and London (Gatwick) from June 21 to July 15. Air India has been operating 3 flights (AI145/146) a week between Goa (Mopa)-London (Gatwick) since July 21, 2023, the first carrier to fly internationally from the Manohar International Airport. News that Air India had decided to suspend the Goa (Mopa)-London (Gatwick) at such short notice has come as a shock to the Goans, as most of them had booked their tickets well in advance. To make matters worse, Goans who had planned a trip between London and Goa have now been forced to scramble to find tickets on alternative flights. Sources in London have TURBULENCE AHEAD FOR AIR INIDA Air India on Thursday said it would cut 38 international flights per week and suspend services on three overseas routes between June 21 and July 15 AI used to operate three flights (AI145/146) a week between Goa (Mopa)-London (Gatwick) since July 21, 2023 said most passengers had planned the London-Goa-London trip well in advance and had availed of cheaper tickets. With Air India now cancelling its Goa-London flight till July 15, passengers find themselves struggling not only to find alternative flights, but these tickets are now much higher due to the dynamic pricing, on account of which last minute bookings are more expensive. Sources said Goan passen- AI is the only airline which provides direct flight connectivity between Goa and London, reducing the need to change flights at transit halts as compared to other flights Goans also prefer AI on account of extra baggage allowances which enables them to carry more goodies Passengers now find themselves struggling not only to find alternative flights, but tickets are now much higher due to dynamic pricing gers have preferred Air India flights between Goa (Mopa)-London (Gatwick) for a number of reasons. Air India flight is the only airline which provides direct flight connectivity between Goa and London, reducing the need to change flights at transit halts as compared to other flights like Qatar Airways (Doha), Oman Air (Muscat), Gulf Air (Bahrain), Air Arabia (Abu Dhabi), Air India Express (Dubai), and other flights from Mumbai, thereby saving time and costs. Besides, Goan passengers also prefer Air India on account of extra baggage allowances which enables them to carry more goodies from Goa. Air India on Thursday had said it would cut 38 international flights per week and suspend services on three overseas routes between June 21 and July 15. The Tata Groupowned airline, grappling with disruptions following the fatal plane crash on June 12 in Ahmedabad, said the objective of reducing flights on 18 international routes is to restore schedule stability and minimise last-minute inconvenience to passengers. The detailed announcement comes a day after AI said it would temporarily reduce flights operated with widebody planes by 15 per cent. Air India has apologised to the passengers affected by these curtailments, and said it “is proactively contacting affected passengers to offer re-accommodation on alternative flights, complimentary rescheduling or full refunds as per their preference.” “The revised schedule is being progressively made available on our website, http:// airindia.com, mobile app and through our contact centre. We remain committed to restoring our full schedule as soon as practicable, while at all times prioritising the safety of our passengers, crew and aircraft,” stated Air India. THE GOAN I NETWORK PANAJI In what could bring relief to roadside trees whose roots and bases are buried under mounds of concrete, the Goa Government is contemplating to impose a “no-concrete zone” buffer around trees. The State forest department is currently entrusted with the task to study the Delhi-model of de-concretization around trees for their healthy growth. The government will soon be also issuing directions to the local authorities and the public works department to remove the existing concrete poured around roadside trees including those along the highways. The move is following the National Green Tribunal (NGT) pan India order on May 21, 2025 to prevent damage to the root system of trees and ensure water percolation. “The Chief Secretary, who is also the Chairman of the Tree Authority, is looking into the matter. The bases of most of the trees are covered with concrete or interlocking pavers that affect their health and there are also instances of tree fall,” a senior official told The GR EEN R ELI EF Govt to issue directions to local authorities and PWD to remove existing concrete poured around roadside trees including those along highways The move follows NGTpan India order on May 21, 2025 to prevent damage to the root system of trees Bases of most of the trees are covered with concrete or interlocking pavers that affect their health and Goan. Official said that even before NGT directions, the Chief Secretary had asked the Forest Department to work on a proposal, suitable for Goa, based on Delhi-model, to have no-concrete zone. The directions were issued, after it was observed that several trees, along the Miramar road, were uprooted, as they were infested with pests and diseases. Official said that based on NGT directions, States like Delhi and Karnataka have al- there are also instances of tree fall Several trees, along the Miramar road, were uprooted as they were infested with pests and diseases ready issued order stating that one-metre radius around the base of all trees by roadsides be left un-concretised and filled with soil, to facilitate percolation of water to the roots, to promote their health and survival. The Delhi government has even removed the concrete surrounding the trees within one meter of the trees. The NGT in an order to all the States and Union Territories, and State pollution >Continued on P9
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