log on to thegoan.net @thegoanonline THURSDAY JULY 24, 2025 GOA Questions surface after Borda jeweller attacked in daylight IN SHORT >> Law to ban ferocious dog breeds passed PANAJI: The law to prohibit the domestication (keeping as pets) of ferocious breeds of dogs and breeding them was passed by the Goa legislative assembly on Wednesday by a 31 to 6 vote count. The law empowers the government to notify any breed or class of animals as "ferocious" and seeks to provide a regulation for the breeding and domestication of animals and all related matters.  >> See pg 3 Owner booked in pet dog bite case VASCO: Vasco police have registered a case against a Bogmalo resident for negligence after a pet dog allegedly bit a pedestrian on the main road near Aathi Resort, Bogmalo.  >> See pg 3 Margao sewage overflows again MARGAO: Overflowing sewage manholes have resurfaced as a major concern in Margao, with rainwater seeping into the network. Areas like Madel-Fatorda and Comba witnessed foul-smelling overflows, sparking public outrage.  >> See pg 5 India resumes tourist visas for Chinese NEW DELHI: India has announced resuming issuance of tourist visas to Chinese nationals from this week, a move that comes as part of efforts to repair bilateral ties that came under severe strain following the military clashes in Galwan Valley. India had suspended issuance of tourist visas to Chinese nationals in 2020 largely due to Covid-19 pandemic but the restrictions continued in view of the eastern Ladakh border row. >> See pg 8 India, UK to sign free trade pact NEW DELHI: India and the UK will sign a free trade agreement on July 24 in London that will allow export of labour-intensive products such as leather, footwear and clothing at concessional rates, while making imports of whisky and cars from Britain cheaper. >> See pg 8 FEMA case against Myntra directors NEW DELHI: The Enforcement Directorate on Wednesday said it has registered a FEMA case against Flipkart-backed e-commerce platform Myntra, linked companies and directors for FDI "contravention" of over Rs 1,654 crore. This is in alleged violation of extant FDI guidelines, the ED said. WEATHER >> Max: Min: Humidity: 28 C 26 C 79% Facebook.com/thegoan The Goan E-Paper (Playstore/IOS) 13 pages PRICE ` 10 PANAJI MARGAO GOA VOLUME XI, NO. 37 3 NEWS India ‘working with UK’ after AI crash body mix-up claims 8 Instagram.com/thegoanonline RNI: GOAENG/2015/65729 INFO Aromatherapy facial: Benefits on the skin 10 Govt to table bill shielding homes from HC demolition DILAPIDATED, UNAUTHORISED YET DOCUMENTED STRUCTURES CITED IN 1972 LAND SURVEY TO GET LEGAL COVER: CM THE GOAN I NETWORK PANAJI Chief Minister Pramod Sawant on Wednesday said his government will come up with legislative protection in the current monsoon session itself to safeguard houses which have been impacted by the High Court order directing demolition of illegal structures. KEY TAKEAWAYS FROM SAWANT'S SPEECH „„Home protection bill: Protection to cover structures listed in the 1972 land survey, including dilapidated or fallen houses, legal or illegal „„Law will provide official documentation/legalisation for such homes „„Plastic bag ban: Statewide ban planned; 1 lakh cloth bags to be distributed via local SHGs „„SHG growth: 340+ SHGs with 48,000 women generated Rs 300+ crore turnover; 11,000 to be tagged 'Lakpati Didis' „„Ethanol plant: New tender for Usgao ethanol plant to be floated Goa to cut borrowing, push reforms: CM PANAJI: In a significant move towards fiscal consolidation, the State government has announced its intent to gradually reduce reliance on market borrowings in the current and upcoming financial years. The decision is intended to lower the State’s debt-to-GDP ratio and ensure long-term financial sustainability. Chief Minister Pramod Sawant on Wednesday told the House that during the last financial year, despite a 4100 crore borrowing limit, the State borrowed only Rs 1050 crore from the market.  >> See pg 2 ON PAGES 2&3 Sawant, who was replying to the debate on the budget in the Goa legislative assembly, hinted that in the proposed law protection will be provided to all houses which are documented in the comprehensive land survey conducted in the State in 1972. "Even dilapidated and fallen down structures figuring in the land survey, whether legal or illegal will get protection. Provision will be made in the law for authorities to issue documentation legalising them," Sawant said. During other proceedings of the House earlier in the day, Sawant again referred to the issue of protection to unauthorised and illegal houses of people which face the threat of demolition following the High Court order. He said all MLAs will get an opportunity to speak when the legislation is brought before the House. Pan-Goa plastic bags ban Making yet another major announcement Sawant said his government is planning to enforce the ban on use of plastic carry-bags across the State. "We will come up with a system by which cloth bags will be manufactured en-masse by empanelling local women and others under the Goa Handicrafts and Rural Small Scale Industries Corporation (GHRSSIC). Around one-lakh such cloth bags will be distributed free of cost and then the ban on plastic bags will be imposed," Sawant said. He also agreed to demands Ban on rent-a-cab permits is not permanent: Minister SAYS GOVT TO PERIODICALLY REVIEW ROAD SAFETY SITUATION UNDER PROPOSED POLICY THE GOAN I NETWORK PANAJI The State government on Wednesday informed the House that the ban imposed on grant of new rent-a-cab licences or permits is not “permanent” and will be reviewed periodically. Transport Minister Mauvin Godinho said that in the light of a series of grave road accidents involving rent-a-car and rent-a-bike vehicles, primarily arising from negligent and rash driving by users, including instances of driving under the influence of alcohol, the State Transport Authority (STA), during a meeting in February, 2025 unanimously resolved to suspend the issuance of fresh rent-a-cab licences in the larger public interest. Before that, the issuance of new rent-a-cab licences was kept in abeyance with effect from February 2024. Govt pulls brakes on rent-a-car scheme over misuse, violations >> See pg 2 “However, it is clarified that the decision does not amount to a permanent prohibition. The government shall periodically review the prevailing situation in light of the proposed Swayampurna Goa: SHG success Meanwhile, Sawant said, efforts of his government under the Swayampurna Goem initiative have brought out a major success in rural economies of the State with as many as 340-odd self-help groups (SHGs) registering businesses. "These groups involving IMD issues red alert today, warns of heavy rain until July 29 THE GOAN I NETWORK Goa Road Safety Policy 2025 and other relevant developments,” the Minister said responding to a question raised by Independent MLA Aleixo Reginaldo Lourenco. The Minister explained that Goa, being a premier tourism destination, witnesses a sustained inflow of domestic and international tourists PANAJI The India Meteorological Department (IMD) Goa has issued a red alert for Goa for Thursday, warning of extremely heavy rainfall and strong gusty winds that may trigger flash floods across the State. An orange alert has been issued for Friday, with heavy to very heavy rainfall likely at a few places. IMD officials stated that rainfall activity over Goa is expected to intensify from July 23 to 28 due to the influence of weather systems. A cyclonic circulation is likely to emerge over the North Bay of Bengal within the next 24 hours, with a low-pressure area expected to form over the same region subsequently. It also stated that a trough also extends from the northeast Arabian Sea to the cyclonic circulation over the Bay of Bengal, passing through South Gujarat, north Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Vidarbha, Telangana and coastal >Continued on P8 >Continued on P8 THE SITUATION: ACCORDING TO MINISTER „„Goa, being a premier tourism destination, witnesses a sustained inflow of domestic and international tourists throughout the year „„A considerable proportion of visitors opt for self-driven rental vehicles for local commuting „„However, it has been from the Opposition that manufacturing of plastic carry bags and their import should also be banned. observed that many such users operate these vehicles without adequate familiarity with local traffic norms or road conditions „„This lack of awareness has contributed to a rising trend in road traffic accidents, resulting in grievous injuries and fatalities that endanger tourists and locals some 48,000 women have generated a turnover of over Rs 300 crore," Sawant said, adding that nearly 11,000 women with over one-lakh rupees earnings a year will soon be confirmed and registered as 'Lakpati Didis'. Ethanol plant Responding to issues raised by Opposition MLAs, Sawant said his government will float a new tender within a month for inviting bids to set up the ethanol plant at Usgao. SPORTS Pant's pain and Sudharsan’s grit defines Day 1 in Manchester 13 Now, Goa-Kuwait route faces turbulence, to be suspended from July 31 THE GOAN I NETWORK MAPUSA Just days after Calangute MLA Michael Lobo raised concerns in the Goa Legislative Assembly over the abrupt discontinuation of Air India’s direct Goa-London service, Curtorim MLA Aleixo Reginald Lourenco on Wednesday flagged yet another connectivity setback – this time, involving the Goa-Kuwait route. Speaking during the Assembly session, Lourenco revealed that Air India Express, which had launched operations on the Goa-Kuwait-Goa sector in May, is now set to suspend the service from July 31. The decision has reportedly triggered concern and disappointment among a large number of Goans residing and working in Kuwait, many of whom considered the direct flight a vital and affordable link between the Gulf nation and their home State. “The flight was a much-needed connection for the Goan diaspora in Kuwait. Its discontinuation has caused a lot of apprehension. I urge the government to intervene and ensure that at least one weekly flight is retained on the Goa-Kuwait-Goa route,” Lourenco said in the House. He pointed out that this connection had offered a CM seeks Centre's help in resumption of Goa-London flight PANAJI: As assured on the Floor of the House, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant on Wednesday sought urgent intervention of the Union Civil Aviation Ministry for the resumption of the suspended Air India non-stop flight between Goa and London-Gatwick.  >> See pg 3 cost-effective and direct travel option for Goans working in Kuwait, many of whom previously had to rely on longer, more expensive routes with stopovers in Mumbai, Doha, or Dubai. The development follows growing concern over the reduction of international air connectivity to and from Goa, a State that relies heavily on inbound tourism and has a large expatriate population in the Gulf and Europe. The sudden cancellation of Air India’s Goa-London flight also triggered questions in the Assembly, with MLAs demanding that the government pursue proactive coordination with airlines and the civil aviation ministry to restore vital routes. CM stumps GCA with 2-yr deadline for stadium work SAYS WILL RECLAIM LAND IF ASSOCIATION FAILS TO ACT, REJECTS NEW GROUND PROPOSAL THE GOAN I NETWORK MAPUSA Chief Minister Pramod Sawant on Tuesday informed the Goa Legislative Assembly that the Goa Cricket Association (GCA) has two years to begin work on the proposed cricket stadium at Dhargal or risk losing the 1.89 lakh square metres of government land leased to it. Responding to a question raised by Pernem MLA Pravin Arlekar, Sawant said the GCA had shown no progress on the project despite signing an agreement nearly seven years ago. “The GCA has not initiated any work on the site. A showcause notice was issued last year, but we are not satisfied with the response. It appears that the GCA is not serious about building the stadium at Dhargal,” the Chief Minister said. He added that while the SAWA N T S P E A K S „„ The GCA that it has two years to start work on the Dhargal stadium or risk losing 1.89 lakh sqm of leased government land „„The land is in a prime location, and inaction will lead to repossession „„Alternate site: The government is open to GCA choosing another site, such as Maulinge „„New proposal rejection: Pernem MLA’s proposal for acquiring 1 lakh sqm of land for a new sports facility „„Goa already has 153 sports grounds, but only around 10 are actively used Govt to honour Lokmanya Tilak by renaming Vasco stadium >> See pg 3 they choose another site like Maulinge, we are willing to assist them there too,” Sawant stated. Highlighting the prime location of the land, Sawant clarified that GCA had paid the necessary lease amount but had not obtained any of the permissions required for construction. land lease remains valid, the government will reclaim the property if no work begins within two years. “We cannot compel them to build it at Dhargal alone. If >Continued on P8 Opposition chaos blocks ST Mackerel catch falls to 3-yr low; prawns, seer fish surge THE GOVT DATA Reservation Bill in Lok Sabha Decline in popular fish varieties Increase in other species THE GOAN I NETWORK THE GOAN I NETWORK PANAJI As the opposition continued to disrupt the proceedings of Lok Sabha on Wednesday, the crucial Bill seeking political reservation to the Scheduled Tribe (ST) community in the Goa Assembly, failed to come up for introduction and passing. The chaos erupting in the House over the Opposition’s persistent demand for urgent debate on the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise in Bihar reflects the growing tensions. When the session resumed in the afternoon, Speaker Kr- ishna Prasad Tenneti brought to the notice of the House about discussion and passing of 'The Readjustment of Representation of Scheduled Tribes in Assembly Constituencies of the State of Goa Bill, 2024'. Chief Minister Pramod Sawant said that the bill holds immense importance for Goa and introduction was a crucial step toward ensuring that our tribal communities receive their rightful share and voice in the democratic process. "It's extremely shameful and condemnable that the Opposition parties – the Indian National Congress and the INDI Alliance have once again revealed their true character by creating a ruckus in the Lok Sabha, obstructing the introduction of a historic and long-awaited bill: The Readjustment of Representation of Scheduled Tribes in Assembly Constituencies of the State of Goa Bill, 2024," Sawant said. He said that the Narendra Modi government, by bringing forth this bill, has reaffirmed its commitment to empowering the tribal communities of Goa and upholding constitutional justice. "The conduct of the Opposition in Parliament today was not just disrespectful – it was >Continued on P8 PANAJI he catch of mackerels (bangdo), a Goan favourite, has steadily declined over the last three years, from 55,843 tonnes in 2022–23 to 50,213 tonnes in 2023–24 and further down to just 43,728 tonnes in 2024–25. As per figures provided by the Fisheries Department in the Legislative Assembly, not only mackerels but there was also a sharp dip in the catch of other fish varieties like catfish (sangot), sharks (mori), pomfrets (paplet) and crabs (kurlio) and others in the last financial year (2024–25). Catfish dropped to 125 tonnes from 178 tonnes the previous year, while shark T Mackerel (bangdo) catch dropped consistently: 2022–23: 55,843 tonnes; 2023–24: 50,213 tonnes; 2024–25: 43,728 tonnes Catfish (sangot): Fell from 178 to 125 tonnes Sharks (mori): Dropped from 442 to 223 tonnes Pomfrets (paplet): Declined from 594 to 496 tonnes Crabs (kurlio): Slight drop to 1,455 tonnes from 1,620 tonnes catch nearly halved from 442 tonnes in 2023–24 to 223 tonnes in 2024–25. Pomfrets too declined to 496 tonnes Prawns (sungtam): Highest in 3 years: 2024–25: 10,071 tonnes; 2022–23: 6,810 tonnes; 2023–24: 6,549 tonnes Seer fish (viswan): More than doubled to 2,797 tonnes in 2024–25 after showing a rise of 594 tonnes the year before. Crabs saw a marginal dip to 1,455 tonnes after peaking at 1,620 Oil sardines (tarle): Increased to 20,705 tonnes Inland fish production: Marginal increase to 9,065 tonnes (from 8,859) 125 shellfish breeding zones identified across Goa tonnes in 2023–24. On the other hand, the data shows a significant rise in the catch of prawns (sungtam), which increased to 10,071 tonnes in 2024–25 – the highest in the last three years. A total of 6,810 tonnes and 6,549 tonnes of prawns were registered with the Fisheries Department in 2022-23 and 2023-24, respectively. Seer fish (viswan) more than doubled to 2,797 tonnes last financial year as against 1,796 tonnes and 1,594 tonnes in 2022-23 and 2023-24 respectively, and the popular oil sardines (tarle) rose from 18,022 to 20,705 tonnes. Other species such as cuttlefish (manki), tunas, ribbon fish and soles (lepo) also saw fluctuations, while overall marine fish production for 2024–25 was recorded >Continued on P8