log on to thegoan.net @thegoanonline THURSDAY MARCH 14, 2024 GOA Plans in offing to move Margao wholesale fish market to Verna Tribal museum hits roadblock PANAJI: In the absence of lack of information with regards to lives of unsung freedom fighters from the tribal community, tribal art and culture, their folklores, lifestyle and artefacts for display, the State government’s proposed first-ever Tribal Museum has hit a roadblock. The department of Tribal Welfare has now decided to approach the community for the information. The Union Ministry has sanctioned Rs 15 crore for the project- dedicated towards the life of tribal freedom fighters and the community as a whole. >> See pg 3 >> See PG 3 Extended portion of Cutbona fishing jetty yet to be commissioned IN SHORT >> Suspense continues over BJP, Cong South Goa LS candidates PANAJI: The suspense over the choice of candidates for the South Goa seat of both the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Opposition Congress continues as the central decision making bodies of both the national parties skipping Goa from their agendas in meetings held in Delhi earlier this week.  >> See pg 3 Russian arrested for illegal stay PANAJI: Mandrem police have arrested a Russian national Ivan Marutiants, aged 34, for residing illegally in India.  >> See pg 5 Biden, Trump set for 2020 poll rematch Washington: US President Joe Biden and his predecessor Donald Trump secured their parties’’ presidential nominations with impressive wins in another round of key primaries, setting the stage for a gruelling 2020 rematch between them in November.  >> See pg 8 WEATHER >> Max: 29 C Min: 24 C Humidity: 69% TIDES Low: High: 07:59 01:35 20:10 14:38 14 pages PRICE ` 10 PANAJI MARGAO GOA VOLUME IX, NO.266 2 3 GOA Child rights body seeks ban on fundraising activities involving students PTI NEW DELHI The Central government has directed states to ban the sale and breeding of 23 breeds of ferocious dogs, including Pitbull Terrier, American Bulldog, Rottweiler and Mastiffs, amid rising instances of people dying due to pet dog attacks. The directive issued to states and Union Territories bars people from keeping as many as 23 breeds of dogs as pets. In a letter dated March 12 to chief secretaries of all states and UTs, the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying also said that these breeds of dogs, which have already been kept as pets, should be sterilised to prevent further breeding. Flagging serious recent issues of death of human beings due to dog bites by some ferocious breeds of dogs kept as pets, the department said it has received representations from citizens, citizen forums and Animal Welfare Organi- LIST OF 23 ‘DANGEROUS’ DOGS „„Pitbull Terrier, Tosa Inu, American Staffordshire Terrier, Fila Brasileiro, Dogo Argentino, American Bulldog, Boerboel Kangal, Central Asian Shepherd Dog and Caucasian Shepherd Dog are among the breeds sought to be banned from the Centre „„Other breeds include South Russian Shepherd Dog, Tornjak, Sarplaninac, Japanese Tosa and Akita, Mastiffs, Terriers, Rhodesian Ridgeback, Wolf Dogs, Canario, Akbash Dog, Moscow Guard Dog, Cane Corso and Bandog sations (AWOs) to ban some of the breeds of dogs from keeping them as pets and other purposes. The Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying had set up an expert committee under the chairmanship of the Animal Husbandry Commissioner with members from various stakeholder organisations and experts in view of the representations. The panel has identified 23 breeds of dogs, including mixed and cross breeds, as ferocious and also dangerous for human lives. Pitbull Terrier, Tosa Inu, American Staffordshire Terrier, Fila Brasileiro, Dogo Argentino, American Bulldog, Boerboel Kangal, Central Asian Shepherd Dog and Caucasian Shepherd Dog are among the breeds sought to be banned from the Centre. Other breeds include South Russian Shepherd Dog, Tornjak, Sarplaninac, Japanese Tosa and Akita, Mastiffs, Terriers, Rhodesian Ridgeback, INFO Banana leaves: Medicinal benefits and traditional uses 9 SPORTS Arsenal edges past Porto on penalties to enter UCL quarterfinals 14 Wolf Dogs, Canario, Akbash Dog, Moscow Guard Dog, Cane Corso and Bandog. “...the above dog breeds, including crossbreeds, shall be prohibited for import, breedings, selling as pet dogs and other purposes,” the letter said, quoting the recommendations of the expert panel. The Centre’s Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying has asked local bodies and state-level departments of animal husbandry not to issue any license or permit for the sale and breeding of banned dog breeds. The Centre has published the Prevention of Cruelty to the Animal (Dog Breeding and Marketing) rules, 2017 and the Prevent of Cruelty to Animal (pet shop) rules, 2018. In the letter, Joint Secretary in the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying O P Chaudhary said implementation of the rules is vested in local bodies and state animal welfare boards as well as the Department of Animal Husbandry.  DIRECTS GOVT TO PROBE INTO MATTER INSTRUCTS FOREST DEPT, POLICE TO MAINTAIN STRICT VIGIL AT SITE THE GOAN I NETWORK MAPUSA In a significant move, the High Court of Bombay at Goa has intervened to halt the wanton felling of trees along the Siolim-Marna road stretch for a road widening project. The court, responding to a public interest petition (PIL) filed by local residents, expressed deep concern over the indiscriminate cutting of heritage trees and directed the government to investigate the matter thoroughly. The court, presided over by Justice Mahesh Sonak and Justice Valmiki Menezes, granted a stay on further tree felling and instructed the forest department and police to maintain strict vigilance over the site from Siolim market junction up to Assagao-Badem junction. The next hearing on the matter is scheduled for March 26. The PIL was filed by concerned citizens who alleged that the felling of trees was undertaken without proper approvals, as the trees were not marked. It was reported Locals convert the candlelight vigil into a celebration gig by banging vessels and boxes after the high court stayed the felling of trees in Siolim on Wednesday. KEY COURT OBSERVATIONS „„How is it possible that 35 trees can be felled? What is the JE of the PWD in the area doing? It’s not one or two trees but 35 trees and you (government) have accepted the figure „„Look at these photographs. How could they cut these trees? The government says we don’t know and we have registered an offence. We are interested to know who has done all this that 35 trees had already been felled, with more than 100 expected to face a similar fate. Expressing anguish at the loss of century-old trees, the court made some stern observations and asked the government to get to the bottom of these “senseless cutting of trees”. “How is it possible that 35 trees can be felled? What is the JE of the PWD in the area doing? It’s not one or two trees but 35 trees and you (government) have accepted the figure,” Justice Sonak said, in >Continued on P8 When lawkeeper became JERC plans green energy charge over normal tariff on power consumers a target at Apna Ghar LAWYER FILES POLICE PLAINT AGAINST CLIENT FOR THREATS THE GOAN I NETWORK PANAJI In a recent complaint lodged against the prevailing violence within Apna Ghar, Advocate Vahida Yelgar, who represents an inmate, has accused her own client of threatening her with dire consequences. Yelgar, appointed under legal aid to assist juvenile delinquents held by the Juvenile Justice Board at the institution, filed a complaint with the Old Goa Police Station detailing the threats allegedly issued by the inmate in the presence of helpless caretakers and staff. The inmate in question already faces three criminal cases, including an attempted murder charge, with his mother also reportedly refusing to take his custody. During a hearing where Yelgar submitted his mother's statement to the JJB in which the latter expressed fear for both her and her son’s safety, the inmate turned aggressive and threatened his advocate. In her complaint seeking immediate police intervention, Yelgar also stated that her client further warned of damaging her car. ON THE COMPLAINT „„Advocate Yelgar, appointed under legal aid to assist juvenile delinquents held by the JJB at the institution, filed a complaint with the Old Goa Police Station detailing the threats allegedly issued by the inmate in the presence of helpless caretakers and staff „„In her complaint seeking immediate police intervention, Yelgar also stated that her client further warned of damaging her car “He has sought services from private advocates to represent him before the JJB, refusing to NEED TO SUBMIT UNDERTAKING COMPLYING WITH TRAFFIC RULES PANAJI After the mandatory installation of speed governors in rental vehicles, the authorities are now tightening the noose around its users, majorly comprising tourists, to curb recklessness and accidents. The Traffic Department has issued distinct guidelines through an undertaking, for users of rent-a-car and rent-abike services that outlines 10 road safety directives. Officials claim these vehicles are more prone to accidents RNI: GOAENG/2015/65729 PITBULL, BULLDOG, ROTTWEILER AMONG 23 LISTED CALLS FOR STERILISATION TO PREVENT FURTHER BREEDING Authorities slam brakes on rental vehicle users THE GOAN I NETWORK Instagram.com/thegoanonline Ban import, sale of ferocious HC stays felling of trees for dog breeds: Centre to States road widening in Siolim 13 >> See pg 6  The Goan E-Paper (Playstore/IOS) compared to others. “The data indicates rent-acars and rent-a-bikes are twice as likely compared to normal vehicles to meet with accidents. This is a worrisome trend and hence separate undertakings for the rental cars and rental bikes, will act as a deterrent,” Superintendent of Police (Traffic) Rahul Gupta said while addressing a press conference at Traffic Police headquarters in Panaji on Wednesday. Attributing the surge in accidents to user negligence towards traffic regulations, the SP added that unfamiliarity with Goa's topography, diversions, narrow stretches, and complex roads also lead to accidents. “Unawareness of these conditions significantly increases the likelihood of accidents,” he stated. The Undertakings, containing 10 road safety regulations, will be distributed to the rental vehicles agencies for their clients. “The vehicle users will have to fill in personal details with their signature on the undertaking. One copy will be retained by the rental >Continued on P8 R ‘DADDY’S HOME’ WINS TIATR ‘A’ GROUP CONTEST Facebook.com/thegoan M A take assistance from the legal aid. How is he managing all this,” she questioned while further criticising the authorities for their failure to confine him as the delinquent has been freely wandering in restricted areas. It is also learnt that the inmate's father failed to appear before the Board. The Old Goa police have confirmed receiving the complaint, adding that they are inquiring into the allegations. “We will record statements of the concerned as a part of the inquiry and take appropriate action,” an officer said. Apna Ghar has already, once again come under scrutiny as there are fresh allegations that inmate JJB boys, if not all, have direct access to banned substances such as drugs. The higher authorities are informed about the matter with the staff seeking urgent intervention. THE INCREMENTAL CHARGE THE GOAN I NETWORK PANAJI In what could further burn a hole in the pocket of power consumers, the Joint Electricity Regulatory Commission (JERC) has proposed an incremental green energy charge (IGEC) of Rs 1.21 per kilowatt-hour (kWh) on the consumers over and above the normal power tariff. For arriving at the IGEC, the commission has considered the difference between green energy tariff and average billing rate (ABR). The discussion paper re- KTCL's colour coded buses to begin Ops in Panaji from April 1 THE GOAN I NETWORK PANAJI The electric buses, abandoned due to ongoing Smart City projects, will finally be utilised starting April 1. The Transport Department has finalised seven colour codes for a bunch of KTCL buses, to operate on various routes within and around Panaji.  >> See pg 3 „„The commission says the green energy applicable tariff has been calculated to be Rs 6.25 and the ABR is Rs 5.04. Consequently, the IGEC has been calculated to be Rs 1.21/kWh leased by JERC states, “To determine the green energy tariff, the commission will consider various components, including average pooled power purchase cost of RE, cross subsidy charges, if any and service charge covering the prudent cost of distribution licensee for providing green energy.” The average billing rate (ABR) approved in the Retail Supply Tariff Order for the FY 2023-24 has been taken into account in the computation of the green energy tariff which is Rs 5.04/k Wh. The green energy applicable tariff has been calculated to be Rs 6.25/kWh which includes the landed cost of renewable energy for utility, distribution service charge and down cost. “The green energy applicable tariff has been calculated to be Rs 6.25 and the ABR is Rs 5.04. Consequently, the IGEC has been calculated to be Rs 1.21/kWh,” the commission stated adding, ‘The Incremental Green Energy Charges shall be applicable to consumers over and above the normal tariff of the respective category’. The Commission said that >Continued on P8 Excise circular calls for uniformity, originality in traditional liquor sale THE GOAN I NETWORK PANAJI The Excise Department has issued a circular banning the use of words like ‘Fenny’ or ‘Feny’ – that could distort the original identity of the spirit – and the term ‘herit- age’ when selling Goa's traditional bottled liquor. Speaking to The Goan, a senior excise official revealed that the Goa Excise Act doesn't specify the term ‘heritage,’ while the Goa Feni Policy 2021 spells ‘Feni’ accordingly. “Although the use of terms like ‘heritage’ or ‘hurrack’ is traditionally used by all of us, these are not officially prescribed in the Excise Act, and hence it could mislead or confuse the consumers. Moreover, the circular > Continued on P8 AIFF pushes for VAR technology in Indian Super League CLINTON D’SOUZA THE GOAN I PANAJI I n a significant move towards modernising Indian football, the All India Football Federation (AIFF) convened its Technical Committee meeting in Itanagar, Arunachal Pradesh, recently. Among the crucial discussions, the integration of Video Assistant Referee (VAR) technology in the Indian Super League (ISL) emerged as a focal point. AIFF officials emphasised the presentation of a balanced budget for the upcoming financial year and urged intensive efforts to enhance the game's development. The state of Indian refereeing and the potential adoption of VAR were extensively deliberated upon. FAIR PLAY! „„A proposal to introduce VAR in the ISL from the 2025-26 season gained traction „„A report highlighted an 85% accuracy rate in onpitch refereeing decisions for the ongoing ISL season „„Consultations with five VAR-specialised agencies and FIFA stakeholders underscored the meticulous approach towards VAR integration The AIFF has engaged with five reputable VAR agencies, all FIFA-registered, with a feasibility report indicating an estimated cost of Rs 25-30 crore for five years of VAR implementation in the ISL A report presented at the meeting highlighted an 85% accuracy rate in on-pitch refereeing decisions for the ongoing season. Consultations with five VAR-specialised agencies and FIFA stakeholders underscored the meticulous approach towards VAR integration. Following discussions, a proposal to introduce VAR in the ISL from the 2025-26 season gained traction. Members expressed enthusiasm for the initiative, particularly as it promised no additional financial burden on the AIFF. Further talks on the matter are scheduled for the first week of May. The prospect of VAR entering the ISL marks a significant stride towards improving officiating standards and ensuring fairness in matches. With on- going concerns over erroneous referee decisions, the introduction of VAR is poised to be welcomed by clubs, coaches, players, and fans alike. Sources reveal that the AIFF has engaged with five reputable VAR agencies, all FIFA-registered, with a feasibility report indicating an estimated cost of Rs 25-30 crore for five years of VAR implementation in the ISL. Given the existing infrastructure and investment in match production, the transition to VAR in the ISL is deemed feasible and cost-effective. As discussions progress, stakeholders eagerly anticipate the transformative impact of VAR on the ISL, heralding a new era of technological advancement in Indian football.