log on to thegoan.net FRIDAY JULY 12, 2024 GOA @thegoanonline Facebook.com/thegoan The Goan E-Paper (Playstore/IOS) 14 pages PRICE ` 10 PANAJI MARGAO GOA VOLUME X, NO. 25 Fate of 5TPD bio-methanation plant hangs in balance 2 GOA Travel & Tourism Association points to flaws in new tourism bill 3 Instagram.com/thegoanonline RNI: GOAENG/2015/65729 INFO From aging to acne: Beauty benefits of chia seeds 10 SPORTS Colombia reaches Copa America final with win over Uruguay `30,000 crore boost for Goa 14 CM keeps fingers crossed on Pope’s GADKARI INAUGURATES MOPA LINK ROAD, UNVEILS KEY PROJECTS visit for Exposition THE GOAN I NETWORK PERNEM Assuring that Rs 25,00030,000 crore will be allotted on development works in the State in the next 5 years, Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari also announced the construction of a 45 km 4-6 lane Margao bypass via Navelim, Cuncolim, Canacona to Karnataka border worth Rs 3,500 crore. He was addressing a gathering after inaugurating a 6-lane access-controlled 7 km road with elevated viaducts at a cost of Rs 1,183 crore from Manohar International Airport to Dhargal on NH-166S in Goa on Thursday. Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, Union Minister Shripad Naik, ministers, MLAs, Rajya Sabha MP Sadanand Tanavade and other leaders were present on the occasion. Speaking further, Gadkari said a 62-km eastern bypass will be constructed at a cost of PROJECTS Inquiry on landslides at NH66 in Pernem FOR GOA „„Rs 25,000-30,000 crore on development works in next 5 yrs „„Rs 6,000 cr on 62-km Eastern bypass „„Rs 4,000 cr for 4-laning of Panaji-Belagavi of NH748 „„Rs 3,500 cr for 45 km Margao bypass via Navelim to Karnataka border „„Underpasses at Naibag, Dhargal, Peddem junction Rs 6,000 crore on the outskirts of Goa to give Goans respite from heavy traffic due to interstate traffic passing through the State. Stating that vehicular underpasses have been sanctioned at Naibag, Dhargal and Peddem junctions as these junctions have become acci- An aerial view of the Mopa link road that was inaugurated on Thursday. dent-prone zones, the union minister also stated that Rs 4,000 crore would be spent on the 4-laning of the 52-km Panaji-Belagavi section of the NH748 highway. As part of efforts to curb pollution in Goa, Gadkari suggested that the State should switch to EV, bio and other alternate fuels and also advised the State government to prepare a Masterplan and to strengthen the public transport system. The union minister also requested Chief Minister Pramod Sawant to interact with the people as part of efforts to resolve concerns over the Rs Serula illegalities: Wheels of justice roll after 8 years Court orders FIR against ex-tourism min, others THE GOAN I NETWORK IN SHORT >> CM: ITI courses have 100% placement PANAJI: Chief Minister Pramod Sawant reiterated that the perception towards Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) courses has improved, now being viewed as superior and job-oriented compared to the graduation programs. Graduates face high unemployment rates whereas there is 100 per cent placement among ITI passouts, he said.  >> See pg 3 GoaMiles operators, local taximen clash PANAJI: Attempts to put forth their respective grievances before Pernem MLA Pravin Arlekar at his residence in Dhargal took a violent turn when local taxi operators and operators from the GoaMiles app-based taxi service clashed.  >> See pg 2 Subsidy on clay idols increased PANAJI: The Goa Handicrafts Rural and Small Scale Industries Development Corporation has increased the subsidy on clay idols from Rs 100 to Rs 200 per idol. The subsidy of Rs 200 will be given for maximum 250 idols to artisans engaged in making traditional clay idols. SMC staff without pay for 2 months SANGUEM: Staff and workers at the Sanguem Municipal Council have been working without pay for the last two months.  >> See pg 3 WEATHER >> Max: 30.1 C Min: 23.7 C Humidity: 89% TIDES Low: High: 08.14 21.41 02.25 15.00 MAPUSA After nearly eight years, a Mapusa court has directed the Porvorim Police to register a first information report (FIR) against former tourism minister Dilip Parulekar, then attorney of the Comunidade of Serula Peter Martins, then Administrator of Comunidade (North Zone) Irene Sequeira, along with Pramod Parulekar and other office bearers of the Comunidade. Earlier this week, the Additional Sessions Court in Mapusa dismissed a revision petition by the government (Porvorim Police) and upheld the Judicial Magistrate First Class’s (JMFC) order to register an FIR against the accused, including the former tourism minister. The case originated from a complaint lodged at Porvorim Police Station on October 18, 2014. The complaint filed by Trajano D’Mello alleged that the former tourism minister, along with others, engaged in a criminal conspiracy to fraudulently transfer prime land belonging to the Comunidade of Serula. The complainant claimed there was a criminal breach of trust by a public servant, as one of the accused, Dilip COURT ORDER: KEY OBSERVATIONS „„Judge emphasises mandatory nature of registering an FIR when a complaint reveals cognisable offences „„There was direct allegation of cheating for wrongful gain, making Section 420 of the IPC applicable „„There are clear allegations of criminal conspiracy involving all accused, including Parulekar „„Sanction is necessary Parulekar, was then minister for tourism, thereby cheating the Communidade of its property. Despite the complaint disclosing cognizable offences, Porvorim Police initially refused to register it, compelling the complainant to approach the JMFC. After reviewing the contentions, the JMFC ruled that a case was made out and directed the registration of the FIR. The case subsequently moved through various courts, including the High Court, which ultimately directed the Additional Sessions Court to decide on the merits. only for the court to take cognisance of the prosecution of a public servant, not for the registration of an FIR „„Purpose of registering an FIR is to commence an investigation into the alleged offences In his order, Additional Sessions Judge-2 Bosco Roberts emphasised the mandatory nature of registering an FIR when a complaint reveals cognisable offences. Judge Roberts noted there was a direct allegation of cheating for wrongful gain, making Section 420 of the IPC applicable. He rejected the Public Prosecutor’s argument that the offences were not applicable to the former tourism minister, stating that there were clear allegations of criminal conspiracy involving all accused, including Parulekar. >Continued on P5 PERNEM: Voicing concern over repeated landslides on the NH66 highway in Pernem, Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari said an inquiry will be conducted in the matter. “I have taken note of the landslide incident, and a thorough investigation will be conducted. Action will be initiated accordingly and the issue will be resolved on top priority,” said Gadkari. 500 crore new Borim Bridge project. He also requested the State government to expedite the land acquisition, as well as forest and environment clearance processes, to ensure that projects lined up can be completed. “There is no issue about CM confirms toll on Mopa Link Road PERNEM: Chief Minister Pramod Sawant on Thursday clarified that toll will be mandatory for all vehicles on the Mopa Link Road, but appealed to Union Minister Nitin Gadkari to offer concession toll passes to taxi operators and locals. Admitting that some may not have received compensation for their land which >Continued on P5 money, and these projects will change the socio-economic scenario of Goa,” he added. The 7-km Mopa Link road promises to significantly improve connectivity to Manohar International Airport, facilitating faster >Continued on P5 THE GOAN I NETWORK PANAJI Chief Minister Pramod Sawant said there has been no confirmation regarding Pope Francis’ visit to Goa for the decennial Exposition of the relics of St Francis Xavier, although he remains hopeful. “Prime Minister Narendra Modi has requested the Pope... and I have also requested the Centre for Pope’s visit to Goa. There is no confirmation yet but I am hopeful,” Sawant said after a meeting with Archbishop of Goa and Daman Cardinal Filipe Neri Ferrão about the 45-day long event at Old Goa. Sawant added that Exposition will be organized on a grand scale, attracting international tourists and VIP guests and hence the State has requested Centre for Rs 300 crores. “I am sure the govt will help us,” he added. The meeting also discussed infrastructure, transportation, guest list, and law and Prime Minister Narendra Modi has requested the Pope... and I have also requested the Centre for Pope’s visit to Goa. There is no confirmation yet but I am hopeful — Pramod Sawant order arrangements in Old Goa and other parts of the State during their period. “The Exposition occurs once in 10 years, so the preparations have started early. We had a detailed discussion, and the committee has visited the site. This year’s Exposition will be held on a grand scale as it’s not just a national event but an international event with tourists coming from the world over,” he added. Provisions will be made for VIP guests as per protocol, including international dignitaries and archbishops from other States. DESPITE KARNATAKA OFFICIALS ‘BLOCKING’ VISIT TO PARWAD NULLAH... PRAWAH documents reverse flow of Mhadei water during site visit THE GOAN I NETWORK PANAJI The Progressive River Authority for Welfare and Harmony’s recently concluded familiarisation visit regarding the Mhadei water dispute did not include a visit to Parwad nullah, the starting point of the diversion. The reason: Reluctance from Karnataka officials -- a strategy they previously used during a Supreme Court committee visit. However, the Goa government claims that the reverse flow of water was evident and documented during the field visit. “Even a child could figure out the reverse flow, and when we say rainfall helped us, it indeed helped us. The reverse flow was clearly visible and even documented by PRAWAH officials. This nullah has seen one meter of excavation,” sources told The Goan. It is also reliably learnt that the Committee visited the Kalsa interconnecting conduit, which connects Mhadei water to Malaprabha. Here, its officials, unable to avoid the visit, allegedly tried to mislead PRAWAH Chairman P M Scott but were confronted by Goa counterparts. “The Karnataka officials tried to mislead the Chairman by claiming the conduit point was  actually  Mal- aprabha. Goa’s Secretary for Water Resources was immediately alerted  and  he corrected the Chairman. Goa was vocal about Karnataka misleading the Committee, after which all the members, including the Chairman and  officials  walked another 500 meters from this point. PRAWAH  was convinced  Goa was correct,” the source said. At the other nullah point,  PRAWAH officials observed an eight-meter excavation and an incomplete structure.  “The water was flowing through the debris,”  the source stated, adding that this evidence has also been documented for drafting the report. Sources said the Chairman will likely submit the report before his term ends this month. The report will be forwarded to all party States including Goa, Maharashtra and Karnataka. If necessary, copies will also be submitted to the Supreme Court and the Mhadei Water Disputes Tribunal, where the matter is currently pending, as well as the Centre. “The report will be in the public domain… The Chairman is determined to complete the report before retiring this month. The States don’t have to wait long,” the source revealed. Goa & Maharashtra objected to K’taka’s big team at meeting PANAJI: The “three versus 30” scenario at PRAWAH’s second meeting in Bengaluru was a major point of contention at the meet, where Goa strongly objected to Karnataka’s tactics, particularly the presence of their consultant Ramaiya. The meeting, which had only two agenda items -- presentation on Virdi and administrative matters -- was dominated by the consultant, who opposed the proposed Virdi dam project by Maharashtra. While Karnataka had nearly 25-30 members including the consultant, Goa and Maha- rashtra were represented by three government officials each. “Goa and Maharashtra were caught unaware by Karnataka’s strategy to bring in a consultant. Both States raised objections before the Chairman, who then warned Karnataka. The next meeting (in Maharashtra) will include only members and officials from respective States, as per the protocol,” the source said. However, the objection was raised only after the meeting. Meanwhile, PRAWAH’s office in Porvorim is set to be completed within three months with only refurbishing remaining. Cops to rope in experts Govt’s pledge to dredge Mapusa River dries up on ‘missing’ footage THE GOAN I NETWORK THE GOAN I NETWORK PANAJI Against the backdrop of allegations surrounding the missing footage from the Ponda police station on where Kanyakumar Mondol was taken before his death, it is now revealed that Maina Curtorim police will seek technical experts to retrieve the footage. “There’s an error because of the moisture. The investigation team will seek assistance from the InfoTech Corporation of Goa to retrieve the footage,” sources told The Goan. The Bihar labourer’s death, initially registered as a ‘hit and run’ was later registered LOUTOLIM MURDER as murder after forensic doctors confirmed he was already dead before allegedly being run over by a truck. Three policemen from the Ponda police station head constable Ravindra Naik and constables Ashwin Sawant and Pritesh Prabhu have been suspended and their role is also under scrutiny. Sources revealed that these policemen had brought Mondol to the station -- prior to the fatal mishap -- after >Continued on P5 MAPUSA n what has become a recurring nightmare for the residents of Guirim, the government’s promise to dredge and desilt the Mapusa River from Guirim to Tar junction remains unfulfilled nearly a year after it was announced. I This year, the low-lying areas of Guirim, especially the main thoroughfare near the government school, experienced significant flooding following just one day of heavy rainfall on Sunday. The inundation of fields and roads in Guirim and parts of Bastora, through which the Mapusa River flows, highlights the severe issue of accumulated silt preventing the efficient flow of excess rainwater. This persistent problem underscores the lack of pro- gress on the pledged desilting efforts. During the monsoon session last year, Saligao MLA Kedar Naik, whose constituency includes Guirim, raised concerns about the annual flooding of fields in Guirim. In response, Water Resources Minister Subhash Shirodkar announced on the floor of the House plans to improve the Mapusa River from Guirim to Tar junction. He assured that the work would be undertaken at an estimated cost of Rs 41.94 crore to mitigate the flooding problem in Guirim. Shirodkar also committed to holding a priority meeting with the Captain of Ports to address the river’s condition from Moira and beyond. “The Mapusa/Tar river is around 4.5 km long. We are dredging the river from Moira up to the Tar bridge. There is also a provision for constructing a wall to protect the riverbanks at vulnerable stretches for about 1,200 metres,” Shirodkar stated on the floor of the House. Despite these assurances nothing happened on the ground and the flooding issue persists. Aldona MLA Carlos Ferreira and Mapusa MLA Joshua D’Souza, in whose constituencies the Tar River flows, had also emphasised the need for a lasting solution to the flooding problem. According to sources, the Captain of Ports (CoP) floated a tender in November last year, inviting bids to carry out the desilting work of the Mapusa River, also known as the Tar River, over a length of 5 km, with a width of 15 mtrs and a depth of 2 mtrs. >Continued on P5