log on to thegoan.net @thegoanonline SATURDAY APRIL 19, 2025 GOA Goans in Southall bring Passion of Christ to Life Retired Goan banker wins real estate award in Sweden IN SHORT >> One held for sexually abusing minor sisters MARGAO: In a ghastly incident, a native of Jharkhand has been arrested by the Fatorda police for sexually assaulting two minor girls aged nine and eight, both sisters in the jurisdiction of the police station.  >> See pg 2 Drug peddler arrested with LSD worth ` 2.2L MAPUSA: In a major crackdown on narcotics, the Anjuna Police on Friday arrested an interstate drug peddler during a well-coordinated raid conducted near the football ground at Chivar, Vagator. The accused was found in possession of LSD papers valued at approximately Rs 2,20,000.  >> See pg 3 HC directs 3 firms to pay `2 cr to DMF PANAJI: The High Court of Bombay at Goa has ordered three mining companies to pay Rs 2 crore to the District Mineral Fund (DMF) as compensation for damage caused to agricultural land in Sirigao village.  >> See pg 3 ATMs vandalised in Quepem, Paroda PANAJI: Unidentified persons allegedly vandalised two ATMs — one in Quepem belonging to Canara Bank and another in Gudi-Paroda belonging to SBI. Authorities confirmed that no cash was stolen from either machines. No satellite-based tolling from May 1 NEW DELHI: The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) on Friday clarified that no decision has been taken on the nationwide implementation of satellite-based tolling from May 1. The ministry’s response came after some sections of the media reported that a satellitebased tolling system would be launched from May 1, 2025 and will replace the existing FASTag-based toll collection system. >> See pg 7 WEATHER >> Max: Min: Humidity: 30 C 28 C 69% TIDES Low: High: 08:05 20:39 00:50 15:16 The Goan E-Paper (Playstore/IOS) 12 pages PRICE ` 10 PANAJI MARGAO GOA VOLUME X, NO. 301 Instagram.com/thegoanonline RNI: GOAENG/2015/65729 2 3 12 9 a wake-up call Toddler mauled to death Child’s death run riot in Goa as stray dogs by stray dogs in Ponda Salpem lake cleanup: No positive change on ground despite court's intervention page 6 Facebook.com/thegoan GOA Water stock sufficient for 150 days, says WRD Minister PANAJI In yet another disturbing incident reviving the debate on the growing stray dog menace, a one-and-a-half-yearold girl was mauled to death by a pack of stray dogs at Talem, Durgabhat in Bethoda near Ponda town early Friday morning. The toddler, who had arrived at her maternal uncle’s house in Bethoda from Curti just the previous night, reportedly wandered outside the house at around 6 am. CCTV footage has captured the heartbreaking moment when the child walked out of the gate alone, moments before the brutal attack. As per the Ponda police, the child was initially attacked by two dogs before the rest of the pack – estimated to be 10-15 – HOW THE INCIDENT UNFOLDED „„The one-and-half-yearold girl had arrived in Bethoda from Curti the previous night to visit her maternal uncle „„Around 6 am, the toddler reportedly wandered outside the house alone „„CCTV footage captured the moment she walked out of the gate, moments joined in, mauling her viciously. Though she was rushed to the district hospital in Ponda, doctors in the casualty confirmed she had succumbed to her injuries before treatment could begin. Speaking to The Goan, a police officer described the scene before the attack „„Initially attacked by two stray dogs, the girl was soon surrounded by a pack of 10–15 dogs that mauled her viciously „„She was rushed to the Ponda hospital, but doctors confirmed that she had succumbed to her injuries before treatment as “traumatic” and confirmed that they have taken up the issue with the local municipality and NGOs involved in animal welfare. “While a sterilisation drive is ongoing, we have now appealed to the two stakeholders to act more urgently. Human lives cannot Govt to push for special CRZ relaxation for sand mining SAWANT TO WRITE TO MoEF FOR ANDAMAN-LIKE EXEMPTIONS; SECOND ATTEMPT AFTER 2023 SETBACK THE GOAN I NETWORK PANAJI As the resumption of legal sand mining hits a major roadblock due to the absence of CRZ clearance, the Goa government will soon approach the Union Environment Ministry to amend the Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) notifications of 2011 and 2019, allowing sand extraction activities to be carried out in the State. Chief Minister Pramod Sawant will be writing to Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) Bhupender Yadav, requesting that Goa be considered as a special case and that a special relaxation — similar to the provisions extended to the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, where sand mining is permitted on a caseby-case basis for construction purposes — be granted. This would be Goa's second attempt, after its initial move in April last year failed to gain the Centre’s consideration. Speaking to The Goan, Mines Director Narayan Gad said that the department had in February made an application to the Goa Coastal Zone Management Authority (GCZ- SAND EXTRACTION: SPECIAL RELAXATION „„The State government plans to approach the Union Environment Ministry to amend CRZ notifications 2011 & 2019 „„Goa is seeking a special exemption similar to that granted to the Andaman and Nicobar Islands „„SEIAA granted one-year ECs in January, but these are conditional on CRZ clearance. „„Around 185 applications for sand mining are pending across 12 zones in Mandovi and Zuari rivers MA) seeking their NOC cum CRZ clearance for sand mining. “We have to follow the conditions laid down in the EC, which clearly makes it mandatory to opt for CRZ clearance before issuing permits,” he said. Gad said that the Chief Minister will be taking up the matter with MoEF&CC pertaining to CRZ relaxation for sand mining. CRZ notifications 2011 and 2019 prohibit the extraction of sand in CRZ areas and sustainable sand mining guidelines are framed considering dry riverbed mining in non-coast- IPL: Punjab Kings beats Royal Challengers Bengaluru by 5 wickets Healthy habits to avoid getting sick TRAGIC INCIDENT REIGNITES DEBATE; POLICE URGE NGOs, CIVIC BODIES TO ACT SWIFTLY THE GOAN I NETWORK SPORTS INFO al parts of the country. A senior official said that the State will be seeking relaxation in lines with Andaman and Nicobar Islands, where sand mining is permitted on a case-by-case basis for construction purposes. The Union Territory had constituted a committee to consider the applications, following directions from the Centre. According to the State, allowing regulated sand mining will not only revive traditional livelihoods but also ease the shortage of construction material in >Continued on P5 be compromised,” the officer said. Local sources revealed that the area where the incident occurred is frequently used as an informal dumping ground, drawing large groups of stray dogs searching for food. Minister for Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services Ravi Naik stated that while the municipality is responsible for vaccinating stray dogs, the law prohibits any harm to them. “Several areas, including where this incident took place, have high stray populations, largely because locals feed them. I urge all parents to be extremely vigilant with their children. My heart goes out to the grieving family,” he said. He further added that sterilisation efforts are ongoing >Continued on P5 EPFO all set to undergo major digital overhaul Residents, tourists raise alarm over safety; PIL likely as govt struggles for answers VOICES OF CONCERN THE GOAN I NETWORK MAPUSA The tragic incident in Ponda, where a toddler was mauled to death by a pack of stray dogs on Friday morning, has once again highlighted the growing menace of stray dogs across Goa. While the horrifying attack has shocked the State, beach belts in North Goa are also witnessing a surge in dog-related incidents, particularly involving foreign tourists and early-morning walkers. Tourists and locals alike have been raising concerns about the increasing aggression of stray dogs, especially those roaming beaches in large packs of 10 to 15. Several reports have surfaced about dogs following, growling at, or even attacking unsuspecting beachgoers, painting a grim picture for a State known for its tourism and hospitality. Deputy Sarpanch of Calangute, Anny Fernandes admitted the seriousness of the We have been getting a lot of complaints about stray dogs on the beaches. Many of these strays are fed by tourists, especially foreigners, which contributes to the problem. When they don’t find food, they become aggressive and attack,” — Anny Fernandes, Dy Sarpanch of Calangute The menace is everywhere. It has reached a point where morning walkers carry sticks or umbrellas to defend themselves from strays that follow and surround them,” — John Lobo, Gen Secy of Shack Owners’ Welfare Society issue. “We have been getting a lot of complaints about stray dogs on the beaches. Many of these strays are fed by tourists, especially foreigners, which contributes to the problem. When they don’t find The panchayat carries out regular vaccination drives, our hands are tied due to the absence of a dedicated dog shelter. We can’t relocate these dogs, and a shelter really needed,” — Laxmidas Chimulkar, Anjuna sarpanch food, they become aggressive and attack,” she explained. The General Secretary of the Shack Owners’ Welfare Society, John Lobo, voiced his concern as well. >Continued on P5 A TOUCH OF FAITH PTI RANCHI The Employees' Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) is set to undergo a major digital overhaul to enhance services for over 9 crore beneficiaries, with Version 3.0 set to launch by May or June, Union Labour and Employment Minister Mansukh Mandaviya said on Friday. In coming days, EPFO beneficiaries will be able to withdraw funds from ATMs due to faster processing of claims on the newer Version 3.0, Mandaviya said. “EPFO will soon implement Version 3.0 with the help of a robust IT platform to provide seamless and simplified services, including auto-claim settlements, digital corrections, and ATM-based fund withdrawals. The overhaul is aimed at making EPFO accessible and efficient,” he said. According to Mandaviya, the new version will eliminate the need for complex and lengthy form-filling processes or physical visits for claims and corrections. Beneficiaries will be able to update their EPFO accounts and mandates using OTP verification and monitor their pension entitlements or withdraw funds. Due to fast settlement of claims, the funds would be quickly available in the subscriber's bank account, he added. A mother and child venerate the crucifix in solemn reflection on Good Friday at Holy Cross Church, St Cruz. The crucifixion and death of Jesus were reenacted in churches across the State.  Narayan Pissurlenkar App-based taxi scheme still under govt consideration THE GOAN I NETWORK PANAJI Nearly a month after Chief Minister Pramod Sawant unveiled a scheme to push appbased taxi services in Goa, the proposal is under government review. Sources said the file is still under consideration with a decision likely soon after following mandatory processes. Chief Minister Pramod Sawant’s announcement during the Budget session of the assembly, made to modernise Goa’s transport network, promised a range of incentives under the “Chief Minister Taxi Assistance Scheme.” Secretariat sources told The Goan that the government is considering lucrative incentives for tourism taxi operators willing to shift to app-based platforms be it government-approved Goa Miles or Goa Taxi App. “This scheme proposes providing subsidies for replacing tourism taxis with app-based services in Goa. It would centralise taxi operations on a digital >Continued on P5 Pipeline rupture in Valpoi disrupts Bhagavad Gita, Natyashastra get UNESCO honour water supply to Sattari villages T H E G LO B A L R ECO G N I T I O N PTI LOCALS FUME AS TANKER SUPPLY FALLS SHORT THE GOAN I NETWORK VALPOI A number of villages in Sattari taluka have been hit by water shortage after main water pipeline of the Dabos water project was damaged in Valpoi town. Water supply was supplied through tankers on Thursday and Friday but not all residents received water from the tankers, leading to anger among the affected residents. According to sources, work has been underway to lay underground power cables to ensure uninterrupted power supply. About a year ago, the underground cabling work in Sattari taluka was inaugurated at Bhironda. This work has been in progress in many parts of the taluka for the past one year and since the last two months, the work is underway in Valpoi municipality. While work was in progress, heavy machinery damaged the water pipeline of the Dabos Water Project near Shaheed Stambh, and vast quantities of water gushed out from the ruptured pipeline. On receiving the news, officials went to the site and began work to repair the ruptured pipeline. According to PWD officials, workers began repairing the water pipeline on Thursday night and resumed the work on Friday. Officials hoped to complete the repair work by late Friday night. However, it will take a few hours to restore water supply and the affected villages could be without water supply till Saturday noon. >Continued on P5 NEW DELHI anuscripts of Bhagavad Gita and Bharat Muni's Natyashastra are among 74 new documentary heritage collections that have been added to UNESCO's Memory of the World Register. Entries on scientific revolution, women's contribution to history and major milestones of multilateralism from 72 countries and four international organisations are included in the register, according to UNESCO. The register consists of books, manuscripts, maps, photographs, sound or video recordings as a documentary heritage of humanity. M „„Bhagavad Gita and Bharat Muni’s Natyashastra included among 74 new additions to UNESCO’s Memory of the World Register BHAGAVAD GITA „„A manuscript collection titled: “Ancient samgraha-grantha of Indian thought with worldwide readership and influence” „„A dialogue between Krishna and Arjuna embedded in the Mahabharata’s Bhismaparva „„Synthesises Vedic, Buddhist, Jain, and Carvaka philosophies „„Widely translated and read globally for its philosophical depth NATYASHASTRA „„Preserved at Bhandarkar Oriental The development comes on World Heritage Day on April 18. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in a post on X, on Friday described the inscriptions as “a proud moment for every Indian across the world”. “The inclusion of the Gita and Natyashastra in UNESCO's Memory of the World Register is a global recognition of our timeless wisdom and rich culture. The Gita and Natyashastra have nurtured civilisation, and Research Institute „„Codified around the 2nd century BC, containing 36,000 verses „„Defines core elements of Indian drama, music, dance, aesthetics, and performance theory „„Introduced the concept of rasa (aesthetic experience) as essential to meaning consciousness for centuries. Their insights continue to inspire the world,” he said. >Continued on P5