log on to thegoan.net @thegoanonline MONDAY MAY 12, 2025 GOA India-Pak truce, FII moves among 8 triggers for D-Street this week IN SHORT >> Ex-restaurant manager held for `4.37 cr fraud MAPUSA: In a major financial fraud case, the Anjuna Police have arrested a former General Manager of a high-end restaurant in Assagao for allegedly misappropriating over Rs 4.37 crore from his employer’s business over a span of more than three years.  >> See pg 3 Tensions in Dabolim over hill cutting VASCO: A tense situation unfolded near the Dabolim Airport on Sunday after vigilant locals exposed ongoing illegal hill cutting activity in the funnel zone — an area where construction is strictly prohibited. Residents, alarmed by the scale of the work, called the police to the site and demanded immediate seizure of the machinery being used.  >> See pg 2 Youth booked for trespass, filming PANAJI: Saligao police have booked two Mapusa youth for allegedly trespassing into a hotel in Sangolda -- Casa de Catson -- and video recording the staff and guests inside without consent of the management.  >> See pg 3 Bike rider killed in Pernem accident PANAJI: A man from Halli in Pernem, Suhas Narulkar (45), died after his two-wheeler was hit by a car at Casarvarne on Saturday night. The car, a Mahindra Xylo, was allegedly being driven rashly on the wrong side of the road by Vishal Naik (23) from Andheri East, Mumbai.  >> See pg 3 Pirna locals threaten Tivim MLA boycott MAPUSA: In a strong show of discontent, villagers of Pirna have resolved to boycott Tivim MLA Nilkanth Halarnkar from all local functions if he continues to neglect their grievances and abstains from attending gram sabhas.  >> See pg 3 WEATHER >> Max: Min: Humidity: 31 C 28 C 70% TIDES Low: High: 04:20 6:46 11:35 20:01 The Goan E-Paper (Playstore/IOS) 12 pages PRICE ` 10 PANAJI MARGAO GOA VOLUME X, NO. 324 Instagram.com/thegoanonline RNI: GOAENG/2015/65729 2 3 11 9 Army chief empowers Centre halts Karnataka’s forest commanders to act if diversion plan for Kalsa project Pak violates ceasefire Most fishing vessels at Cutbona bracing up for last few catches of the season >> pg 6 Facebook.com/thegoan GOA State govt seeks CRZ relaxation from Centre to restart stalled sand mining SPORTS INFO Clinical India crushes Sri Lanka to win tri-nation tournament How to reduce obesity naturally MoEF PANEL FLAGS WILDLIFE RISKS NEAR BHIMGAD SANCTUARY, DEMANDS CONSERVATION PLAN; SITE INSPECTION PLANNED THE GOAN I NETWORK PANAJI The Regional Empowered Committee (REC) of the Union Ministry for Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) has kept on hold Karnataka’s proposal for diversion of 28.44 ha of forest land in Nerase village of Khanapur taluka for the Kalsa-Bhandura drinking water project, considering that the proposed area falls close to the protected Bhimgad Wildlife Sanctuary. The REC, which has decided to undertake a site inspection of the proposed forest diversion area, has directed the Karnataka State to prepare a bio-diversity conservation plan considering the fact that in and around the proposed forest area for diversion is a habitat for endangered an- PROJECT ON HOLD: MOEF CONCERNS „„The project site lies just 0.029 km from Bhimgad Wildlife Sanctuary, raising concerns about ecological impact „„The proposed diversion area is part of a biodiversity conservation zone and a known habitat for endangered species like tigers and leopards „„REC has decided to conduct a site inspection and has asked the State to submit a vetted biodiversity conservation plan „„The Chief Wildlife Warden has been asked to assess the potential impact on flora and fauna imals such as tiger, leopard and other flora and fauna. REC noted that the proposed project area is a part of the Biodiversity Conservation Working Circle. “The said plan has to be vetted by the competent authority and submitted,” REC said while seeking Chief Wildlife Warden to comment on the possible impact of diversion of forest land on wildlife. Karnataka, through Neer- Clock ticking: Unfinished roads set stage for monsoon mayhem UNDERGROUND CABLING, PIPELINE REPLACEMENT WORKS STILL UNDERWAY ACROSS TOWNS AND CITIES AGNELO PEREIRA THE GOAN I MAPUSA As Goa stands just a fortnight away from the onset of the monsoon, the State’s road infrastructure is once again in shambles, with digging and developmental works continuing unchecked across key towns and cities. From underground cabling to pipeline replacements, open trenches and half-finished works are an alarming sign that yet another season of potholes, waterlogging and commuter misery awaits. Despite last year's public outcry and government assurances, the roads across major routes – from coastal connectors to residential arteries – are torn apart, with little hope of restoration before the skies open up. Crucial routes in crisis At Dream Circle in Arpora, a vital junction for tourists and locals heading toward the coastal belt, the road has been dug right through the middle. The work, intended for laying a 33KV underground power line, began just over two weeks ago and shows no signs of nearing completion. Local residents and commuters warn that once the ROAD TO RUIN: The main Saligao road leading to the Pilerne industrial estate, dug up for underground power and water pipelines, remains in a terrible state with little hope of repair before the monsoon.  Agnelo Pereira rains arrive, this road will be nearly impassable. Over in Saligao, the roads connecting to Pilerne industrial estate and the Saligao Church are also under excavation. Multiple departments are involved – laying underground electricity cables, replacing old water pipelines – but there’s no sign of coordinated action or urgency. “The situation last year was horrendous. The roads turned to rubble and despite repeated complaints, nothing was done until much later,” says Sanil Mandrekar, a local shopkeeper near Saligao church. History repeating itself Last year’s monsoon wreaked havoc across the State, with countless roads turning into pothole-ridden danger zones. Commuters were forced to navigate broken, flooded roads for months, leading to accidents, vehicle damage and mounting frustration. Faced with public backlash, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant had issued firm directions post-monsoon for urgent road repairs and had specifically >Continued on P5 AGENCIES NEW DELHI The Chief of Army Staff, General Upendra Dwivedi, on Sunday gave army commanders along the western borders a free hand to deliver a befitting reply to their Pakistani counterparts in the event of any ceasefire or airspace violations. This directive was given as General Dwivedi was "reviewing the security situation" along the western borders. "Consequent to the ceasefire and airspace violations on night of 10-11 May 2025, #GeneralUpendraDwivedi, #COAS reviewed the security situation with the Army Commanders of the Western Borders," the Army said on X. Earlier in the day, government sources said that New Delhi will exercise restraint during the ongoing de-escalation talks only if Pakistan does the same. General Dwivedi's directive to the army commanders came as government sources revealed that Prime Minister Schools in Punjab's six border districts to remain shut today CHANDIGARH: Schools in Punjab's six border districts as well as Sangrur will remain closed on May 12, officials said and added blackout measures were enforced late on Sunday in Hoshiarpur as a precautionary measure. Academic institutions will, however, reopen on May 12, they said.  >> See pg 7 avari Nigam Limited (KNNL) approached REC for diversion of 28.44 ha of forest land in Nerase village of Khanapur taluka for construction of diversion weir, jackwell cum pump house, electric substation, pipeline and powerline for utilisation of Bandura Nala drinking water to Hubli-Dharwad twin cities and other surrounding areas for Kalsa project diversion. The State contended that the project site is located approximately 0.029 kms of Bhimgad Wildlife Sanctuary and also outside the notified Eco-Sensitive Zone. KNNL informed REC that the proposed water pumping will be done during the rainy season that is June to October, when the water availability is surplus. It said that when the water is impounded after November, the stored water will be available for wildlife and additionally, the impoundment may enhance groundwater recharge, potentially leading to increased seepage downstream indirectly benefiting wildlife during the dry season. “The project is expected to have minimal impact on biodiversity including wildlife. Any residual impacts can be mitigated through appropriate wildlife conservation measures. The user agency has voluntarily agreed to utilise 5 per cent of the project cost for wildlife mitigation and conservation efforts,” Karnataka said. The Goan had reported in the past that KNNL had started work for the Bhandura project in the Nerase village, without any mandatory permission including that of the National Board of Wildlife (NBWL). 61-day fishing ban notified from June 1 Industrial waste fire rages in Sanguem for second day THE GOAN I NETWORK PANAJI Goa government has announced the annual fishing ban from June 1 to July 31 along the sea coast and territorial waters of the State. In a notification issued, the Fisheries department has imposed prohibition on fishing activities utilising mechanical means of propulsion, trawl nets, and purse seine nets during the period. Under the provisions of the Goa Marine Fishing Regulation Act, 1980, fishing vessels fitted with mechanical propulsion systems are barred from operations during this period. However, registered motorised canoes equipped with outboard or inboard motors of up to 10 HP capacity are exempted, provided they utilise gill nets exclusively for fishing purposes. “The Government of Goa, having regard to the need to conserve fish, hereby prohibits fishing by fishing vessels fitted with mechanical means of propulsion and by means of trawl net and purse-seine net, except fishing by registered motorised canoes using gill nets only, and fitted with outboard or inboard motors, 10 HP capacity, with effect from June 1, 2025 till July 31, 2025 (both days inclusive),” Director Fisheries Yashasvini B said. Narendra Modi had informed US Vice President JD Vance that if Pakistan engages in any further misadventures, India will respond strongly. "Vance called and spoke to Modi off-ramp. The PM told him if they attack, we will attack stronger," sources said. Government sources further clarified that Operation Sindoor is far from over and refrained from referring to the current situation as a ceasefire. VILLAGERS COMPLAIN OF BREATHING DISCOMFORT, DEMAND ACTION; PCB MONITORING AIR QUALITY THE GOAN I NETWORK SANGUEM The fire involving chemical and industrial waste at the abandoned laterite stone quarry in the remote Chanimol ward of Kalay-Sanguem continued to rage for a second day on Sunday, prompting sustained efforts by authorities to contain the flames and curb the spread of toxic fumes that locals fear could endanger public health. The situation has escalated as thick smoke and a strong chemical odour have reportedly spread to neighbouring areas, including Costi, where residents have begun complaining of breathing discomfort and irritation. Given the uncertain composition of the waste dump, high-ranking officials, including Deputy Collector Milind Velip, Mamlatdar Siddharth Prabhu, and personnel from the Fire Department, Health Services, Police, and the Goa State Pollution Control Board, remain stationed at the site to monitor and manage the situation. The Goa State Pollution Control Board has deployed monitoring equipment to assess air quality and pollution The industrial waste fire in Kalay-Sanguem continued to rage for a second day on Sunday. levels in the vicinity of the blaze. As a precautionary measure, residents living in the vicinity have been evacuated for a second consecutive day due to the intense fumes. Villagers have voiced serious concerns about potential health risks, particularly for children, pregnant women, and the elderly. >Continued on P5 Now, temple committee makes Goa lags in solar pump rollout, risks losing allocation POOR RESPONSE: CAUSE FOR CONCERN registration must for Dhonds THE GOAN I NETWORK PANAJI Against the backdrop of Shirgao temple stampede, which claimed six lives and injured over 80 people, Shree Devi Lairai temple committee has now decided mandatory registration of Dhonds (devotees). SHIRGAO ZATRA In a notice issued on Sunday, the temple committee has asked the Dhonds to urgently register with them by submitting two passport-size photographs and valid ID proof. PANAJI aking serious note of the fact that barely above 14 per cent of Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha Uthan Mahabhiyan (PM-KUSUM) scheme’s target of 700 stand-alone solar pump target being achieved by the State since its sanction in 2021, the Union Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (NRE) has now warned the Goa government that the allocation may be cancelled if the unsatisfactory progress continues. The Ministry, via a communication on April 29, has granted extension till December 31, 2025, to Goa Energy Development Agency (GEDA) T THE GOAN I NETWORK The move is aimed at improving crowd management and ensuring better safety and coordination during the future events including the annual Zatra. “The Dhonds of Shree Devi Lairai are requested herewith that they must submit their two passport-size photographs and ID proof to the temple committee for the purpose of registration as urgent as possible,” the committee said. Following the incident, questions were raised over unorganised festivities and an increasing number of Dhonds, who even fell-out during the Zatra ritual, hours before the stampede. „„Only 14% of the target (700 stand-alone solar pumps) has been achieved by Goa since the scheme's sanction in 2021 „„Around 100 solar pumps are being installed as of now „„Goa has a target of 50 MW power generation; only 4 MW PPAs signed, with no actual installation yet „„Ground-mounted solar plants of 1.7 MW capacity have been installed so far CENTRE’S WARNING „„The MNRE has warned the Goa government that continued unsatisfactory progress may lead to cancellation of the allocation „„GEDA has been given time until December 31, 2025, to meet the target to complete the installation of 700 solar pump targets or face cancellation of allocation. “The State is requested to expedite the implementation of the PM-KUSUM scheme. The extension of the projects is subject to milestone-based progress, as per scheme guidelines and non-satisfactory progress may lead to cancellation of the allocation,” Scientist Dr Nikhil Gakkhar said in the letter. The GEDA had approached the Ministry requesting extension of project implementation. As on date, around 100 pump sets are being installed under the scheme. The PM-KUSUM scheme, aimed at making the agriculture sector energy efficient has got three components – to install grid-connected, ground-mounted, solar-power plants on barren, fallow, marshy or cultivable lands by individual farmers or solar power developers or local bodies. The second component is about installation of standalone solar pumps in off-grid areas and under third, solarisation of grid connected agriculture pumps. According to the information provided by the Ministry in Lok Sabha, in February, the State was sanctioned a target installation of 700 solar >Continued on P5