log on to thegoan.net @thegoanonline MONDAY JANUARY 5, 2026 GOA Factors to watch as Venezuela tensions, oil, earnings, fund flows shape markets IN SHORT >> Rajnath in Goa, to flag off ship today PANAJI: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will on Monday commission the Indian Coast Guard’s pollution control vessel ‘Samudra Pratap’, in Goa. The vessel, the first of two pollution control ships, is equipped with advanced systems to detect oil spills, enabling pollution response operations within India’s Exclusive Economic Zone and beyond.  >> See pg 3 2 women drown in separate incidents MAPUSA: Two women lost their lives after drowning in separate incidents in the rivers at Tivim and Moira. The Colvale and Mapusa police have registered the cases as unnatural deaths and forwarded the bodies to Goa Medical College for post-mortem examination. >> See pg 2 Anger in Bengal over migrant’s Goa death PANAJI: The death of 34-yearold Debanand Sana, a migrant worker from West Bengal, at GMC, Bambolim on New Year's eve, has now sparked outrage in his hometown of Taki municipality in North 24 Parganas district. His family and community members have accused the Vasco police of custodial negligence.  >> See pg 3 500 two-wheelers gutted at rail station THRISSUR: Around 500 two-wheelers were gutted after a fire broke out at the parking area of the railway station in Thrissur, Fire and Rescue Service officials said. The blaze erupted at the paid-parking shed at around 6.20 am, the official added. T20 WC: Bangladesh not to play in India DHAKA: The Bangladesh Cricket Board decided against sending its national team to India for the T20 World Cup next month citing security concerns and government advice. >> See pg 12 WEATHER >> Max: Min: Humidity: 32.1 C 20.3 C 80% TIDES Low: 06.12 18.02 High: 00.28 11.33 The Goan E-Paper (Playstore/IOS) 12 pages PRICE ` 10 PANAJI MARGAO GOA VOLUME XI, NO. 198 Cuncolkars protest revival of Housing Board project >> pg 6 Facebook.com/thegoan 2 GOA Mapusa bus stand fencing triggers concern among shopkeepers 3 Instagram.com/thegoanonline RNI: GOAENG/2015/65729 INFO The pore perfection guide: Minimize and manage open pores 9 Central panel: Kalsa project will cripple Mhadei ecology WARNS OF REDUCED WATER FLOW TO BHIMGAD SANCTUARY SHWETA KAMAT MAHATME THE GOAN I PANAJI In a major setback to Karnataka’s ambitious Kalsa-Bhandura drinking water project, the Regional Empowered Committee (REC) of the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) has raised serious ecological red flags, warning the project would “negatively impact” the riverine ecology of the Mhadei river and lead to “reduced water flows” into the ecologically sensitive Bhimgad Wildlife Sanctuary. At its meeting held on December 11, the REC deferred a decision on Karnataka’s proposal to divert 28.44 hectares of forest land in Nerase village of Khanapur, despite pressure from farmers’ groups. The committee observed that the forest area sought for diversion is “inviolate” and fragile from a biodiversity perspective, even though it technically falls outside the notified eco-sensitive zone (ESZ) of the Bhimgad sanctuary. The REC in its meeting noted that farmers, under ‘Ryatha REC questions Karnataka’s move to approach SC over Goa CWW order PANAJI: The Regional Empowered Committee (REC) has questioned the Karnataka government’s decision to move the Supreme Court against an order issued by the Chief Wildlife Warden (CWW) of Goa restraining work on the Kalsa–Bhandura projects, instead of raising the issue with the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC). Karnataka, however, admitted that the order has adversely affected their project. The REC was deliberating on a letter dated March 29, 2023, issued by the CWW, Goa, invoking powers under Section 29 of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, to restrain Karnataka from carrying out the Kalsa–Bhandura drinking water projects. During the meeting, Karnataka, informed the committee that the order was “non est”, contending that the CWW of Goa had no jurisdiction beyond the territorial limits of Goa.  >> See pg 3 Sena Karnataka’ banner had threatened to protest if the committee fails to grant permission during the meeting. The Karnataka government is also directed to provide the present status of various special leave petitions and interlocutory applications filed before the Supreme Court per- taining to the Mhadei river diversion project. “Implementation of the proposed project would result in reduced water flow to the sanctuary which could have negative impact on the riverine ecology and the surrounding areas,” the REC said while directing the Karnataka to furnish specific comments on the impact of proposed project on the riverine ecology of the area and suggest suitable mitigation measures to protected the fragile ecosystem of Bhimgad Sanctuary. Karnataka, through Neeravari Nigam Limited had approached REC for diversion of 28.44 ha of forest land in Nerase 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 REC during its meeting held in May had kept the proposal on hold considering that the proposed area falls close to the protected Bhimgad Wildlife Sanctuary. During its deliberations, the REC noted that the proposed forest land for diversion lies merely 29 metres from the notified ESZ of the Bhimgad Sanctuary. Based on Decision Support System (DSS) analysis, the committee opined that the area falls under ‘Inviolate I’ category, indicating high ecological value and sensitivity. The REC reiterated that the ecological fragility of the region cannot be overlooked merely because the site lies marginally outside the ESZ boundary. Taking a serious note of rehabilitation of 161 families, located in the WLS, REC mandated the consent of the villagers. It also observed that there is no comprehensive rehabilitation plan in place. “Neither any detailed relocation plan nor documents regarding willingness of the villagers to relocate was submitted by the State government. Keeping in view the above-mentioned facts, REC was of the view that the proposed rehabilitation plan included in the Biodiversity and Wildlife Conservation Plan is incomplete,” it said. Directing the State to prepare a comprehensive rehabilitation plan, which can be implemented in a time bound manner, REC asked Karnataka to provide a detailed timeline for the implementation of the project. SPORTS Root, Brook rescue England on rain-hit opening day at SCG 12 MHA effects major reshuffle of IAS, IPS officers in Goa THE GOAN I NETWORK PANAJI The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has effected a major reshuffle of IAS and IPS officers, transferring several senior officers to and from Goa. As part of the latest orders, IAS officer Michael D’Souza has been transferred to Goa from the Union Territory of Ladakh, while IAS officer Nikhil Dessai has been moved from Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu (DNH&DD) to Goa. On the police side, IPS officer SM Prabhudessai has been transferred from Arunachal Pradesh to Goa, and IPS officer Shruti Arora has been moved from Ladakh to the State. At the same time, the MHA has ordered the transfer of IAS officers Sanjeev Ahuja and Ankita Mishra out of Goa. IPS officer Akshat Kaushal has also been transferred from the State. Ahuja was holding the position as Secretary Tourism and IT while Mishra was Excise Commissioner. Kaushal, who had come under the scanner following the stampede at the Devi Lairai zatra in Shirgao in May last year, an incident that BIG RESHUFFLE „„IAS Michael D’Souza transferred from Ladakh to Goa „„IAS Nikhil Dessai transferred from DNH&DD to Goa „„IPS SM Prabhudessai transferred from Arunachal to Goa „„IPS Shruti Arora transferred from Ladakh to Goa „„IAS Sanjeev Ahuja & Ankita Mishra transferred out of Goa „„IPS Akshat Kaushal transferred from Goa claimed seven lives and triggered widespread criticism over crowd management and policing arrangements, was in-charge of State Police Control Room. Following the incident, he was shunted out as SP North. Sources said the transfers of the senior officers are part of a routine administrative exercise undertaken by the Ministry of Home Affairs. Mandrem resort stands tall Unity Mall protest gains ground despite demolition notice HUNDREDS TURN OUT FOR PUBLIC MEETING; LOCALS VOW TO CONTINUE HUNGER STRIKE UNTIL PROJECT IS SCRAPPED Coastal watchdog passed order two months back, but it is yet to be implemented THE GOAN I NETWORK MAPUSA An allegedly illegal resort structure ordered to be demolished by the Goa Coastal Zone Management Authority (GCZMA) continues to stand in Mandrem village, well within the No Development Zone (NDZ) and close to a turtle nesting site, raising serious questions over enforcement and regulatory accountability. The case, which dragged on for nearly seven years, pertains to illegal constructions in Survey No 216 of Mandrem. Following an initial complaint, the GCZMA issued show-cause notices to Fab Regalia Resort for carrying out constructions without mandatory permissions under the CRZ Notification. The matter was referred to the District Level Committee (DLC), which, after an inquiry, recommended demolition of the structures and restoration of the land to its original condition, terming the constructions prima facie illegal. „„Structures located merepathways and steps ly 105.50 metres from „„Mamlatdar, in his High Tide Line report, confirmed „„Authorities extent of unauthoDLC recorded multiple REPORT rised construction violations, includ„„Violator ing illegal construcchanged resort’s tion of 11 shacks or name from ‘Fab Regahuts, a swimming pool, lia’ to ‘The Regalia’ in a bid compound wall, paved to evade liability The DLC report noted that the structures were located merely 105.50 metres from the High Tide Line. During the proceedings, authorities recorded multiple violations, including the illegal construction of 11 shacks or huts, a swimming pool, compound wall, paved pathways and steps. The Mamlatdar, in his report to the GCZMA, confirmed the extent of unauthorised construction. In what officials privately admit has become a familiar tactic, the violator allegedly sought repeated adjourn- ments during hearings and even changed the resort’s name from ‘Fab Regalia’ to ‘The Regalia’ in an apparent attempt to evade liability. “Several opportunities were given to the party to present their case, but the violations were clearly established,” a senior GCZMA official said on condition of anonymity. Two months ago, the GCZMA finally passed a demolition order directing the proprietor, Sudipto Choudhary, to remove all illegal structures >Continued on P7 THE GOAN I NETWORK PANAJI The fight against the Tourism Department’s Unity Mall project in Chimbel is heating up. Villagers, activists, and supporters from across Goa packed a public meeting on Sunday, vowing to keep up their chain hunger strike until the project is scrapped. The protest entered its seventh day where slogans of “We don’t want Unity Mall” rang out as villagers and those gathered passed a resolution to submit objections to the Goa Tourism Development Corporation (GTDC) and the Town and Country Planning (TCP) Department.  Protesters warned that they will escalate their agitation if the government refuses to withdraw the project. Goa's political Opposition also joined in the protest on Sunday. Opposition Leader Yuri Alemao, legislators Carlos Alvares-Ferreira of Congress and Viresh Borkar of RGP, besides AAP's senior leader Amit Palekar were prominent in the agitating crowd. UNITED VOICE: Villagers, activists, and supporters from across Goa at the public meeting in Chimbel on Sunday.  Narayan Pissurlenkar Construction of the controversial project has already hit a roadblock. The North Goa Principal District Court issued an interim stay, halting all work until January 8. Legal challenges and mounting public opposition have stalled the project in its early phase. The Chimbel Village Panchayat has joined residents and activists in opposing the mall. Their concerns are clear: environment, liveli- hoods, and heritage. The site sits dangerously close to Toyyar Lake, an ecologically sensitive wetland. Environmentalists say construction threatens the lake’s hydrology and biodiversity.  The land earmarked for the mall also includes agricultural and forest plots used for generations by the local tribal communities.  Protesters said, the project will destroy farming, displace families, and erase ancestral ties to the land. Political leaders cutting across party lines stood with the villagers. Alemao accused the BJP government of “selling Goa’s environment, culture and land to big industrialists in Delhi.”  MLA Viresh Borkar recalled opposing the project in the Assembly and pledged to >Continued on P7 Families of victims protest in Delhi, Tense calm in Venezuela after US military operation seek death rap for Luthra brothers PTI THE GOAN I NETWORK PANAJI Families of the victims of the deadly fire at the Birch by Romeo Lane nightclub staged a protest at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar on Sunday, demanding the death sentence for the club’s owners—brothers Saurabh Luthra and Gaurav Luthra— who are currently in police custody. Raising slogans such as “hang the killers,” the protesters squarely held the Luthra brothers responsible for the blaze that claimed 25 lives.  As reported by a news agency, the families asserted that justice must be delivered not only for those who lost their lives but also for those who sustained injuries in the incident. BIRCH TRAGEDY Of the 25 deceased, five were tourists while 20 were staff members working at the nightclub. The fire had also left around six persons injured. The tragic incident occurred on December 6 last year at the popular nightclub. According to the investigation, the fire was triggered by electric fireworks, leading to a rapid spread of flames inside the premises. Soon after the incident, the Luthra brothers fled the country and travelled to Thailand. They were later deported to India on December 17 and taken into police custody. The families have also filed an intervention application before the Mapusa Additional Sessions Court in the anticipatory bail plea of Luthra brothers. The court is scheduled to hear arguments on January 7. A fresh case has also been registered by Anjuna police in connection with charges of alleged document forgery and cheating. CARACAS tense calm hangs over Venezuela after the US military operation that deposed President Nicolas Maduro, who was brought to New York to face criminal charges. Venezuela's capital Caracas was unusually quiet on Sunday with a few vehicles moving around. Convenience stores, gas stations and other businesses were mostly closed. A day before, lines wound through stores and outside gas stations as uncertain Venezuelans stocked up on goods in case turmoil broke A Venezuelan president housed in Brooklyn jail WASHINGTON: Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro arrived at a New York jail after a dramatic arrest by US Special Forces for narco-terrorism and weapons charges. Maduro audaciously displayed a peace sign to officers upon his arrival at the notorious Brooklyn jail. The Brooklyn jail is a facility so troubled, that some judges have refused to send people there out. Roads typically filled with runners and cyclists sat largely empty and Venezuela's presidential palace was guarded by armed civilians and members even as it has housed famous inmates such as music stars R Kelly and Sean Diddy Combs. Opened in the early 1990s, the Metropolitan Detention Centre, or MDC Brooklyn, currently houses about 1,300 inmates. It's the routine landing spot for people awaiting trial in federal courts in Manhattan and Brooklyn, holding alleged gangsters and drug traffickers alongside some people accused of white-collar crimes. of the military. Outside the capital, in La Guira state, families with houses damaged in blasts during the operation that captured Maduro and his wife were still cleaning up debris. Some buildings were left with walls gaping open. After the seismic shift in Venezuela and promises by President Donald Trump that the United States would run Venezuela with the help of Maduro's Vice President Delcy Rodriguez, no one in the country seemed to know where things stood or what lay ahead. Legal experts raised questions about the lawfulness of the operation, which was done without congressional approval. Venezuela's vice president, Delcy Rodriguez, meanwhile, demanded that the United States free Maduro immediately and called him the country's rightful leader as her nation's high court named her interim president.