log on to thegoan.net @thegoanonline TUESDAY MAY 26, 2026 GOA WATCHING THE WALLET IN A TIME OF RISING PRICES Another fuel shock: Petrol up by `2.61, diesel `2.71 PTI NEW DELHI Petrol prices were raised by Rs 2.61 a litre and diesel by Rs 2.71 on Monday, the fourth increase in less than two weeks that extended a delayed passthrough of soaring global crude oil costs triggered by the Iran conflict. The latest increase took cumulative hikes since May 15 to nearly Rs 7.5 per litre. In Delhi, petrol prices rose to Rs 102.12 per litre from Rs 99.51, while diesel climbed to Rs 95.20 from Rs 92.49, according to industry sources. Fuel prices have now reached their highest levels since May 2022 after remaining largely frozen for more than two years, barring a Rs 2-per-litre cut in March 2024 ahead of national elections. State-run retailers had delayed passing on higher input costs for weeks, a move the government said was intended to shield consumers from inflation. IN SHORT >> Ebola scare: SOP issued for airlines NEW DELHI: In the wake of the Ebola outbreak in certain parts of Africa, aviation watchdog Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has asked airlines to implement various measures, including making in-flight announcements and mandatory filing of self-declaration forms from passengers originating or transiting through the affected countries. 2 GOA Monsoon challenge looms as Porvorim elevated corridor work enters last leg Rider killed in Betim road mishap MAPUSA: A 26-year-old carpenter hailing from Gorakhpur in Uttar Pradesh was killed when his motorcycle and a bus collided with each other at Walkeshwarwada, Betim in the wee hours of Monday.  >> See pg 2 3 Instagram.com/thegoanonline RNI: GOAENG/2015/65729 INFO Reasons green apples deserve a spot in your daily routine SEC revises ward strength in 7 civic bodies ahead of polls MORMUGAO GETS BIGGEST JUMP FROM 21 TO 27 WARDS; MARGAO ALSO GETS 27 UNDER POPULATION-BASED REVISION THE GOAN I NETWORK PANAJI Ahead of the municipal elections, the State Election Commission (SEC) has significantly increased representation in two of State’s largest urban bodies, with Mormugao Municipal Council recording the sharpest rise in ward strength from 21 to 27 wards, while Margao Municipal Council will now have 27 councillors instead of the existing 24. The revision forms part of a wider restructuring exercise that has increased ward numbers in seven municipal councils based on population figures, while the strength of four municipalities have remained unchanged. The SEC on Monday notified the revised ward structure for all 11 municipal councils following the Goa Municipalities (Amendment) Ordinance, 2026, under which delimitation is now being undertaken based on population rather than electorate strength. „„Mormugao Municipal rises from 13 to 14 Council records biggest „„Canacona Municipal increase, from 21 to Council gets 13 27 wards wards instead „„Margao Muof 12 REVISED nicipal Council CIVIC WARD „„Mapusa reward strength tains 20 wards; STRUCTURE Valpoi, Pernem rises from 24 to 27 and Sanguem „„Curchorem-Cacoretain 10 wards each ra ward count increases „„SEC appoints EROs and from 15 to 17 AEROs to oversee delimita„„Bicholim and Cuncolim tion process gain one additional ward „„Reservation of seats each, taking their total to 15 and election notification to „„Quepem ward strength follow delimitation exercise Besides Mormugao and Margao, ward strength has also been increased in Curchorem-Cacora, Bicholim, Cuncolim, Quepem and Canacona municipal councils, while Mapusa, Valpoi, Pernem and Sanguem will retain their existing number of wards. As per the notification issued by State Election Com- missioner Menino D’Souza, Curchorem-Cacora Municipal Council will now have 17 wards against the existing 15. Bicholim and Cuncolim municipal councils have each gained one additional ward, taking their strength to 15 from 14. Quepem Municipal Council will now elect 14 councillors instead of 13, while Canacona Municipal Council has seen its ward count increase from 12 to 13. Mapusa Municipal Council, however, will continue with 20 wards, while smaller Category-C municipalities – Valpoi, Pernem and Sanguem – will retain ten wards each. The SEC has also initiated the delimitation exercise for all 11 municipal councils and appointed Electoral Registration Officers (EROs) and Assistant Electoral Registration Officers (AEROs) to oversee the ward division process. The notification states that the delimitation is being carried out by taking into account the population in the respective municipal areas as per the 2011 Population Census, in line with the amended municipal law. The earlier delimitation process initiated in March was declared null and void following the Ordinance. The delimitation process will be followed by reservation of seats and declaration of elections, thereafter. Minor altercation at Borkar rules out Cong Mobor turns fatal switch, to fight 2027 3 LABOURERS ARRESTED FOR ALLEGEDLY elections on RGP ticket ASSAULTING FELLOW WORKER TO DEATH THE GOAN I NETWORK SC questions NTA after NEET leak row NEW DELHI: It's sad that the NTA has not learnt lessons from the earlier NEET paper leak, the Supreme Court said on Monday as it sought the response of the Centre, NTA and CBI on pleas for the replacement of the testing agency with a robust and autonomous body to conduct the medical entrance exam.  >> See pg 8 The Goan E-Paper (Playstore/IOS) 13 pages PRICE ` 10 PANAJI MARGAO GOA VOLUME XI, NO. 338 Naqueri gunpowder storage plan faces scrutiny over pending safety reports >PG 6 Facebook.com/thegoan The accused arrested by Colva police in connection with the murder at Mobor.  Santosh Mirajkar THE GOAN I NETWORK MARGAO A petty quarrel during dinner between labourers employed on a fishing trawler ended in a murder at Mobor beach. The Colva police have arrested three persons — Sanjay Manjhi, Asish Kumar and Jagnandan Sidar, all natives of Chhattisgarh — for allegedly killing Shshi Lakra. Police informed that during dinner onboard the fishing trawler, a quarrel ensued after the deceased, Shshi Lakra, allegedly placed his leg in the food plate of the accused, namely Jagnandan Sidar. Following the altercation, all three accused persons, acting with common intention, assaulted the deceased using a sharp object and caused a grievous cut injury on the left side of his neck, resulting in his instantaneous death. The police have charged the accused persons with trying to destroy evidence by concealing the body in nearby bushes away from public view. MAPUSA Amid growing political uncertainty within the Revolutionary Goans Party (RGP), party MLA Viresh Borkar on Monday firmly dismissed rumours that he was planning to join the Congress, asserting that he remains loyal to the regional party and would contest the 2027 Assembly elections on an RGP ticket. Addressing a press conference for the first time since the recent turmoil within the party, Borkar said speculation about his political future was baseless and politically motivated. “There are rumours that I am going to Congress, but nothing is true. I am with RGP and we want to take the party ahead. We know how Congress is and how BJP is,” Borkar said. The MLA stressed that the party’s focus must remain on protecting Goa’s identity and addressing pressing public issues. Referring to the controversial “Section 39-A” issue, which has triggered debate in 10 12 Belagavi groups intensify agitation to prevent slaughter, illicit transport of beef, cattle to Goa THE GOAN I NETWORK BELAGAVI Beef supplies to neighbouring Goa are likely to be affected after several organisations in Belagavi demanded strict enforcement of the anti-cow slaughter law and sought immediate action against the alleged illegal transportation of cattle and beef from Belagavi and adjoining districts to Goa. A memorandum in this regard was submitted to Deputy Commissioner Mohammed Roshan by leaders of Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) and Bajrang Dal on Monday. The organisations urged the district administration and the Karnataka government to strictly implement the provisions of the Karnataka Prevention of Slaughter and Preservation of Cattle Act, 2020, particularly in view of the upcoming Bakri Eid festival on Wednesday. The Act, which came into force in February 2021, imposes a stringent ban on the Bardez to face two-day water disruption from May 27 THE GOAN I NETWORK the State, Borkar described it as “very dangerous” and said the matter must reach every village in Goa. “We have to protect and save Goa and for that all Goans will have to work together,” he said. Borkar reiterated that he would continue working under the RGP banner and contest the next Assembly elections as the party’s candidate. >Continued on P8 >Continued on P8 „„Reaffirms loyalty to party „„Will continue to fight for Goa’s identity „„Rejects allegations of anti-party activities „„Says party issues will be resolved through dialogue „„Praises Manoj Parab and regrets his resignation Blue Tigresses put 11 past Maldives in SAFF Women’s C'ship opener Goa’s beef supply likely to be hit ahead of Bakri Eid MAPUSA The State government has announced a major disruption in water supply across Bardez and parts of Bicholim taluka for two days beginning May 27, following urgent maintenance work at the Assonora Water Treatment Plant, the Department of Drinking Water (DDW) said on Monday. According to the office of the Executive Engineer, Works Division II, the temporary restriction in water supply will remain in force on May 27 and 28 to facilitate critical repair and maintenance operations at the treatment facility. The disruption is expected to affect the entire Bardez taluka, including the densely populated Mapusa town and surrounding constituencies, as well as several areas in Bicholim taluka that depend on the Assonora treatment plant for potable water supply. Officials said the maintenance work is essential to ensure uninterrupted and improved water distribution in the long term. RGP MLA SPEAKS SPORTS BEEF SUPPLY: ENFORCEMENT PUSH „„Groups submit memorandum seeking strict action against alleged illegal cattle transport „„Groups urge implementation of anti-slaughter laws „„Groups allege rise in illegal cattle slaughter and beef transport to Goa from border districts „„Calls made for intensified border surveillance and preventive action „„Groups warn illegal activities could trigger social and communal tension „„Organisation warns activists may intensify vigilance if police fail to act slaughter, trafficking and transportation of cattle including cows, calves, bullocks and buffaloes below the age of 13 years. In the memorandum, the saffron organisations alleged that incidents of illegal slaughtering of cattle and transportation of beef to Goa and neighbouring states have increased in the border region. They claimed that certain groups in Belagavi region were violating the provisions of the law by engaging in the trafficking and slaughtering of cows. The leaders stated that cows are revered in Hindu tradition and warned that such activities could create social and communal tension in the region. They urged authorities to take stringent preventive measures and intensify surveillance along border areas to curb illegal cattle transportation. The organisations also cautioned that the administration would be held responsible for any law and >Continued on P8 Centre clears ` 1,880 cr NH-66 upgrade in S Goa PAVES WAY FOR CUNCOLIM–BENDORDEM STRETCH 4-LANING TO EASE CONGESTION THE GOAN I NETWORK PANAJI In a major infrastructure push for South Goa, the Centre has sanctioned Rs 1,880.11 crore for the four-laning of the Cuncolim–Bendordem section of NH-66, paving the way for highway upgrade aimed at easing congestion and improving connectivity along the key inter-state corridor linking Goa with Karnataka and Maharashtra. Chief Minister Pramod Sawant announced the approval, stating that the project will include a 5.78-km six-lane elevated corridor, bypasses for Cuncolim and Balli towns, a major six-lane railway overbridge (ROB), along with upgraded service roads, junction improvements and pedestrian safety measures. Sawant thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi and MoRTH Minister Nitin Gadkari for approving the project, saying the highway expansion would decongest towns, improve daily commuting and support economic growth in South Goa. The 8.7-km Cuncolim–Bendordem stretch forms part of THE PROJECT „„8.7-km stretch connects key South Goa towns including Margao, Cuncolim and Canacona „„Project includes 5.78-km six-lane elevated corridor „„Bypasses planned for Cuncolim and Balli towns „„Major six-lane ROB included in project the larger Mumbai–Kanyakumari four-lane corridor under NH-66. The project is expected to significantly improve traffic movement on one of South Goa’s busiest road links that connects Margao, Cuncolim and Canacona, while facilitating heavy inter-state traffic. The upgraded corridor will pass through key villages including Bendordem, Cordem and Barcem, strengthening connectivity towards Canacona. The highway works will also see the deployment of Automated and Intelligent Machine-Aided Construction (AIMC) technology. Taleigao picked as pilot village Rua de Ourem boardwalk revival on the cards for new land valuation model RESTORATION REASSESSMENT THE GOAN I NETWORK CATEGORY-BASED FIVE-TIER LAND PRICING TO FACTOR IN ACCESSIBILITY, DEVELOPMENT AND CIVIC INFRASTRUCTURE THE GOAN I NETWORK PANAJI The State government has selected Taleigao village in Tiswadi taluka as the pilot area to introduce a new category-based land valuation system, replacing the existing practice of fixing a single uniform land rate for an entire village. The Revenue Department, through a notification issued on May 22, stated that the existing method of prescribing one rate across an entire village was “not appropriate and justified” as villages comprise areas with varying accessibility, infrastructure, amenities and commercial value. Under the pilot exercise, Taleigao has been divided into five categories – A, B, C, D and E, with separate minimum land values assigned to each zone based on characteristics and desirability. The government has fixed the base rate for Category A at Rs 30,000 per sq metre, while Category B has been pegged at Rs 25,000 per sq mtr and for Category C it is 20,000 per sq mtr. For land categorised under D, the value is pegged at Rs 7,000 per sq mtr while for E, the rate would be 20 per cent of the lowest minimum rates specified for the first four categories. The notification stated that factors such as proximity to the coast, sea view, nearness to urban centres, civic >Continued on P8 PANAJI he Corporation of the City of Panaji (CCP) is reconsidering its decision to dismantle the fire-damaged and neglected mangrove boardwalk at Rua de Ourem, after a private entity offered to restore the property at its own expense. The development comes barely days after the civic body, during its May 19 budget meeting, resolved to demolish the long-abandoned structure. The property, built by the Imagine Panaji Smart City Development Corporation, has suffered extensive deterioration, and a recent fire further exposed its state of decay. T „„Private entity offers to restore structure at its own expense „„Restoration proposal includes converting site into regulated educational facility „„Revenue-sharing and possible ticketed access proposed to prevent vandalism and misuse Officials familiar with the discussions told The Goan that the proposal prompted the Corporation to reconsider immediate demolition. „„Authorities may invite tenders if restoration proposal gets approval “We have received the proposal, though no decision has been made on it yet. If the proposal is approved, the Corporation will formally invite „„Structure spread across nearly 1,100 sq mtrs along Rua de Ourem creek in Patto „„Years of neglect led to collapsed planks, broken barricades and unsafe sections „„Recent fire further exposed deteriorating condition of property tenders for the restoration work. For now, the demolition of the property is being reconsidered,” the official said. The boardwalk, spread across nearly 1,100 sq mtrs along the Rua de Ourem creek in Patto, was conceived as part of the Smart City initiative and projected as a rare ecological and educational attraction in the capital. Built by the IPSCDL, it was meant to serve as a mangrove interpretation space, a destination for migratory bird watchers and a public recreational corridor within the city. Instead, over the years, it slipped into disrepair. Wooden planks splintered and collapsed, barricades gave way, and sections of the structure became unsafe and inaccessible long before portions of the boardwalk caught fire last month. >Continued on P8