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GOA, WEDNESDAY, 14 APRIL, 2010
Lucky escape for scooterist as mining truck loses control
Prove balwadi work is legal: Damu
HERALD CORRESPONDENT QUEPEM, APRIL 13
HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, APRIL 13
Even as residents of Quepem are fighting against operating of mining transport via Quepem town, a scooterist had a lucky escape from dashing against an overloaded mining truck, which lost control at the speed breaker near Tilamol Church. According to reports, the incident was reported by the scooterist William Rodrigues to the RTO, who were present at Tilamol Junction, deputed to monitor mining trucks and the RTO stopped the overloaded mining truck. Sources informed that the RTO instead of issuing Challan sent back the overloaded truck to the mine, where they were loaded. Since mining trucks were transporting late in the evening on Tuesday, residents of Ambaulim stopped about 70 trucks and were sent back. Meanwhile, on yet another day in Quepem town, people witnessed the attitude of the transport contractors and truck owners, as they paid no respect to the District Magistrate South Goa G P Naik taking into consideration the hardship faced by villagers due to excessive mining transport. According to sources, members of the newly formed Quepem Taluka Mining Affected People Front are closely monitoring and noting the registration numbers of ever y ore transporting trucks via Quepem
BJP MLA Damu Naik has challenged GPCC General Secretary Vijay Sardessai to prove that all the documentation for the construction of the balwadi at Fatorda were in place. Reacting to the allegations made by Sardessai that he is stopping the balwadi construction, Naik said he do not mind the construction of the balwadi, but asserted that he will not support any illegal construction in his constituency, whether it is a balwadi, toilet or even a bar. Naik said the question was raised by him on 25/03/2010 LAQ no 10 and LAQ no 8A and that the government itself has answered that the said balwadi is illegal and 178 illegal construction are going on Moreover, on the development work in Fatorda constituency, the MLA said if the defeated Congress candidate wants to take credit, that he should be ready to take credit for illegal constructions as well. “The people of Fatorda know to differentiate between gold and scrap and they have done it in the last Assembly polls and will do it in the future. I am ready to face any challenge in the future also as I am in politics to serve the people and not to fill my treasury with illegal activities. Politics is certainly not my bread and butter”, Naik asserted.
Official denies supplying rotten vegetables
Overloaded mining truck that was proceeding towards the mining site was sent by the RTO. Photo by John Fernandes
town from 5 am to 7 pm. Sources informed that the total number of trips made by trucks via Quepem town on Tuesday was 828 trips, which has been recorded on a video camera. However, as per the order dated April 10 passed by South Goa Collector G P Naik, there should be reduction in the number of trips from Quepem and Rivona-Colomb from 1,700 to 850, which means 425 trips via Quepem town. However, the total number of trips transported via Quepem town alone exceeded double the limit, which is 828 trips.
The Collector’s notification also states about the timing of mining transport from 6 am to 6 pm. However, as per the monitoring done by the members of the Front, the transportation started as early as 5.30 am and the movement of empty trucks to the loading point started as early as 4 am, thereby disturbing the locals. “Similarly, the transportation continued via Quepem town even after 7 pm. All the trucks were overloaded and were passing in front of the RTOs deputed to inspect. There was also no improvement in the speed limit,” said sources.
Motorcycle hit brings down pole at Bicholim HERALD CORRESPONDENT MAYEM, APRIL 13
HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, APRIL 13
The Managing Director of Goa Horticulture Corporation Orlando Rodrigues has categorically said the Corporation has issued instructions to the 214 vegetable outlets in the state to return back the vegetables if they are spoiled or sub-standard. “There is no question of the Corporation supplying sub-standard quality vegetables to the vegetable outlets. There are clear instructions issued to the outlets to return back spoiled vegetables to the Corporation”, he said, while refuting reports that the Corporation does not accept spoiled vegetables from the outlets, forcing the owners to sell the same to the customers. Rodrigues, however, said that it is not possible to supply vegetables to all the 214 outlets in the morning session and admitted there may be many outlets which finally receive the stock even around noon. “We get most of the vegetable requirements, around 70-80 per cent from outside the state. The distribution of vegetables to the outlets starts at 4.30 am every day. We cannot expect all the stalls to get the stock in the morning”, he said, adding that the Corporation is making every effort possible to meet the huge demand for vegetables at the outlets.
India’s top jazz musician Benny dead
HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, APRIL 13
India lost one of its top jazz musicians while Goa lost an illustrious son of the soil today. Benny Rosario, India’s premier jazz pianist expired at the Goa Medical College after a prolonged illness. A well-known and well-loved musician, Benny started his musical prowess in Kolkata and played for a band at the age of 18. He has been a band leader for 25 years. He has also performed at various international centres with Bappi Lahiri. Benny has even performed at the Wembley Stadium in the UK with Lahiri. Besides being band leader, he was also a composer and arranger.
Speaking to reporters, Front member Ajay Pereira condemned the action of truck operators, who interfere with the law-enforcing agencies while carrying out their lawful duties. The Quepem Taluka Mining Affected People Front Convenor Adv Fedrick Pereira said people will not tolerate the high-handedness of truck operators. “We are presently only monitoring the mining transport and if the dadagiri of mining contractors continues, then people of Quepem will take action in the days to come,” warned Adv Pereira.
Newly erected electricity pole that broke after a two-wheeler rammed against it at Pollatt-Bicholim. Photo by Vishant Vaze
ZP poll: Last day for nomination is April 20
HERALD CORRESPONDENT MARCEL, APRIL 13
The last day for filing of nomination for the May 9 by-poll to the Navelim Zilla Panchayat constituency, is 20th April. According to the notification issued by Election Commission P M Borkar, nomination papers will be scrutinized on 21st April. The filing of nomination papers with the Returning Officer began today. Withdrawal of nomination papers will be accepted by the returning officer till 2 pm on 22nd April. As reported by the Herald yesterday, polling will be held on May 9 from 8 am to 5 pm.
A car driver had a lucky escape, after the vehicle which he was driving was crushed between two trucks at Priol on Tuesday at about 10 am. According to car driver S Prabhudessai, the accident occurred when he stopped his car (GA08 A-0069) when he saw an oncoming truck (MH-12 K-7297) overtaking another vehicle. “My car was dashed from behind by another truck (GA-01 T5515), which later collided with the truck coming in the opposite direction,” said Prabhudessai. “My car was dragged and later collided with the truck which was coming in the opposite direction,” added the car driver.
HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, APRIL 13
If an electricity pole can break into two pieces after a motorcycle rams into it, one can only imagine the quality of the electricity poles being used as part of the road-widening work in Bicholim. On receiving news that a newly erected electricity pole was split into two halves when a motorcycle rammed into it, Bicholim MLA Rajesh Patnekar along with BMC Councilor Bhagwan Harmalkar visited the site and were shocked to find that iron rods used in the poles are of low grade including the concrete. They estimated that such poles may turn out to be fatal during rainy season, giving possibilities of electrocution. They said they will bring the fact to the notice of Chief Minister Digambar Kamat and the power minister. Meanwhile, Opposition Leader Manohar Parrikar has demanded thorough enquiry into the matter.
Scarlet’s mother to depose in court
PTI PANJIM, APRIL 13
Fiona Mackeown, the mother of British teenager Scarlet Eden Keeling, will arrive in India this week to depose before the Goa court, her lawyer said tonight. “Mackeown, who launched sustained campaign to give justice to her daughter Scarlet, who was found dead at Goa’s Anjuna shore, is likely to depose before Goa Children’s Court on April 16,” her lawyer Vikram Varma said. He stated that the mother would be in Goa till April 22 and will depose in detail before the court.
Car crushes between two trucks at Priol
The Water Resource Department (WRD) has been accused of undertaking massive destruction of useful trees in Sanquelim and Poriem area under the pretext of constructing a retaining wall at Walwanti River in Sanquelim. The incident came to light when some alert villagers noticed the activity and raised an alarm and stopped the cutting of trees. It is learnt that WRD has undertaken tree cutting by obtain-
n It is learnt that WRD has undertaken tree cutting by obtaining a bogus permission from the fake owner leaving the real owner unaware about the facts. ing a bogus permission from the fake owner leaving the real
HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, APRIL 13
Eager to know how solar turbines work or why CFL are more efficient than the normal lights? Well, then you need not go anywhere out to study these concepts as Goa’s first Renewable Energy Education Park will finally become a reality in the Commercial Capital by March 2011. The Goa Energy Development Agency has tendered works on the manufacturing of exhibits at the Education p a r k s o f a r. A n d , i f t h e Agency Member secretary Dr N P S Varde is to be believed, the civil works of the Park building would get underway soon at the land acquired by the government at Old Mar-
ket adjacent the District and Sessions court building. The Rs 2.25 crore Renewable Energy Education Park now rechristened as the Rajiv Gandhi Renewable Energy E d u c a t i o n Pa r k h a s b e e n party funded by the Central government. “ The Agency has received 50 per cent of the grants sanctioned by the centre. The balance amount would come in due course o f t i m e ” , D r Va r d e s a i d , adding that the Park is being jointly funded by the central and state government on a 50:50 cost sharing basis. Foundation stone for the Park was laid by Chief Minister, Digambar Kamat on August 20 last year on the occasion of the birth anniversar y of former Prime
Minister Rajiv Gandhi. Incidentally, the land in question was specifically acquired by State Urban Development Agency for the purpose of setting up the Non-Renewable Energy Park when Kamat presided over the Urban Development Mini s t r y d u r i n g t h e Pa r r i ka r regime. The acquired land, however, remained unutilized since its acquisition more than half a decade ago, before the Chief Minister completed the formalities and laid the foundation stone for the much-awaited project last year. Officials said the park is not only expected to give a big boost to students, but would ser ve the dual purpose of promoting tourism.
Barge owners’ panel worried over China’s move on low grade ore
Goa Barge Owners Association President Atul Jadhav addresses media along with other GBOA office bearers Chandrakant Gawas, P S Naik, Milind Arolkar and Khadapkar. Photo by M Prabhav HERALD REPORTER VASCO, APRIL 13
Recent moves by China Chamber of Commerce of Metal, Minerals and Chemical Importers (CCCMC) to ban import of low grade iron ore have caused a flutter within the barge industry in the State. “If the optimum volume of business is reduced, barge operators will certainly face difficulties to sustain their business,” Goa Barge Owners’ Association (GBOA) President Atul Jadhav said while addressing media along with other GBOA officer bearers Chandrakant Gawas, P S Naik, Milind Arolkar, Khadapkar and Bipin Malhotra at GBOA office, Vasco, on Tuesday.
“About 80 per cent of Goa’s iron ore export is meant for China and if China omits importing Goan iron ore on the ground that it is graded less than 60, then there will be a void, which if not filled simultaneously would literally ground the barge industry that provide direct employment to nearly 5,000 workers and double the figure indirectly in ancillary activities,” said Jadhav. “Nearly 300-odd barges that are operating in Goa mainly involved in transporting iron ore cargo, as barge operators are financed by banks, major earning goes on repayment of loans, various taxes, salaries and maintenance. Such huge costs could
be sustainable only when there is optimum volume of business available,” he added. He further said besides barge operators, road transporters and ancillaries unit too will have impact due to the sudden decision to ban import low grade iron ore by China. Like Goa Mineral Ore Export Association (GMOEA), GBOA also suspect that such sudden move from Chinese counterparts is a pressure tactics to depress prices. GBOA has demanded immediate intervention from the central government and urged both MPs along with Rajya Sabha member to take up the issue with the Central and State governments.
Passengers escape as tree crushes on bus HERALD CORRESPONDENT MARCEL, APRIL 13
Some passengers had a lucky escape, after a tree came crushing down and fell on a Belgaumbound Kadamba bus near Borim Bridge on Tuesday at about 3 pm, disrupting traffic for nearly three hours. The incident occurred when the bus (GA-01-X0404) was proceeding from Margao towards Ponda. According to sources, a road side tree fell down after a truck raised the lift to unload ready mix tar for the ongoing NH4A road works. “The incident was reported on Tuesday at about 3 pm near Borim Bridge coming under the jurisdiction of Maina-Curtorim police,” said sources. “We received a call that a tree
Two wheelers makes its way through the walking lane to avoid traffic jam on the Borim Bridge. Photo by Amresh Parab
has fallen on the road. We immediately left, but could not make our way through, as there
was traffic jam. Finally, we made to the site and cleared the road” said Margao fire personnel.
Dog shelter inadequate to handle dog menace in Margao HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, APRIL 13
The ill-fated car that was crushed between two trucks at Priol. Photo by Amresh Parab
WRD blamed for destruction of trees HERALD CORRESPONDENT MAYEM, APRIL 13
Work on renewable energy park soon, says Varde
owner unaware about the facts. After realizing the gravity of the issue, the contractor stopped the tree cutting work till further direction. Meanwhile, the work of constructing a retaining wall has also come to the halt due to the issue and villagers have demanded that the work should be continued without cutting the trees. Meanwhile, Mayem ML A Anant Shet has vowed to dedicate himself for BJP at the National Establishment Day of BJP
organized by BJP, Mayem unit. On the occasion, BJP Mandal Chief Shankar Chodankar, Pilgao panchayat member Mahadev Vengurlekar and others were present on the occasion. E a r l i e r, p o r t r a i t s o f Shyamprasad Mukharjee and Pandit Deendayal Upadhyay were garlanded. Ashok Govekar welcomed the gathering and delivered the introductor y speech, while Sitaram Bale proposed the vote of thanks.
A month after its commissioning with much fanfare, the dog shelter put in place by the Margao Municipal Council is literally struggling to keep pace with the requirements in the absence of facilities and adequate manpower. The dog shelter has a capacity to accommodate 20 stray and ailing dogs at one time, but the magnitude of the dog menace in the Commercial Capital has come to haunt the Civic authorities. In fact, dog catching work has been affected as the shelter has turned out too small to accommodate all the strays. If sources are to be believed, the shelter is faced with space constraints as it cannot freely carry out operations since the shelter has the provision to accommodate only 20 dogs at a time. The drainage facility at the shelter is not problem worrying the NGO, South Goa Animal Wel-
fare Trust managing the shelter. Foul odour has enveloped the shelter due to water accumulation in the premises in the absence of proper drainage. The contractor and the Civic body has been told to modify the design of the structure, but the changes are yet to come till date. Says Shelter Co-ordinator, Sandra Fernandes: “The NGO has so far sterilized 20 dogs since the shelter was commissioned last month. The work is going on”. Admitting that the NGO was mandated to sterilize 100 dogs a month as per the Memorandum of Understanding with the Margao Civic body, she said the NGO is all ready to implement their part of the agreement, but the small size of the shelter has hampered the operations. “After undergoing the operation, the dogs are required to be kept at the shelter for at least one week. Injured dogs are also being given shelter in the premises”, she
added. When contacted, MMC Chairperson Savio Coutinho said the Civic body did not release the payments of Rs 11,000 due to delay in receiving the details from the NGO. “I admit that the NGO may not be able to carry out 100 operations a month due to the size of the shelter. But, still attempts need to be made to reach the target”, he said, but exuded confidence that the small beginning made by the Civic body would reap rich dividends in the days ahead. The NGO says that the target to sterilize 100 dogs can be achieved in the long run, but only after the facilities are put in place at the shelter. The dog menace has been in the news in recent times after small children were mauled by stray dogs in the Borda area of the city last week. Rough estimates has put the stray dog population to a whopping 5000-mark.