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GOA, MONDAY, 20 DECEMBER, 2010
Will Tillari end water woes of North Goa? HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, DEC 19
Will there be an end to water woes in North Goa? The Tillari Irrigation Project, which is slated to be completed by the end of 2011 could be an answer. “Once the project is completed North Goa will not face any water shortage,” a senior officer associated with the project said. Until six months back certain parts of Bardez taluka faced acute water shortage. Things are little better now after new water treatment plant was commissioned some five months back. Water availability through Tillari project is 111.46 million cubic metre, however, currently, PWD is only able to draw 60
MLD for want of adequate water treatment facility. Started in December 1987, the project covers 71 villages in three talukas of Pernem, Bicholim and Bardez. The project covers 14521 hectares of area under irrigation in three talukas. About 806 hectares of area is already brought under cultivation and motivational programmes are being undertaken to make them utilize water for irrigation. “Thirty water societies involving farmers have been formed,” said the officer when raised the question whether huge investment in the project can be justified as agriculture in Goa is declining. “With assurance of continu-
ous supply of water for irrigation, people will not give up farming,” he said adding that water supply will be maintained except during four months of monsoon. Currently, canal is closed for maintenance and will be reopened on December 23. The initial estimated cost of the project was Rs 412 crore but it escalated to Rs 1612 crore as the project got delayed during last 23 years. First, water was released in 2001 to Pernem taluka where as on completion of the left bank canal in 2007, more water is being released in the taluka. Currently, Tillari caters to some parts of Bardez, officials said.
Lukotshav at Canacona in January HERALD CORRESPONDENT CANACONA, DEC 19
A horde of competitions will take place in the Lukotshav-2010 at Canacona on January 7 and 8, 2011. Addressing a press conference, Poinguinim ML A Ramesh Tawadkar informed that this year's annual Lukotshav will be organized by Adarsh Yuwa Sangh, Gaondongrim-Cotigao, in association with Balram Graham V ikas Saunstha, AmonePoinguinim and Directorate of Arts and Culture, Goa Government. The Lukotshav-2010 will be held at Moshifund-Amone in Poinguinim, at the same place where the eco-tourism park is taking birth at Canacona, the first of its kind the entire state of Goa.
God is deeper than Darwin, claims American Scholar HERALD NEWS BUREAU PANJIM, DEC 19
Scholars gathered at the Rachol Seminary for the International Conference on Science and Faith debated at length on the role of Science and Religion in our day to day world. Beginning the day with a prayer dance "Where do you stay, Oh God?" conducted by the Mater Dei Sisters, the delegates quickly moved over to very intricate but real issues for modern man. Fr Allan Tavares, a Pilar priest, explained the role of acoustics in worship. "Faith becoming tangibly acoustic is part of a process of the Word becoming flesh and a powerful engagement between Science and Religion" he said. Fr Tavares, who has written a doctoral dissertation on "Acoustics in Worship", called upon priests and those responsible for looking after churches to look back at the older Churches and imitate their excellent acoustic system. Dr Augustine Pamplany, a scholar from Kerala, spoke about the vast advances made in Neuro-sciences and desired that this science would help us go to God.
Fr Lino Florindo and Fr Allan Tavares at Rachol. Dr Victor Ferrao, Professor at Rachol Seminary, outlined 'Contemporar y Cosmology and Catholic Creation Theology' and cautioned that when "ignorance operates as knowledge, it is disastrous for any society." "Science that is based on mere speculation has to be separated from that which is based on empirical evidence. A real understanding of Cosmology brings us closer to God and makes us understand his design for humanity and the world," said Dr Ferrao.
Pune-based scholar Dr Kuruvilla Pandikattu, SJ, brought the house alive with a lecture on questions about the 'End of the Universe and the Destiny of Humanity'. "The God who creates us out of love, sustains and fulfils us in love," he explained. Dr Craig Baron, Professor at St John's University, New York, underlined that God is deeper than Darwin. "The laws and processes of nature are also important because they have both been es-
Old unidentified anchor netted off Calangute coast
An old anchor netted by a trawler from Khariwado-Vasco off the Calangute coast. Photo by M Prabhav HERALD REPORTER VASCO, DEC 19
When the 20-member crew on the Khariwado-based trawler 'Simple Simon' found their nets heavy off the Calangute coast
on Wednesday afternoon, they had assumed it was a bumper catch of fish. Instead, the catch turned out to be an old unidentified anchor.
The anchor, which weighs almost around 500 kilos, damaged the mast and the edge of the trawler, while the fishermen were pulling up the net. According to some elderly fishermen from Khariwado, the 15-foot-long cast iron anchor was mainly used by big sail boats that were used by the Portuguese during their regime in the State. "The anchor was netted off Calangute coast when my trawler was out at sea for fishing," trawler owner and President of All Goa Fishing Trawlers Association Simon Pereira told Herald. "Such types of anchors are rarely used today. Senior fishermen from Khariwado have estimated that this anchor must be over a century old," said Pereira.
NGO seeks burial land for those who don’t believe in religion
HERALD CORRESPONDENT PORVORIM, DEC 19
Asha Family Responsibilities and Rights Association (AFRRA) has urged Mapusa Municipal Council (MMC) to acquire a piece of land or plot for burial ground for the people, who do not follow or believe in religion. Speaking to Herald, AFRRA Convenor Rui Da Gama stated that religion is a matter of faith and belief in God does not constitute religion. “There are people in India who believe in God, but do not follow any particular religion as such. As per Section 51(h) of Goa Municipalities Act 1968, it is obligatory for every municipal council to have a separate burial ground for the people who do not believe in religion,” stated Da Gama. “It is for this reason, AFRRA in its letter urged MMC to provide a burial ground for such people as per the provisions of the Act,” said Da Gama. “MMC has sought guidance from the Director of Municipal Council, Panjim, who advised
nThere are people in India who believe in God, but do not follow any particular religion as such. As per Section 51(h) of Goa Municipalities Act 1968, it is obligatory for every municipal council to have a separate burial ground for the people who do not believe in religion. -- Rui Da Gama them that ‘as per Municipality Act acquiring and managing, changing and regulating places for the disposal of the dead is the obligatory duty of the council’. However, instead of taking steps to procure land for separate burial ground, MMC has informed AFRRA that municipality does not have a place for burial ground or the funds for the acquisition of land,” added Da Gama. “MMC on the contrary has advised AFRRA to acquire the land for the purpose through government,” said Da Gama. Da Gama further said MMC has also informed AFRRA that the burial ground at Dattawadi-
Mapusa can be used as burial ground for all categories of people. But MMC has installed a marble stone plate in the wall at the entrance of this burial ground as ‘Smashan Bhumi of Harijan Samaj’. “In view this, AFRRA has conveyed to MMC that if the burial ground at Dattawadi can be used for the people of all categories, then MMC should remove the marble stone plate or re-inscribe it as ‘burial ground for all human beings’ or else the MMC should acquire separate land for the people who do not believe in religion,” said Da Gama.
tablished by the Creator," he said. The third day of the conference on Sunday will begin with a talk on the 'Catholic Church and Science and Technology' by Fr Theodore Mascarenhas SFX. The Session will be moderated by Fr Simao Fernandes. There will be a special feminine emphasis with three women speakers taking up the stand. Dr May A Webber from the United States will present a special paper on the Catholic Church and embryonic stem cell research. The discussion will be moderated by Dr Silvano Sapeco. Dr Sarita Nazareth from the Goa University will present a paper on 'The Developments in Genetic Engineering and Christian Response', which will be moderated by Dr Francis Colaco. A paper 'Rising from the Ashes: the Ethical Dilemmas of Ocofertility' will be presented by Dr Astrid Lobo Gajiwalla from Mumbai and Fr Donato Rodrigues will moderate the discussion.
Mahatma’s dream on people’s power being suppressed: Gokhani HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, DEC 19
The granddaughter of Mahatma Gandhi Usha Gokhani on Sunday expressed her sadness that the dream of the Mahatma on power to the people through the Panchayat Raj institutions is being suppressed and called for uniting the people to oppose land acquisition and stop pollution of agricultural land. She has also promised to take up the problems at the all India level. She was interacting with a delegation of activists that called on her and highlighted the problems relating to the gram sabha and farmers. The activists drew her attention that gram sabha resolutions were being overruled by politicians and unwanted projects were forced on the people while grabbing land
of the poor. They also pointed out how farmers have lost their land due to destruction by mining and land acquisition. “She expressed sadness that the dream of the mahatma
about power to the people through gram sabha (real democracy) was being suppressed and the poor farmers or land losers should be supported by people uniting to op-
Slogans mark golden jubilee celebrations in Margao
Konkani novel released HERALD CORRESPONDENT CURCHOREM, DEC 19
Konkani novel ‘Zuvarichin Paizana’ written by Konkani writer Ashok Kamat was recently released at a special function jointly organised by Konkani Kala Sahitya Kendra Curchorem and Kamat Publications at Curchorem. Dr Budkule said the novel ‘Zuvarichin Paizana’ not only expresses internal emotions of a person, but draws the graph of the life of three generations. Adv Uday Bhembre said Ashok Kamat is not only a Konkani drama writer, but also a successful Konkani novel writer. In his speech, Ashok Kamat said spontaneous response from readers to his earlier Konkani novel ‘Ghanaghai Niyatiche’ inspired him to write the second novel. Earlier, the function started with a discussion session on Konkani language. Konkani writer Damodar Mauzo spoke on the progress of Konkani novels from 2001 to 2010. Adv Bhembre pointed out that three are several issues in the society which can be the subjects of the novels. Dinesh Manerkar compered the programme, while Archana Kamat proposed the vote of thanks.
Social activists protesting near the Margao Municipal garden on Sunday on the destruction of Goa over the last 50 years. Photo by Savio Dias HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, DEC 19
“Panchayats in wonderland, bureaucrats in slumber-land and politicians in Switzerland (Swiss banks),” were amongst the host of slogans raised by social activists at the Margao Municipal garden on Sunday coinciding with the golden jubilee celebrations of Goa’s Liberation. President of the Goenchea Xetkarancho Ekvott, Dilip Hegde said the protest meet was aimed at conveying the message that Golden Goa has been converted into a gutter Goa by the rulers over the years. “We want to show that once golden Goa has been converted into a gutter Goa. Illegal mining is rampant
in the state. The builders lobby is bulldozing its way and the Panchayat institutions are starved of powers,” he said. The activists pointed out that Goa has been drastically destroyed over the last 50 years since its liberation from the Portuguese regime. “Mining has destroyed the Western Ghats and water which is essential for the people for drinking, farming an d o t h e r activities of our life,” remarked activist Sidharth Karapurkar. “Fifty-years ago, we had pig toilets, which they called dirty. But, today, the septic tanks are overflowing and the cities and villages are flooded with raw
Adv Ramakant Khalap has said that Goa has failed in the implementation of land reforms and suggested that Portuguese laws applicable to Goa should be re-enacted. He also said that there should be a cut off date for land reforms. Chairman Law Commission of Goa, Khalap, was speaking at a symposium on ‘Goa a Vision far Prosperity’ on preserving resources from legal point. He also highlighted the need to bring reforms in Panchayat Raj and Municipal elections. The symposium was organised by Gomantak and Gomantak Times and Department of Information and Publicity in Panjim on Saturday. Chief Secretary Sanjay K Srivastava said that progress of the state should not be viewed from limited angle of material development but it should be viewed from other angles like happiness and well being of people. Alluding to State’s high literacy of 82 percent he underscored ample scope in IT related areas and stressed the need to have IT and software units in the State. Speaking further Chief Secretar y said, Goa’s mining,
tourism sector are doing well. However, with the changing requirements Goa should be developed as a knowledge centre. Vice President Smart Link Network Nitin Cuncolienkar said that India is second fastest growing developing country in the world. He complimented the CM for the Regional Plan which he said is one of the best and no other state has prepared such a plan. He stressed the need for formation of Goa maritime Board and nationalization of inland water ways. President, TTAG, Gaurish Dhond, Stressed the need to develop backwater and heritage tourism. Director, Manipal Academy of Health and Education Pandurang Nadkarni said that Goa has high literacy rate but quality of education needs to be enhanced. He suggested that new courses should be introduces and more Arts and Commerce Colleges should be discouraged. Earlier Director of Information and Publicity Menino Peres, lauded the initiative by Sakal and Gomantak Publications for organising symposium on this vital subject. Executive Editor, Suresh Naik, gave introduction on the seminar . Keshav Nadkarni compered the function. Asst News Editor Gomantak Times, Ashley Rosario, proposed the vote of Thanks.
The old fish market at Mapusa has been demolished. Photo by Anil Shankhwalker HERALD CORRESPONDENT PORVORIM, DEC 19
The old fish market at Mapusa has been demolished completely and the fish vendors are operating from the temporary shed, which has been built alongside the market. However, there is no sign about laying the foundation stone for the new fish market, which will be built by Goa State Development Agency. When contacted, Mapusa Municipal Council (MMC) Chairperson Sudhir Kandolkar informed that no date has been fixed yet to lay the foundation stone of the new fish market. “Since the Christmas festival is around the corner, the foundation stone may be laid only in January 2011,” said Kandolkar. It may be recalled that initially, MMC had decided to lay the foundation stone of the new fish market at the hands of Minister for Urban Development Joaquim Alemao on September 13. Accordingly, the name plate
BSNL launches mobile schemes HERALD NEWS BUREAU PANJIM, DEC 19
BSNL has launched Goa-centered special mobile schemes to commemorate the Goa Liberation's Golden Jubilee year. Beginning with Sunday (December 19), three pre-paid mobile schemes will be launched under Goa Student Plan 99, Goa Mahavidhayala Plan 99 and Goa Fishermen & Tour Operators Plan 75. Besides, Goa BSNL has also launched a promotional scheme allowing "15 days unlimited free download at 2 Mbps" and waiver of installation charges to the new broad customers who register between December 19, and
March 18, 2011, another exclusive scheme for Goans on the occasion of the Golden Jubilee Celebration of Goa Liberation Day. The eligibility for the Goa student plan 99 is XI and XII Std, and a minimum of Rs 99 worth monthly recharge. Under this scheme, 100 minutes free talk time to BNSL to BSNL and BSNL to others will be provided, besides 500 SMS and other calls will be charged at 49 paise. The Goa Mahavidhyalaya Plan 99 has a Close User Group (CUG) facility, where college students studying beyond first year and college staff of any particular
sewage,” he added. The activists pointed out that agriculture is doomed as the fields are acquired for unwanted projects like National highway, Mopa airport. Saying that the excessive capitalistic lobby is forcing projects in Goa, the activists said these projects would profit only five per cent of the population, giving rise to unequal wealth distribution and poverty. They also raised concerns about security of the citizens. “Five years back, people had kept our doors and windows open. Sadly, today we have our doors and grills strong enough to keep away the unwanted”, they said.
Foundation stone for Mapusa fish market yet a reality!
Land reforms in Goa has failed, says Khalap HERALD NEWS DESK PANJIM, DEC 19
pose land acquisition and also unite to stop pollution of agricultural land. She said that this problem will be taken at all India level”, informed social activist Sidharth Karapurkar.
college can speak within the group without any call charges. A minimum number of 25 customers is the requirement from a particular college to enabling it to be a CUG, and other calls charges are 49 paise/min. With 99 monthly recharge voucher, Rs 49 worth of talktime is offered. In the Fishermen and Tour Operators plan 75, a monthly recharge voucher of Rs 75 carries Rs 50 worth of talk time with calls at 50 paise and 60 paise for intra-circle and inter-circle respectively. The plans are offered only through BSNL departmental outlets (CSCs) and other details can be obtained through the same sources, according to BSNL sources.
incorporating the names of Mapusa MLA and the councilors to be installed at the site of foun-
dation stone was made spending about Rs 17,000. Invitation cards spending about Rs 10,000 were also printed. But since Minister Alemao had gone out of Goa, the function of laying foundation stone could not be held. Thereafter, due to code of conduct imposed in view of Valpoi byelection and municipal elections, it was not possible to lay the foundation stone. Now after municipal elections, the new council has taken the charge of MMC and it has already handed over the fish market to Goa State Development Agency. The GSUDA has tendered the construction work of the new market to N B Kinlekar Construction Company, but the fate of laying the foundation stone of the new fish market costing Rs 7.77 crore still hangs in the balance.