[Goanet] The good, bad and ugly
The good, bad and ugly TNN | Apr 22, 2015, 02.00 AM IST Isidore Domnick Mendes For years, transportation of iron ore, from various mines in Sanguem taluka to offloading at designated places in this village, was the main occupation of nearly 70 percent of its villagers. It is estimated that Sanvordem itself had between 1,500-2,000 trucks and a large number of heavy machinery connected with loading and moving ore. The hustle and bustle came to a complete standstill in October 2012, when the Supreme Court, while taking into account the Shah commission report, banned iron ore mining in Goa. Surrounded by the villages of Dabal (Sanguem), Tilamol-Xeldem (Quepem), Chandor (Salcete), and Panchwadi in Shiroda (Ponda), Sanvordem village in Sanguem taluka is home to around 10,000 residents, of which, around 4,800 are registered voters. Sanvordem has nine panchayat wards and fourteen traditional vaddos including Morailem, Bepquegal, Cariamoddi, Bansai, Pontemol, Cacora, Oddai, Xelvona, Khamamol, Baga-Sanvordem, Dodo-Madel, Periudok, Capxem and Tony Nagar. The Shah commission report had stated that illegal mining worth Rs 35,000 crore had been undertaken during the last 12 years in the state. In order to get associated with the mining business, many Sanvordemkars had come back from their overseas assignments to Goa for good. But, the closure of mining has engulfed the residents in a financial crisis as many of them had taken loans to buy trucks and machinery. When the mining business was at its peak, there have been instances when many young children demanded that their parents give them a mining truck as a birthday gift, says Fr Jorge Fernandes, assistant parish priest at the 127-year-old Guardian Angel Church, Sanvordem. The stoppage of mining has completely crippled the economy of Sanvordem. The purchasing power of most residents of the village has decreased drastically and this can be gauged by the dwindling numbers of shoppers. There is no more a mad rush even for the famous Sunday market, says youth leader and music teacher Shelton Fenandes, a resident of Baga vaddo. Concurs Cruz M Coutinho alias 'Mr CM', a noted trumpeter, who has been felicitated with the lifetime achievement award by the Tiatr Academy of Goa (TAG), Though I do not have any direct connection with mining, I cannot deny the fact that mining activity had become part and parcel of the existence of the villagers. Even for people hailing from economically-deprived conditions, their standard of living underwent a sea change through construction of newly-built houses and buying swanky two-wheelers and four-wheelers etc. Excessive human greed which had taken precedence over desirable needs is being labelled as the main reason for its closure. If one had gone slow and steady with iron ore extraction, this activity would have sustained for another two decades. The environment and social guidelines were torn apart as responsible mining took a backseat. In our village, itself, due to reckless mining operations of iron ore being transported and stored, there was dense pollution around-the- clock. During day time, when one wore white or light-coloured attire, it would turn rusty red. Even the face and eyes bore regularly the brunt of dust. In the monsoons, the travails were equally worse as speeding iron ore trucks would splash muddy water on both pedestrians and two-wheelers alike, adds Coutinho, a resident of Morailem vaddo. Accidents caused due to rash driving by mining truck drivers was the order of the day. Since vehicles used in mining transportation were driven at tearing speeds, they have snuffed out the lives of many two-wheeler riders as well as pedestrians. There was no check or verification of the drivers employed, says Felicidade Pereira of Morailem vaddo. Thirty months of the mining ban has completely frozen the income which these villagers used to earn by operating trucks, heavy machines and service stations. Sadhashiv Kakodar of Cacora, who runs a servicing centre at Bansai, says that work has dwindled drastically. The unit used to service 20 to 25 trucks on each off day i.e. Sundays. Now, we don't even get one truck per day. Once I had the services of four labourers, now it is even difficult to afford the wages of one employee, he said. Ditto was the fate of owners of heavy machinery owners and trucks. By taking a bank loan, I had purchased a wheel loader for Rs 36 lakh. There has been no work since the past two-and-half years. The banks are constantly harassing us for its repayment, says Kupeshwar, a resident. Says Satyawan Rama Gaonkar, secretary of South Goa progressive truck owners association, Despite the trucks becoming stationary since October 2012, truck owners still have to incur annual expenses between Rs 50,000 and Rs 60,000 per year on each truck. They have to pay for insurance renewal, fitness passing certificate, pollution certificate and maintenance related
[Goanet] Uninviting School
Uninviting School Apr 8, 2015, 02.00 AM IST The Times of India Isidore Domnick Mendes Tan, tan, tan, suno ghanti baji school ki, chalo school tumko pukare, (Listen to the school bell ring, the school calls out to you). This was the anthem of the RTE (Right to Education) Act, 2009, that was made in 2013 by the central government. The song had lyrics by Javed Akhtar, it was sung by Sonu Nigam and Sunidhi Chauhan and it starred Hindi film stars Ranbir Kapoor, Anuskha Sharma, Katrina Kaif and Imran Khan, who gave a clarion call to all children, including the physically-challenged to attend school. The National film development corporation (NFDC) produced the anthem to elucidate the message of RTE, 2009, of free and compulsory education for every child in the age bracket of 6-14 years. This message would fall flat if it is applied to the present three room, worn-out roof of the government primary middle school (GPMS), built between 1960-62 at Bhati, a village of Sanguem taluka housing 3,286 residents. Bhati village, which is bordered by Curdi (Vaddem) and Uguem, comprises four vaddos (wards) including Tisk, Zori vaddo, Bhatkar vaddo, Madianomos and two resettlement colonies of Valkinim 1 and Valkinim, which were built for the locals of the submerged Curdi village when the Selaulim dam was being constructed three decades ago. The pathetic condition of the Bhati school would certainly not exercise a magnetic pull on the students because of its dilapidated state. The school comprises two buildings. The older one became operational in 1963 and served as the primary section till 1985. In 1986, the Goa government added a middle school with the incorporation of three more classes; classes V, VI and VII. The building was built on adjacent land admeasuring 439 sqm and within a year, the total area of the complete school measuring around 800 sqm was given protection for the first time by the building of a boundary wall. Immediately after the construction of the wall, three brothers came into the forefront and put a claim as original owners of the land on which the middle school building was constructed. Due to denial of a no objection certificate (NOC) by the landlords, no maintenance work was allowed in the middle school especially to its damaged roof tiles. As a result, in the year 2008, the 22-year-old middle school building had to be shut down on instructions of the public works department (PWD) as it had become unsafe for human life. It is sad that our village does not even have a proper school where minimum elementary education could be imparted to children. The decrepit state of GPMS is not only an eyesore, but, also an eye-opener to the way our children are getting educated, said Krishna Oshelkar of Bhati-Tisk. Concurs Laxman Vitobha Naik, a resident, Before I die, it is my dream to see a proper school coming up. It is a sorry plight of our children. They study in an environment where they are distracted from studies either by the water seeping through the roof during rains or the furnace-like heat from March onwards. GPMS Bhati has still managed to educate scores of children. Among the noted alumni of the school are Shankar V Gaonkar, an academician and Atchut J Gaonkar, a chartered accountant. The present structure does not house modern aspects of education. There is no computer lab, no computer teacher. We want the school to be demolished and a new, modern primary and middle school to be built, says PTA chairman Vishaya Naik, a resident, and mother of a student studying in Class 3 of GPMS-Bhati. At present, there are 70 students enrolled from the primary section to Class VII. In cramped conditions, Classes V to VII are imparted education in the morning, while students of Classes I to IV attend school in the afternoon. Almost all villagers in Bhati feel the present state government is not serious in giving the village a modern school. Since the BJP government was elected to power in 2012, on three different occasions, I had met the then CM Manohar Parrikar, who was also holding the education portfolio. I also met Anil Powar, who was at that time in charge of education as its secretary. Assurances given by both officials have proved to be empty promises, says Purso Naru Gaonkar, vice-chairman of the PTA and a resident of Madianomos vaddo. Gaonkar, whose son is in Class IV, believes that the only course of action remaining with the government is initiating swift changes in the ownership of the land. For years, authorities in the state have been lacking in will power to take over the land as it is purely for social purpose called education. The time has come for the Goa government to acquire the land for the school via the mutation route, he added. All Bhatikars are keen that the government of the day should rise to the occasion because all major schools and colleges are either in Sanguem town or Sanvordem. For primary and middle school, we
[Goanet] Sacrifice In Vain
Sacrifice In Vain TNN | Apr 2, 2015, 02.00 AM IST Times Panchanama: Curdi (Vaddem) -Sanguem Isidore Domnick Mendes For 3,500 residents of Colony 1, Colony 2 and Colony 3, Vaddem is their adopted land where they were rehabilitated 30 years ago. The reason being; their entire village of Curdi was submerged under water (see pic) for the Selaulim dam project, which, today, caters to the drinking water and irrigation needs of South Goa. The village panchayat's name was given a prefix; the name of the submerged village, Curdi, and is now called Curdi (Vaddem). This village shares its borders with the Selaulim dam and the two villages of Bhati and Netravali situated in Sanguem taluka. The village lies in the midst of the Western Ghats and is crisscrossed by two rivers, Guleli and Valshe. After the evacuation from their original village, 650 families became homeless. Around 350 families were relocated in the three colonies of Vaddem, while 200 families were transferred to the three colonies of Valkinim, which comes under Bhati panchayat. It is believed that 100 families have still not been rehabilitated. Almost all of these families, who have relocated to Vaddem, feel their sacrifice of giving up their homes has been in vain. Till date, Vaddem has not received a single drop of water from the Selaulim dam. Even the water used for drinking and irrigation is pumped through a borewell (see inset pic). Water supply gets seriously affected whenever there is a power breakdown due to technical reasons or when trees are uprooted or branches fall on power cables. It is really sad that, till date, we, the relocated people of Curdi village, are not the beneficiaries of drinking water from the Selaulim dam. Even the supply of water pumped from the borewell gets hit whenever there is power failure especially during the rainy season, states Gajanan Kurdikar of Colony No 1, who is also a social worker and a member of the rehabilitation committee of the Selaulim irrigation project. He is also working to get the rest of the 100 families rehabilitated. Concurs Dylan Cardozo, resident of Colony No. 1, Despite sacrificing our ancestral land to make way for Goa's largest dam, we face problems when it comes to getting drinking water and supply for irrigation. Villagers complain of careless staff who hardly pay any heed to the wastage which occurs due to the leakage of water. In addition, even water tanks are few and lie in a rundown state. For instance, out of two water tanks for Gauli vaddo and Colony No. 1, only one tank is operational, while a single water tank caters to Colony No. 2 and Gaunkar vaddo. Since water supply is directly dependent on the water pumped from the borewell, it is important to enforce accountability in terms of proper regulated duty hours of all the personnel involved with water supply. Especially, the ones directly connected with pumping and releasing of water, says Alex Rodrigues of Colony No 1. He personally feels displacement from Curdi was a big disappointment, but, resettlement in Vaddem has also been a boon for the locals. At Curdi, most of the locals were 'mundkars' (tenants). The shifting to Vaddem got us many things like 10,000 sqm of land to cultivate sugarcane, 400 sqm to construct our own dwelling etc, he added. Villagers decry that nothing is being done to take care of the 30-year-old water pipelines which are mostly lying in a dilapidated state. Replacement with new water pipelines is the need of the hour because these existing conduits have got corroded. Hardly any maintenance to prevent the rampant leakages of water has ever taken place, says Inacio Rodrigues of Colony No.1. Residents feel authorities, till date, have not given a serious thought to alleviate the water woes of Vaddem. Successive governments promised to improve the supply of both drinking water as well as the supply of water to agricultural lands, which are mostly sugarcane fields. But, these promises are yet to see the light of day. Our village holds the number one position for cultivation of sugarcane in Goa, but, whenever there is a power problem, the supply of water completely stops to the sugarcane fields, says Salvador Pereira of Colony No 1. Agrees Joaquina Rodrigues of Colony No. 1, We cannot enjoy monsoons as it turns into a time of frequent power cuts which leads to complete stoppage of water supply. Almost all our activities come to a standstill. I feel sad that the government has reneged in its promise given to my family of providing free water to our household.Our own well was converted into a community well as its water is pumped and supplied through taps in the surrounding areas of the village. Except for the first year, when we got water supply free of charge, we are being continuously charged for water usage although the well is located in our agricultural field, she added. The villagers feel efforts by the present MLA will solve
[Goanet] Living in dissent
Living in dissent TNN | Mar 25, 2015, 02.00AM IST Times Panchanama: Calem-Sanguem Isidore Domnick Mendes The residents of Calem in the hinterland taluka of Sanguem have lived a life of uncertainty over the last 20 years.The lush green village of Calem has a population of 4,500 residents. It is protected by the majestic Dongurlem mountain range and is crisscrossed by the Calem river.The village is bordered by Sanvordem town, and the villages of Collem (Dharbandora), Dabal (Dharbandora) and Uguem (Sanguem). It was in the year 1999 when Goa was being administered under President's rule and the head of the state government was then governor Mohammed Fazal, that nearly 80 percent of the village was declared as a wildlife area.The only vaddos which were left out of the wildlife area were Bhatwada, Devnamol and Ducorkond. Even today, efforts are being made by authorities to get these three vaddos in reserve forest area which would make it impossible for residents to undertake any construction or repair work. In 2004, the reserve area rule came into being.The 13 vaddos, which are marked as reserve forest areas, are Thorlemol, Khutkar wada, Dudhal, Karemol, Khamol, Kuinomol, Vegregal, Kamdar, Voldem, Mauling, Costi, Ambemol and Chanimol. We, the villagers being residents of Calem, are equal stakeholders for the upkeep and development of this village. The central wildlife rule was formulated by officials from the Union ministry of environment and forests in New Delhi. The rule was the biggest shocker to us as most development activities came to a standstill, says Bhanudas Laxman Khutkar of Khutkarwada. The locals of Calem view their village as one tied in chains with no modernization work initiated since 1999. These include no upgradation or construction of the playground, crematorium, balwadi'' (pre-school), local government offices, widening and hotmixing of roads, and laying of a pipeline for water supply. To undertake any existing renovation or new construction work in Calem, locals have no proper avenue to get their grievances redressed.For years, children and youth have been dreaming of the construction of a modern sports playground, but, the wildlife rule has been the biggest obstacle. Facilities in terms of a proper playground do not exist in the village, states Vishal Naik of Costi. Concurs Vilas Bilochakar, a panchayat member and resident of Thorlemol, The wildlife rule came as a shocker. Locals were not taken into confidence when the entire village was converted into a wildlife area. It is pitiable that Calem does not have a burial place or crematorium ground for any community, whether Hindus, Catholics or Muslims. To begin with, the villagers are hoping to get 645sqm for a crematorium ground in Thorlemol vaddo. Under the Forest Act of 2006, provisions exist for the multipurpose use of land by its residents. The villagers say that the central wildlife rule completely prevents any construction or renovation work even in one's own property.Due to the prevalent central rule, it is the biggest irony that we, villagers, cannot repair or make any modifications in our respective private properties. We have high hopes that both, the state and central government as well as the incumbent MLA will agree and the residential areas of the village will be taken out from the wildlife area. We have been living here for centuries and possess full ownership papers. We have been living in this village since Portuguese rule, states Kishor Dessai of Bhatwada. Of late, Calem villagers have been pleading with authorities that the residential areas should be shown as non-forest and non-wildlife areas so that development activities can be pursued. The total area of Calem village is 84,44,936 sqm out of which only 25 percent is residential area.“The declaration of wildlife area for the entire village has retarded the growth of infrastructure. In my vaddo, we are dependent on spring water from the 'zor' and the roads are narrow and completely uneven, states Krishna Velip of Vegregal. The panchayat says it is helpless to tackle the central act. As a local body, we lack prowess to take on the central Wildlife Act. We are confident that the efforts of both, the present MLA and Lok Sabha MP will yield fruit and residential areas of Calem will finally be free from the wildlife and forest rules, says sarpanch Vaishali Naik. Sanvordem MLA Ganesh Gaonkar agrees that neither the state government nor the panchayat is equipped to deal with the powerful central wildlife and forest rules, but, states he will try his level best to bring maximum development to the residential areas of the village. The central rules for wildlife and forests are powerful. The time has come to modify these rules for the sake of local residents. On my own part, I am trying my level best to get development in the village. Especially, through the South Goa MP's fund, I will ensure that the
[Goanet] Cut-Off
Cut-Off TNN | Mar 18, 2015, 02.00 AM IST Times Panchanama: Guirdolim-Salcete Isidore Domnick Mendes The village of Guirdolim is divided into two parts by a railway line passing through it. This has affected the 3,000-strong population of the village. For every time, they need to get across they have to make do with the daunting task of waiting excruciatingly at the railway crossing until the locomotive passes through. Guirdolim comprises 19 vaddos including Covatem, Kantem, Birbullem, Bandul, Ponsabhat , Mol 11, Modem, Niamorod, Ghod, Mathodi, Gall, Revorda, Bacho, Marrod, Kotting Gainal, Moll 1 ,Roinibhat, Anthoi and Kollos. It shares its borders with the villages of Curtorim, Macasana, Chandor and Assolda. These vaddos are situated on either side of the railway line and are separated from each other once the railway gate closes. For the record, the people of Guirdolim share this agony of waiting at the railway crossing along with the villages of Cansaulim-Arossim-Cuelim (Mormugao), Sanvordem ( Sanguem), and Seraulim (Salcete), who also have a railway line cutting through their lands. In Guirdolim, the Our Lady of Bethlehem Church, built in 1645, the graveyard and the market is on one side of the railway line, while the village panchayat and the St Francis Xavier chapel is on the other side. Road traffic in this village gets halted in regular frequency of every 30 minutes for the south central railway traffic including locomotive freight carriers and numerous passenger trains, to pass through.Between 7am and 8.30am and 4pm and 6.30pm, there is a serpentine queue of road traffic on both sides of railway gate. Guirdolim villagers, since the past many decades, have been demanding for a solution, either in the form of a rail overbridge and a vehicle underpass. Till date, the solution has eluded them. Around the year, we face the inconvenience of the railway gate closing at regular intervals. Guirdolim is one of the most serene and beautiful villages of Goa. It is disheartening that the villagers are still waiting for a permanent solution, says Fr Jose Gomes, chaplain of St Francis Xavier Chapel. Says Luis R A D'Costa of Mol 11, Our efforts have been futile. We, the people of Guirdolim, have spent energy and time for years pleading with the authorities by asking for a permanent solution in the form of an overbridge or an underpass motorized road. Our demands hardly matter for the powers-that-be. Villagers feel that the separation of Guirdolim from Chandor-Cavorim and the creation of two separate village panchayats; Chandor Cavorim on one hand and Guirdolim on the other, has led to the non-fulfillment of promises on development works in Guirdolim village by politicians. Guirdolim should have been part and parcel of Chandor and Cavorim panchayat. No major work, including a solution to the railway crossing issue, has been given to us, says Antonio Vaz of Moll 1. Villagers blame political parties for the mess. From1977 till 2014, both the Congress and BJP has sent 12 MPs to the Lok Sabha. Congress had 10 MPs including Eduardo Faleiro (5 terms), Churchill Alemao (2 terms), and Francisco Sardinha (3 terms). From the BJP, Ramakant Angle served one 1 term, while current incumbent Narendra Sawaikar is serving his first term. Even during the campaigning for the last Lok Sabha polls in April 2014, BJP's South Goa candidate Sawaikar and then CM Manohar Parrikar, had promised that work on the overbridge in Guirdolim would begin in six months. There is no sign of this promise being fulfilled as of yet with 10 months having passed since the BJP formed the government at the Centre. Guirdolim was carved as a separate unit from Chandor so that the village would get better developed. Unfortunately, development has taken a back seat. A lasting solution to the railway crossing issue looks like a mirage. The people of Guirdolim hardly believe that the authorities will ever deliver on their promise of a rail overbridge, says a young resident, Gillian D'Costa, from Mol 11. The panchayat is with the people in their demand for a solution. The closed railway gate divides our village as they cannot travel from one end to the other. People of Guirdolim have faced unending problems in the absence of a solution to the railway crossing issue. The state government should request the central government to give us a rail overbridge as a priority, says sarpanch Sonia Dias. Concurs Flavia D'Costa, a panchayat member and a resident of Moll 1. Getting a rail overbridge, as soon as possible, would be one of the most important gifts for Guirdolim after we were carved out as a separate village panchayat. Agrees Joe D'Souza of Roinibhat, The authorities, whether the Centre, the state or the local panchayat, have to act in tandem to get the demand for the rail overbridge fulfilled. Cuncolim MLA Rajan Naik is brimming with confidence that before the end of his present tenure in March 2017,
[Goanet] Illegal and destructive
Illegal and destructive TNN | Mar 11, 2015, 09.00 PM IST Times Panchanama: Nadora-Bardez Isidore Domnick Mendes Like many villages in Goa which are fighting for survival due to overexploitation of natural resources, Nadora, sandwiched between the villages of Revora in the west and Pirna in the east, and crisscrossed by the River Chapora, is also fighting for its existence. The 1,500 residents of this interior village in Bardez taluka, who live in five vaddos including Ranache Juvem, Madant, Gawant, Wadi and Kadshal, are unhappy as the misery piled upon them due to illegal extraction of sand in the village is being carried out unabated. There are 25 boats involved in the illegal sand extraction business. Most of the owners of these boats are from the neighboring villages of Pirna, Dhargalim, Revora, and Ozarim. On an average, one boat can extract 15m of sand. Villagers are worried that there is absolutely no control on the illegal extraction of sand even though its extractors have crossed all limits of demarcated areas. The vaddos of Ranache Juvem and Kadshal are the worst hit by sand extraction. Nadora is passing through a trying phase caused by illegal sand extraction. The village is facing the threat of landslides. Many trees, including coconut trees, have got uprooted by ecological upheavals caused by rampant and unchecked illegal mining in our village. The people of Nadora are becoming pessimistic about their future in the village, which is facing the onslaught unleashed by sand mining, states deputy sarpanch and ex-sarpanch Datta Redkar. In Goa, the demand for sand started with the inception of the Konkan railway. The building of Konkan railway in 1990 and a simultaneous boom in construction activity resulted in high demand for sand extraction. In my younger days, one meter of sand would cost Rs 25, but, today the same quantity will fetch not less than Rs 1,000, said Redkar. The villagers also lament that sand extraction has led to the reduction in water supply for agricultural activity. Sand extraction has led to the water table going down by at least 15m and as a direct impact, the water supply for agriculture has diminished, drastically. The cultivation of traditional crops like chilly, onion, vegetables, Alsondo (Rajma) have decreased over the years, says Pandurang Gawas of Wadi. Another bane of sand extraction is that it has led to the stationing of an over 200-strong migrant labour force hailing from UP, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh and Nepal in the village. The villagers doubt the antecedents of these people. The villagers feel scared to go around the village as night sets in, as none of these workers possess important documents like police verification certificates and health cards. These are two vital documents which throw light on the background of the person, that he is not a criminal, as well as not suffering from something contagious. These employees also do not have a sanitation facility and they openly defecate in the open, says Nivrutti Gawas from Wadi. The panchayat, too, wants sand extraction to end due to the problems it has given to both, the people and the village. The panchayat wants a ban on illegal sand extraction as it is getting nothing, but, misery to Nadora. The issue has been discussed threadbare in the gram sabha. It is creating all-round environmental disturbance. We are afraid that our village might soon be a victim of a landslide. The illegal activity does not fetch the local body even a single paisa, says sarpanch Kamlakar Gawas. The local MLA wants the extraction of sand to be legalized. I am against illegal sand extraction. In particular, parts of Nadora like Ranache Juvem are prone to ecological threats solely caused by incessant extraction of sand. I am a firm believer in legalizing sand extraction as it will regulate the activity and at the same time, lead to earning of revenue both, by the state government as well as the respective village panchayat. Sand is one of the very basic components for construction activity and for development purpose, Goa cannot ignore sand, says Tivim MLA Kiran Kandolkar. Problem Problem No playground Nadora residents lament that the village still does not have a playground. It is really a sad state of affairs that Nadora, till date, does not have a proper playground for its children to play in. Our village is not blessed like other villages in Goa which have modern playgrounds, laments both Datta Redkar and Nivrutti Gawas. Bal Bhavan needed Residents desire that the village must have a cultural centre which will hone the talents of the youngsters. Our village also seriously lacks an avenue to train our youngsters in varied social activities like music, dance, singing, painting etc. It will be of immense value if the state government constructs a Bal Bhavan in the village, as it would harness the artistic qualities of our children to compete with their peer groups
[Goanet] A RIVER, Turned Gutter
A river turned into a gutter TNN | Mar 4, 2015, 02.00 AM ISTIsidore Domnick Mendes The village of Seraulim in Salcete taluka has seen generations of its inhabitants eat local fish from the River Sal as part of their daily diet. Unplanned, haphazard development was brought to the village in the recent past which has now left the river in a polluted mess, even as the fish in the river, have decreased drastically. Seraulim, with a population of 5,000 residents, is surrounded by Goa's commercial capital, Margao, and the villages of Betalbatim, Colva, Nuvem, and Benaulim. It comprises 12 vaddos including Acsona, Botlem, Bolcho, Compsaltor, Tonten-Dimund, Dulcolim A, Dulcolim B, Dulcolim C, Dulcolim D, Socobhat, Dongrim and Mugdi. This pristine village has agricultural fields and three 'tollem' (lakes) which are visited by migratory birds around the year. Seraulim shares its eastern boundary with the River Sal, which was once famed for its catch of local fish, such as Horcheo, Pintoll, Valloi, Chingull, Kannare, Thellea, Dhadio, and Ainsodam. The villagers are unhappy as local fish hardly makes an appearance in their daily meals due to the drastic depletion of the catch caused by the discharge of sludge, effluent, and waste from the Margao wholesale fish market operated by the South Goa planning and development authority (SGPDA). Villagers also complain about clandestine operations in which hospital and nursing homes have been dumping medical waste by the riverside which has further hurt the river ecologically. The SGPDA wholesale fish market was built in 2003 and is the most important hub for South Goa residents to buy their seafood in bulk. The fish market does not have an effluent treatment plant as well as parking area. Due to the release of sewage by the wholesale fish market, River Sal at Seraulim has been almost turned into a gutter. It is a criminality that nothing is being done to prevent further damage caused by the ejection of waste from one of the biggest fish markets in Goa, which, till date does not have a facility to treat its waste. The traditional fish available in River Sal are dying because the water does not flow and has become stagnant, says Kevin D'Souza, an activist, who hails from Dulcolim A and is also a member of the United Sports Club of Seraulim and the Fabrica. Concurs Ruben da Costa, a resident of Acsona vaddo, The wholesale fish market in Margao is more of a bane than a boon to us Seraulimkars. The entire waste from this fish market is being dumped into the River Sal and this has led to the complete dwindling of local fish. We, villagers, every morning, face taxing traffic snarls as private and commercial vehicles park and occupy almost the entire stretch of the two-lane road opposite the fish market. The villagers say that the drastic depletion of traditional fish in River Sal has been the worst misery brought by the SGPDA wholesale fish market upon the village of Seraulim. The still water caused by dumping and discharge of waste and effluents into River Sal has killed almost all the traditional varieties of fish which was delectable in taste. Till a decade-and-half ago, households in Seraulim relished mouthwatering cuisines such as Ambott-Tik, Jirem Mirem, Para (dry fish pickle) etc. Now, the fish available in the river is hardly consumed because it stinks and also has an insipid and bland taste, states Angelica da Costa, 86, widow of freedom fighter, late Fabio da Costa. The panchayat is optimistic that efforts undertaken by local MLA Caetano 'Caitu' Silva and fisheries minister Avertano Furtado will lead to a lasting solution for the cleaning of River Sal. The panchayat has taken up with authorities concerned, this issue of the Sal river getting polluted and destroyed by the SGPDA wholesale fish market. The gram sabha has also discussed the issue at length. The local body is confident that efforts of the MLA, Silva, and fisheries minister Avertano Furtado will yield fruit, states sarpanch Leslie Dourado. The local MLA Silva says he is aware of the task assigned to him by his Seraulim constituents. Desilting as well as removal of waste from the Sal river hold the key to solving this problem. The river water has also got blocked at Nuvem and an all out effort has to be made to tackle this menace. Apart from SGPDA's waste being dumped into the river, the mangroves are also playing a role in making the river water stagnant. With the active support from all government departments, including Captain of Ports, fisheries, forest and water resources department, I am confident that a solution will be found very soon, said MLA Caetano 'Caitu' Silva. Top View The panchayat has taken up with the authorities concerned, this issue of the Sal river getting polluted and destroyed by the SGPDA wholesale fish market Leslie Dourado, sarpanch With the active support from all government departments, including captain of ports,
[Goanet] ASI flayed for negligence as rain enters Old Goa heritage church
ASI flayed for negligence as rain enters Old Goa heritage church TNN | Mar 2, 2015, 02.57 AM IST Isidore Domnick Mendes Old Goa: The sudden unseasonal showers on March 1 went through the open roof of the 17th century church of St Francis of Assisi, as archaeological survey of India (ASI) is carrying out maintenance of the heritage monument. Apprehensions are being raised about the likely damage to the edifice, as no precautions were in place in the form of durable water proof plastic sheets across the building. Sources alleged that ASI often carries out roof works on monuments in April and May. As most of these monuments are built in laterite stone and walls plastered with limestone mortar, the pre-monsoon showers may lead to their deterioration. Sources in ASI said that the rain water seepage was immediately mopped up and the walls were covered up. If the water remains and walls are exposed for long periods, only then damage can be caused, the source said. While ASI has conservation work of monuments in the world heritage complex, the lack of a proper management policy for the site as a whole has disappointed heritage lovers and experts. Heritage experts, while applauding ASI's conservation work and improvement in the outlook of churches and monuments at Old Goa since the 1970s, say the government body has to adopt a proper strategy for the protection of the site. It is sad that the world heritage village of Old Goa does not have a permanent plan for preservation, protection and beautification, a source said. One of the main tasks of the ASI is maintaining the vast gardens and lawns in Old Goa. The maintenance of the gardens costs a lot of money and labour, the source added. ASI has to take stakeholders and experts into confidence and carry out management and development in the place in tune with its heritage character. The management policy and strategy for the place has to be in harmony with the ambience of the monuments, the source said. In the past, ASI has been accused of using concrete insensitively, especially in the ruins of the convent below the St Augustine's tower. A part of the floor has been concretized. In another instance, it had constructed a ground-plus-one structure of a chemical laboratory opposite Se Cathedral, but, it is being used as an office and for other purposes, including a guesthouse. On the positive side, ASI's conservation work has helped keep many monuments standing in Old Goa. ASI also played a passive role while the work of creating infrastructure for the Exposition was taken up at the last moment by the government. The new infrastructure has been praised by the pilgrims as it has helped the smooth flow of traffic and amenities for them. A heritage expert said pouring too much tar and concrete in a heritage area is not advisable. The tar and concrete should be seen less, and it is better to have laterite cobble, which matches with the monuments. The new tar looks out of place, as also the pavers and checkered tiles, the expert said. ASI has also tried to highlight its own identity instead of the monuments under its charge. In the name plaque near Se Cathedral, the name of the monument is shown in small fonts but that of ASI is more prominently displayed, stating that ASI is maintaining and preserving it.
[Goanet] Threatened by land sharks
Threatened by land sharks TNN | Feb 25, 2015, 02.00 AM ISTTimes Panchanama: Socorro-BardezIsidore Domnick Mendes The tranquil and serene village of Socorro in Bardez, is fast seeing its pristine countryside vanishing and being replaced by ugly chunks of concrete; huge apartment complexes that stick out like sore thumbs in quaint neighbourhoods. The village has a population of 10,000 who live in seven vaddos including Zosvaddo, Ambirna, Maina, Arrarim, Carrem, Vaddem, and Porvorim. The village is bordered by Ucassaim and Guirim in the north, Pomburpa and Salvador do Mundo in the east, Pilerne in the South, and Penha de Franca in the west. This village is famed for its cashew plantations, kokam, pottery and timber. The threat to Socorro comes from the real estate lobby which has caused encroachments on comunidade land, felling of trees, erection of slums in private forests and land grabbing, either by filing false cases against villagers or blatantly taking over unoccupied houses, whose residents are abroad. With the regional plan yet to be finalized, builders have been making hay, while the government departments look the other way. In Socorro, construction is being allowed in private forests, on hill slopes and agriculture areas. No environment impact assessment and land-carrying capacity studies have been done, says Soter D'Souza, a former panchayat member, activist and resident of Maina. Angry villagers also point accusing fingers at government departments for being hand-in-glove with the land sharks. TCP indiscriminately shows the forest or agriculture land as settlement. The collectorate permits land use conversion merely on this pretext as forwarded by TCP. Law department only plays a role by facilitating laws which are ambiguous and allots various task to various agencies to provide loopholes, says D'Souza. Huge amounts of comunidade land also have been encroached upon by squatters with the support of politicians who have used them as political vote banks, he added. Villagers point out that local politicians are also builders with links with the real estate lobby. Biodiversity in Porvorim has been ignored by the planners and many constructions are coming up in the area. The open spaces are being utilized by the buildings and there is hardly any open space available. Projects are coming up on hill slopes. They are sinking bore wells. Some are constructing illegal wells which will affect the water table and the locals have to face the brunt of it, D'Souza added. Says Eurico Mascarenhas of Alto Porvorim, Politicians are completely hand-in-glove with the real estate lobby. Mushrooming of projects can be seen in many parts of the village. A year ago, Socorro was in the news when a property in Porvorim bequeathed by late Jose Avito Pinto do Rosario, uncle to the former captain of India's woman hockey team, Otilia Mascarenhas, was grabbed by land sharks. As witnessed in many parts of Goa, grabbing of property takes place when owners are overseas. In the case of Mascarenhas, an Arjuna awardee and sports surgeon practicing abroad, her property was grabbed using fake documents. While villagers say the Porvorim plateau is almost finished, the latest proposal for 500 flats is another blow to the village's ecology. Look at the encroachments on the NH 17. The 40m setback rule has been thrown into the bin. The land is full of illegal constructions from Guirim to the assembly complex. The government must demolish all these illegal structures, says Mascarenhas. How can the proposed highway be broadened with the rampant illegal constructions coming up along it? This gives the government a perfect excuse to divert the highway, bring it into the village and encroach into the fields, added Mascarenhas, a former football player at Dempo SC and MRF. The aesthetics of Socorro is being sacrificed with the construction of high-rise buildings in Porvorim and other areas in the village, says Michael Rodrigues of Alto Porvorim. Rodrigues further adds that real estate projects have put tremendous pressure on local infrastructure. If real estate projects do not stop, very soon, Socorro will face a dire situation in terms of drinking water, electricity and garbage management.Development is mandatory. We are not against development. But it shouldn't be done at the cost of degrading the environment. Illegal constructions should be kept in check, says Aditya Barve, a doctor. Locals also say that springs in the village which flow through the hills, are being affected due to big complexes being constructed in their path. The stream of water that was coming down from the hills is being blocked due to construction. The authorities ignored the voices of the villagers, and the building complex came up at Ambirna. The builder also built a well without permission, says Linda D'Souza. Projects of 4-5 storey buildings should not be allowed in villages. They change the very
[Goanet] Fearing a flood
Fearing a flood TNN | Feb 18, 2015, 02.00 AM ISTTimes Panchanama: Carmona-Salcete Isidore Domnick Mendes The residents of Carmona, Salcete, are worried about the fragile state of almost 12km of bunds that protects the village and its agricultural fields. The silt accumulating in the Sal river, which flows past the village, is also a cause for rising concern. Carmona has around 7,000 residents who live in seven 'vaddos', most of which are known by two or even three names, especially for electoral purposes. They are De Mello vaddo, Ratmadem/Kirbhat, Olvaddo/Choqui, Tamdeg/Batti, Xhetmalem/Jorgevaddo/Ankur Luis, Gavona/Alemao and Xiro. The village is surrounded by the Arabian sea and the villages of Varca in the west, Chinchinim in the east, Orlim in the north and Cavelossim in the south. Till the late 1950s, the river was used for navigation, travelling and transportation. Villagers recount, nostalgically, the importance that the river played in their daily lives. As a young boy, I used to see a 'Patmar' (sail boat) traversing the River Sal from Betul to Khareband. Almost all our work was done through this river. We used to get Mangalore tiles, teak wood, laterite stones, food stuff, vegetables, fruits, and rice by boats to our village. are worried due to the fragile condition of the bunds and the sediments accumulating on the river bed, says Agnelo Colaco of Ankur Luis vaddo. Most traditional fish in the river have either gone extinct or their numbers depleted due to the non-maintenance of bunds and because the river has not been desilted for a number of years. At one time, the River Sal, in Carmona, was an important source of local fish called 'condio' (shell fish) and calvam (oyster) for the village. The discharge of effluents and sewage by few villagers including restaurants and households has further aggravated the condition of the River Sal. Some of our brothers and sisters are doing immense harm to the future generations by releasing sewage into the river. As a result, the water has not only got contaminated, but, at many places, the water is not flowing because of dense impurities. If we reconstruct the entire stretch of bunds in the adjacent and nearby areas from Cavelossim to Kharebandh, and pay equal emphasis on cleaning the Sal river, it would lead to a win-win situation, not only for Carmona, but, also lead to tremendous tourism potential for a major part of Salcete taluka, says hotelier Serafino Cota, a resident of Xiro. Locals also feel that by taking care of the bunds as well as desilting the river, it will lead to revival of agriculture in the village. Historically, Carmona was an agricultural village. It was famed for Korgut rice, 'boram' (Konkani word for jujube or Indian date), watermelon and the bottle-shaped red chilly. The weakening of bunds has led to near-destruction of agriculture, because, it has not only led to the spread of saline water in the fields, but, the growth of thick mangroves or tidal swamps in it. Agriculture activity can be restarted, if, we take care of the bunds and remove the silt in the river. Then, the next step should be to make it an economically-viable profession to attract people into its fold, feels agriculturist and dairy farmer, Anselmo Furtado of Choqui vaddo. The village panchayat is keen on restoring the bunds and cleaning the river of blockages impurities including the silt. The state government must repair the bunds as well as remove silt from the Sal river. The village has suffered due to the neglect of these twin issues. It is high time that the authorities in the government deliver to save the village from impending disaster, says Lavita Dias, sarpanch. Adds Orlando da Silva, deputy sarpanch and resident of Batti vaddo, Since liberation, almost no attempt has been made to maintain the sustainability of the bunds or get rid of the silt. For example, during Portuguese rule, 'chikol ani mati', basic soil matter, was taken away and put as manure for coconut palms. It seems, the authorities are least interested in this grave problem caused by the breaching of bunds and siltation of River Sal. Villagers are also awaiting a no-objection certificate (NOC) from the south Goa administrator of comunidades for the repair of the bunds. Concurs advocate Jose Luis, a resident of Ankur Luis, The villagers are aware of the impending disaster, but, it is shocking that our authorities at the government level are not taking cognizance of the vexed issue. Not repairing the bunds may, one day, lead to a tsunami-type situation in the village. The local MLA is aware of the elephantine challenge that the village faces. The repair of bunds as well as desilting the river is not only a problem faced by Carmona, but, by adjacent villages like Cavelossim, Orlim, etc. The work will require hundreds of crores of rupees from the public exchequer. Along with other villages, I plan to undertake the bund repair
[Goanet] Awaiting a playground
Bottom of Form Awaiting a playground TNN | Feb 4,2015, 02.00 AM IST IsidoreDomnick Mendes Situated in Bardez taluka, Ucassaim is a villagethat lacks a proper playground facility for its children and youth. The villageis surrounded by Nachinola in the east, Moira in the north and Socorro in thesouth. The River Mandovi also criss-crosses through the village. Ucassaim also has apopular place known as 'Vagbiu', which is a cave atop the hill. From this cave,flows a stream, and it also has a narrow tunnel that leads to the church inPomburpa. With a population of 4,000 persons, of which, 3,500 have votingrights, Ucassaim has seven wards and 8 vaddos including Paliem 1, Paliem 2,Dhumpem, Punola, Igreja vaddo, St Anthony vaddo , Bela Flor and Pelo vaddo. The villagecurrently has one playground which belongs to the Ucassaim Sports Club, but,the ground's terrain is barren and rough. Ucassaimvillage lacks the most basic necessity of a modern playground. It is really sadthat though our village thrives with budding talent in the sports field, it isdevoid of a proper playground. Presently, two young girls, Zeena Soares andMaheshwari Haldankar, are making the village proud in hockey at the juniornational level, states Stella D'Sa, a retired higher secondary schoolteacher, and a resident of Dhumpem. Locals complainthat the Ucassaim Sports Club ground is mostly used by villagers from Moira orVaddem-Socorro. Currently,mostly locals from other villages come and play on the existing groundbelonging to Ucassaim Sports Club. Young boys and girls of the village arecraving for a modern ground and the development of the Ucassaim Sport Clubground will go a long way to fulfill their dream. The modernized ground shouldbe given to locals of the village as a first preference, says Cosme J AMartins, ex-sarpanch (2000-2006), and a resident of St Anthony vaddo. The dearth of aplayground facility has led the villagers to play on a small ground carved outof a field belonging to the St Elizabeth's Church, which was built in Ucassaimin 1628. Apart fromUcassaim Sports Club's ground, the only place in our village is a small,underdeveloped ground converted from the field belonging to the village parishchurch. In no way, can this small playground substitute for a properplayground. The need for reconstruction and renovation of Ucassaim SportsClub's ground is felt by the residents of the village, says ShyamChandrakant Sinai Gaitonde of Igreja vaddo. The Ucassaimpanchayat is aware of this demand by the villagers. The issue has beendiscussed in the gram sabha and the message is crystal clear. The UcassaimSports Club ground has to be developed into a modern playground which will haveall the basic amenities. The funds for this basic project for the village couldcome from the state government or provisions have to be made to get the worksanctioned from the north Goa MP's fund, says Shubanand VinayakMandrekar, sarpanch of Ucassaim -Paliem-Punola panchayat. Aldona MLA GlennSousa Ticlo said he was ignorant about the demand. No one from thevillage panchayat has brought the playground issue to my notice. There has beenno communication from the local body sent to me on the demand for upgradationof the ground. I am not even aware about whom the plaground belongs to, whetherit is the comunidade or a private party, said Ticlo. If thevillagers desire a proper playground, then the file from the panchayat shouldhave come to me for necessary action. Whether, it is to seek assistance fromthe state government or support from the MP's fund, he added. On the other hand,the sarpanch, Mandrekar, states that the MLA has been kept in the loop with allthe demands and concerns of the villagers including the need to develop theplayground. It has been more than two years that the MLA has been keptwell-informed about developing the Ucassaim Sport Club's ground into a modernplayground. The MLA met us, panchayat members, during his visit to Ucassaimtwice; on October 17, 2012, and October 21, 2014; and on both occasions, thevillagers demand for upgradation of the playground was conveyed to him. Theplayground issue has been discussed threadbare with Ticlo, said thesarpanch. ++ PROBLEM PROBLEM No community hall Ucassaim lacks acommunity hall which could host social occasions celebrated by villagers.Though there is a private hall at Punola junction, the villagers desirefor a community hall which would take care of special social occasions likebirthdays, anniversaries, weddings etc, says Shyam Chandrakant SinaiGaitonde of Igreja vaddo. Unrepaired bunds Punola has around6km of bunds, but, most of them lie in a decrepit state. The saline waterspreads into the agriculture fields on which 45 cultivators grow crops aroundthe year. These crops include paddy in the monsoon i.e., sorod and olgando;while beans and vegetables are grown in the dry season, says Cosme J AMartins. Dim streetlights Illumination in
[Goanet] Lacking awareness
Lacking awareness TNN Jan 29, 2015, 02.00 AM IST Isidore Domnick Mendes Surrounded by the Arabian Sea in the west, River Sal in the east and bordered by six villages—Benaulim and Navelim in the north, Telaulim and Orlim in the east, and Carmona and Cavelossim in the south—Varca is one of the first few villages to have a bailing machine to compress dry waste into small, manageable bales which is then transported by the Goa state pollution control board to be used as recycling fuel in a cement facility at Cacora in Quepem taluka. For the first time since the new panel came into being after the May 2012 panchayat elections in Goa, Varca's local governing body collects around three tonnes of garbage every week, free of cost. Wet garbage is easy to use as animal feed and manure for plants. To start with, around 15 awareness programmes were organized by the panchayat under the guidance of environmentalist Clinton Vaz, which was supported by Our Lady of Gloria Church, St Mary's High School, shopkeepers, builders etc. The builders since then have agreed, in principal, to have composting units in all their future projects. Varca comprises seven wards and 13 vaddos including Chadvaddo, Novangully, Calvaddo, Laxette/Uddo, Reprovaddo, Razvaddem, Guneavaddo /Langotten/Sanvaddo, Pedda Utordoxi, Pedda Numeio, Pedda Dumotlem, Cobia Pedda, 2nd Fatrade and 3rd Fatrade. One still finds plastic bags, disposable plates, empty bottles, and cans dumped at the shopping complex, market area, bus stop opposite the village church or in the fields on the interior roads. There are still a few villagers, tenants and tourists who are acting as roadblocks to keep Varca permanently free from garbage. Awareness programmes on usefulness of collecting and segregating both dry and wet garbage has to be revisited again, says Havelock Ferrao of Chad vaddo. Agrees Solon Furtado, a resident and owner of a supermarket, The mess has been occurring because a few villagers still lack awareness that proper disposal of garbage could lead to a win-win situation. A conscious effort has to be made to target people's way of thinking that it is ok or our right to dirty or mess up anything which is outside our compound. The panchayat has done commendable work to disseminate the message of using eco-friendly disposable mediums like recyclable bags which has made a big impact in our village. The use of plastic bags in almost all commercial establishments, including shops, restaurants or hotels has declined drastically, he adds. Says Agnel Fernandes of Calvaddo, To begin with, even when the guidelines for segregation of wet and dry garbage came up, there was resistance but with the passage of time, the residents of most houses, barring a few, have completely adjusted. Villagers suggest that the school has to be made an important platform in future educational programmes on garbage management. Our children, especially students, can be made the real agents of change as they will play a big role in correcting not only their own parents, but, also others, like tenants and even tourists who indulge in littering both public and private places in our village, says Delociana Luiza Jacques D'Souza, a teacher by profession and a resident of Reprovaddo. Villagers feel let down that despite Varca being home to so many five-star hotels and boutique hotels, none of them have helped the panchayat in its effort in garbage collection and segregation. It is sad that none have a corporate social responsibility (CSR) structure in place to support the initiatives of garbage management by the panchayat, says panchayat member and ex-sarpanch Crosly Charlton Lourenco. The panchayat is gearing up to face the challenge coming in the way of cent per cent success in garbage management. We have already penalized a few offenders who were found dumping waste by levying a fine of `5,000. At the same time, the panchayat needs financial support from the state government as it incurs a monthly expense of around `32,000 on garbage collection and segregation, says Varca sarpanch Francisco Simao Fernandes. Benaulim MLA Caetano 'Caitu' Silva is conscious of the fact that the garbage challenge can be combated by regular educational programmes. Few villagers have not taken a wholehearted interest in the garbage collection and segregation programme. My support to the villagers and the Varca panchayat in their endeavour of garbage collection and segregation is total. Sums up ex-sarpanch and present panchayat member Luisa Rodrigues from the ruling panel, Very few residents of Varca are still awaiting re-enlightenment on the benefits that accrue after segregation of dry and wet garbage. If garbage is managed well, it is wealth. Problem Problem Lights out Locals point out to decorative streetlights erected in Varca and adjoining areas during the tenure of former industry minister Luizinho Faleiro which hardly function as most of the
[Goanet] In need of buses
In need of buses Jan 21, 2015, 02.00 AM IST The Times of India Isidore Domnick Mendes This village in north Goa shares its name with another counterpart in Salcete taluka as both lie away from each other at a distance of around 50km. Camurlim village, in Bardez taluka, comprises seven wards and nine vaddos including Gaonkar, Bharvan, Vetal, Darvar, Vagali, Mudda, Khairad Dharbar and Antlim. The village also enjoys a revered place in Goa's cultural lore for feni, fishing, agriculture, and extraction of sand and sea shells. Lying at a distance of 10km from Mapusa, the nearest town, the village has the coconut grove banks of River Chapora in the north and is bordered by the villages of Oxel in the west, Colvale in the east and Siolim in the south. Many of the 4,000 inhabitants of Camurlim are dependant on the state-run Kadamba transport corporation (KTC) for their transport needs. 'Camurlimkars' feel let down by the KTC's service as it does not ply buses on Sundays and on holidays. The main problem occurs on Sundays, when there is no KTC bus service. Sunday means we have to stay put at home. We can't go to the market or visit our relatives. On holidays, we are cut off from the outside world, says Rima Korgaonkar of ward 4. Concurs Prabhu Naik of Bharvan vaddo. Neither can Camurlimkars think of going out on Sundays or on holidays or think of relatives or friends coming to our village, because, KTC bus operations are completely shut on Sundays or holidays. Villagers mostly go to schools, colleges, offices and markets in Mapusa and surrounding areas. The frequency of the KTC bus service on working days, Monday to Saturday, from Camurlim to Mapusa is also limited. The bus timings are 7.10am, 7.50am, 8.30am, 12.10am and 1.30pm. In the evening, bus services provided by KTC from Mapusa to Camurlim is restricted to three timings, 4.20pm, 6.10pm and 7.45pm. On the other hand, four private buses ply on the route. The first service between Camurlim to Mapusa starts at 6.30pm and the last service from Mapusa to Camurlim is at 8.10pm. Villagers prefer travelling by the KTC service as it provides a concessional pass scheme, and the buses ply faster and are comfortable to travel in. The private buses mostly ply only when they are packed with passengers. Even on regular days, it becomes a nightmare for villagers travelling on buses. School and college students, in particular, have a harrowing time while boarding the bus in the morning as they have to squeeze themselves in order to get into a private bus. For a long time now, villagers have been demanding that KTC operates its buses after every hour. The student community in particular, the office goers, the fisherfolk prefer Kadamba as it allows concessional travel via the monthly pass. The frequency of KTC buses plying to Mapusa and Panaji is very limited and it is both taxing and frustrating for villagers, especially for students to reach school by public transport, because of the skeletal bus service. For the past three years, my son has been going to school in a private vehicle, said Ujwala Naik of Vaggali vaddo. The Camurlim village panchayat has repeatedly taken up the issue of bus services, especially the Kadamba bus service not plying on holidays, with the authorities concerned. Sarpanch Kalpana Dalvi said Villagers long for regular frequency of private buses and more particularly, the KTC service in Camurlim. Almost all people are dependent on Kadamba buses for travel. I, myself, travel by bus, whenever my husband has to use the two-wheeler. Deputy sarpanch Dharmendra Parab, resident of Bharwan vaddo, said We have met transport department officials and the RTO with one demand of having regular frequency of buses, especially Kadamba buses plying on all days including Sundays. But, till date, all our pleas and requests have fallen on deaf ears. Tivim MLA Kiran Kandolkar agreed that regular KTC bus service, especially on Sundays and other holidays, is a long-awaited wish for Camurlim. I am aware of the problem caused to Camurlim villagers due to the KTC not operating its fleet on all the seven days of the week. I am in touch with the authorities to find a lasting solution on this issue. The transport officials also don't want to incur losses by plying empty buses on Sundays and holidays. I am hopeful that a lasting solution incorporating good economics and providing bus service 365 days of the year will be found soon, he said. Problem Problem Dead phone lines The villagers of Camurlim complain about crippled telephone landlines. BSNL landlines hardly function in Camurlim. We face enormous difficulty in getting connected with the outside world through the landline. The non-functioning telephone line completely disrupts internet connectivity which also disables the functioning of ATMs in the village, says Bernard D'Souza, a resident of Antlim vaddo. Rusty power poles The locals say that it is
[Goanet] ‘Jobs, please’
‘Jobs, please’ TNN | Jan 14, 2015, 02.00AM IST Times Panchanama: Pirna-Bardez Isidore Domnick Mendes Bordered by four villages that are situated in three talukas; Nadora in Bardez, Ozarim in Pernem and Mencurem and Advalpal in Bicholim, this village, which is also bounded by the Sahyadri range, is home to 4,500 inhabitants, out of which 2,700 are registered voters. Pirna ranks amongst the top in the category of the 'unemployed villages' of Goa. According to rough estimates in the category, there are as many as 1,500 unemployed youth in the village. Employment opportunities hardly exist in Pirna village, which comprises seven wards and 10 vaddos including Kel, Dessai, Tanodi, Naik, Sutar, Gaunkar, Umar/Pirna, Tallop, Thorli Chandai and Dhakti Chandai. Around 25% of the villagers are employed in agriculture and cashew plantation, while 10% work on cattle-rearing. Unemployment is the main challenge facing the people of Pirna. Apart from the dairy unit, till date, not a single employment-generating unit has come up. Due to the paucity of work, our people end up working as daily-wage workers. It is an irony that despite our village having a rich legacy of producing so many freedom fighters, employment avenues hardly exist for the sons and daughters of the soil, opines journalist and poet Sangam Bhosle, a resident of Thorli Chandai. Concurs Govind Naik, chairman, Pirna Dudh Society, There are no industries in the village. Apart from growing paddy, cultivating vegetables and tending to cashew crops, dairy is the only other source which provides livelihood around-the-year to around 70 villagers. Importantly, the concerned Pirna Dairy unit supplies 1,600 litres of milk to Goa Dairy each day. Naik further adds that the milk production of the dairy could be increased manifold by expanding its area of business and providing more of green fodder to the cattle. Residents of Pirna feel the dual reason that the village lies in an interior area and does not have a political saviour has been the main factor responsible for Pirna not getting job creating centers. Since our village lies away from NH 17, it is viewed as an isolated and interior one. It does not have a political godfather to vouch for it at the state and national level. As a result, our village has not been a fertile ground to create employment opportunities, says Vilas Korgaonkar of Dessai vaddo. Like the villagers, the panchayat, too, has high hopes from the present BJP state government that it will create employment avenues by getting eco-friendly and non-polluting industries to Pirna. Unlike many panchayats in Goa, Pirna panchayat's revenue is almost negligible as it survives mainly on house tax and government grants. As a result, local self-government does not have finance to tackle the biggest challenge caused by unemployment. The state government should bring in modern environment-friendly industries. The panchayat is all for setting up a garment factory at Pirna for which around 5,000 sqm of land has already been acquired, states sarpanch Govind Kubal alias 'Dada'. Even the local Tivim MLA agrees that unemployment is a big challenge for Pirna. Though unemployment is a pan-Goa issue, the residents of Pirna are affected more than other villages. In consultation with the comunidade, we are in the process of acquiring land for the setting up of a handloom factory, which will generate jobs for 200 people. For Pirna itself, we have also planned for vocationalization of education by developing a handloom training unit in the old, unused primary school. Last, but not the least, the proposed industrial estate at Sirsaim will not only benefit villagers of Pirna, but, almost all the residents of Bardez taluka. The state government has acquired 8,65,000sqm of land by depositing Rs 2.16 crore, states MLA Kiran Kandolkar. --- Problem Problem Protection of farms Pirna has been suffering from attacks by wild animals on its fruit and vegetable farms. It is almost a regular phenomena when the creatures of the wild; be it monkeys, wild boars, peacocks etc., come and devour crops, fruits and vegetables grown on fields, farms and private gardens etc. Villagers are eagerly awaiting for a solution that will combat the menace caused by wild animals at Pirna, states Sangam Bhosle of Thorli Chandai. Waterfall Pirna villagers have been asking for development of the waterfall in the village as a tourism spot. Efforts should be made to develop the Pirna waterfall as a tourism spot, as it will not only open new employment avenues for residents of Pirna, but, also lead to an overall improvement of village infrastructure in terms of road and beautification of the village, says sarpanch Govind Kubal. Health service The villagers of Pirna yearn for good public health service due to the negligible presence of a doctor in
[Goanet] Waiting for a bridge
The Times of India Waiting for a bridgeTNN | Jan 9, 2015, 02.00 AM ISTREAD MORE Times Panchanama|Isidore DomnickMendes|Chorao|Chodan-Madel|BridgeIsidore Domnick MendesChorao, spread in an area of 21 sqkm, is the biggest out ofthe total of 17 islands beautifying the landscape of Goa and this island inTiswadi taluka can be accessed by ferries from two jetties, Ribandar andPomburpa as well as two bridges; the 32-year-old Tikhazan bridge at Bicholimand 1-year-old Calvim bridge at Aldona. This beautiful village sits on thebanks of the River Mandovi and houses a population of around 6,500 persons outof which approximately 4,500 are registered voters. But, for years now, thevillagers have been facing the problem of commuting; be it to Panaji, Bambolimor Porvorim and surrounding areas as it lacks a direct access to both; theTiswadi mainland and Bardez.In order to get into the ferry every morning and evening,there is a serpentine queue at the Chorao-Ribandar jetty and Ribandar-Choraojetty. The four ferries operating at this stretch are overused as they cater tocommuters coming not only from Chorao, but, as far as Bicholim and Sattaritalukas. The daily travel by the Ribandar-Chorao ferry over the River Mandoviis extremely time-consuming.For example, if a villager has to go by public transport orby his or her own vehicle, he has to spend a minimum of 15-20 minutes duringpeak hours and 10-15 minutes during non-peak hours to get into the ferry andthen cross the river in it. Villagers further admit that travelling back andforth to Panaji and its surrounding areas by bus is more time consuming andstressing. For everyone, be it office goers or students, it becomes anuphill task to reach their respective places be it in the morning and evening.As the Ribandar-Chorao jetty is catering to so many villages, it is no morefeasible to provide an optimum and efficient service. Direct access via abridge is the need of the hour, says Premanand Mhambre, an ex-sarpanchand retired headmaster of Dayanand High School. He is a resident ofPasso-de-Ambarim which apart from Chorao and Caraim are the three villages ofChodan-Madel panchayat.Chorao, which is surrounded by three talukas, Bicholim,Tiswadi and Bardez has nine vaddos (wards) including Saud, Deugim, Chamberm,Madel, Kharahat, Keren, Pandav vaddo, Sodetim and Kherad vaddo. Most villagersare sad that their long-pending demand for a bridge still remains a mirage. Everyoneis affected, including our children going to educational institutes, or peoplegoing to office, or our sick patients going to hospitals situated in Panaji,Porvorim or the Goa medical college and hospital, Bambolim. It takes a largeamount of time to cross the river in the ferry. It creates a lot of mentaltrauma for the inhabitants of our village as travelling by ferry entails a lotof time. We hope the planned Chorao bridge comes up in our lifetime, saysDilip Fondekar, a resident of Kherad vaddo and an educationist connected withthe Dayanand High School and Salkar High School.Concurs Pandarik Vernekar, a local from Madel, In the21st century world, it is really a cruel joke that Chorao does not haveinfrastructure of a bridge which will connect it to the capital city andimportant towns of Porvorim and Bambolim. Due to the non-existence of a newChorao bridge, we have a monotonous existence as all our work goes on at asnail's pace.The proposed Chorao bridge from Salvador do Mundo to theMadel river bank in Chorao is slated to be constructed by Goa industrialdevelopment corporation (GIDC) at an estimated cost of Rs 136 crore to thestate exchequer. The projected bridge will involve acquisition of landmeasuring 30,860sqm and 52,400sqm on both sides of Chorao and Salvador do Mundoin Bardez taluka respectively.Almost all the villagers state that The Right to FairCompensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition Rehabilitation andResettlement (Social Impact Assessment and Consent) Rules, 2014, commonly knownas Land Acquisition Act 2014 has acted as a deterrent in the acquisition ofland. The said law came into effect on January 1, 2014.Being an island village, the demand for the bridge ismore imperative for the natives of Chorao than the people of the mainland likeSalvador do Mundo. There is not an iota of doubt that Land Acquisition Act 2014has completely brought to a grinding halt the acquisition of land which isalmost non-cultivable and barren, adds Mhambre. The Chodan Madel panchayat headed by sarpanch Divya Usapkaris in complete concurrence with the villagers that the impending bridge shouldbe constructed by removing the bottleneck caused by the Land Acquisition Act2014.It is high time the proposed bridge becomes a realityfor our village. For a very long time, all the residents, be it young or old,have faced challenges to either reach to their respective schools or designatedoffice or even marketplace situated in Panaji or surrounding areas likeBambolim, Dona
[Goanet] Killer junction
Killer junction Dec 17, 2014, 02.00 AM ISTREAD MORE Sumita Lotlekar|Siridao-Palem|Isidore Domnick Mendes|Goa Velha|Francisco Silveira Isidore Domnick Mendes Bordering the villages of Bambolim, Curca and Goa Velha on one end and the Arabian Sea on the other, the coastal village of Siridao-Palem is inhabited by 2,423 people and has 7 vaddos or wards: Jesus Nazareth or Ward 1 , Modlo Vaddo or Ward 2 , Firguem Bhat or Ward 3 and Modlo Bhat or Ward 4 ( in the beach side i.e., Siridao) Puter or Ward 5, Choker or Ward 6 and Diwar or Ward 7 ( the non beach side Palem) During the past seven years, the intersection lying on National Highway 17 (NH 17) has become a death trap as more than 35 young and old lives from this village have been lost and the killer junction has also left wounded and injured scores of its locals. Nevertheless, the biggest irony for this peaceful and prosperous village of Tiswadi taluka is that neither the past Congress or the present BJP state government is least interested to protect the lives of its people. Everyday, in the mornings and afternoons, the movement of children studying in the two village schools i.e. Our Lady of Rosary in Firguem Bhat and government school at Palem is severely affected as there is no subway. The foundation stone for this subway was laid way back on April 12, 2008, by former chief minister Digambar Kamat in the presence of the erstwhile MLA Francisco Silveira. Numerous representations by villagers, who are mostly fisherfolk, for building of a vehicular subway, have fallen on deaf years. The junction has become a virtual death trap because pedestrians, riders and drivers have either been mowed down or grievously injured by speeding vehicles at the intersection. When we come to the intersection to cross the road, we are not aware what our fate will be, said Sumita Lotlekar of Modhlo vaddo. Even the policeman manning the traffic at this deadly traffic intersection has been by-and-large transitory in nature. Successive state governments have been completely indifferent to the lives of sons and daughters of the soil of Siridao-Palem. Forget about they being permanently present, the cops are hardly seen controlling and directing both the heavy and light vehicles moving at a terrific speed at the deadly unmanned junction of NH 17, says Chandrakant Lotlekar of Modhlo vaddo. Like erstwhile chief minister Digambar Kamat, Manohar Parrikar too before being inducted at the Centre as defence minister, kept on giving empty assurances both inside and outside the assembly on the construction of the said passageway. According to sources, just before the Lok Sabha elections of 2014, a meeting was chaired by then chief minister Manohar Parrikar and attended by all the panchayat members and sarpanchas of St Andre constituency, in which, Parrikar made it clear that the work of the proposed subway would begin in right earnest in September 2014. But, all these assurances whether issued by Digambar Kamat or Manohar Parrikar have remained empty promises. The public works department (PWD) continues to display callous attitude on this vexed issue. For how long will the state government remain a mute spectator to the deaths and injuries occurring in the households of Siridao-Palem? Why don't the authorities, at least, now act to fructify the dream of passageway for both vehicles and pedestrians at the intersection? asks Pedrina Afonso of Firguem Bhat. Siridao-Palem panchayat is just one of the many panchayats in Goa facing the brunt of the villagers because of the government backing down on undertakings it gave to the people. The panchayat is completely unaided and helpless to redress the people's grievances in which the state government had pledged to construct a subway. Due to the non-delivery of promises by the state government, villagers vent out their anger on the panchayat. Like other village panchayats, Siridao-Palem panchayat too is like a sub-post office with a mandate only to stamp on a set of papers. The local self government is only a nominal head whereas the government departments be it police, TCP, PWD are real executives, laments sarpanch Antonio Jose Afonso. The sarpanch further adds A lot of lives have been sacrificed at the killer intersection. The need of the hour for Siridao-Palem is the coming up of the much-needed subway. When contacted, St Andre MLA Vishnu Surya Wagh said, Getting the subway in Siridao-Palem and the state-of-art rural health centre in Azossim-Mandur have been my two most important priorities since becoming the St Andre MLA. Nevertheless, it is also being thought to construct a flyover straight from Bambolim to Goa Velha junction, which would not lead to destruction of any houses as earlier envisaged in the widening of road by NHAI (National Highway Authority of India), but, at the same time also completely minimize the flow of vehicular traffic on the existing NH 17 and this
[Goanet] Unavailable around-the-clock
Unavailable around-the-clock Times Panchanama: Sao Matias-Divar -- Tiswadi Isidore Domnick Mendes The villagers of Sao Matias on Divar island are in urgent need of a 24-hour resident doctor at the primary health centre in the village. It has been an urgent need ignored by the powers-that-be over the years. Sao Matias has 3,500 residents and comprises six vaddos (wards) including Muddi, Igreja vaddo , Goddar , Vanzuem, Amboi and Belsur. While primary health centres all over Goa have a 24-hour resident doctor facility, Sao Matias along with neighbouring Goltim-Navelim village on Divar island does not seem to top the agenda of the state government for ensuring a round-the-clock availability of a doctor. The current incumbent is available only three times a week i.e. Monday, Wednesday and Friday, and that too, for around four hours; between 9.30am and 1pm. Lack of adequate health services, especially the unavailability of a doctor 24x7x365 is the biggest challenge facing our village. During nights, it is a nightmarish experience to rush a sick person, especially the ailing ones, all the way to the Goa medical college ( GMC) and hospital at Bambolim, or to a private hospital in Panaji. It is fatal fact that neither of the two village panchayats on Divar island have the services of a round-the-clock resident doctor, says Bernadette Azavedo, ex-sarpanch and a resident of Amboi. Concurs Brigida Menezes of Church vaddo, One of the important indicators for development is a vibrant health service, but, Sao Matias and its surrounding villages are deprived of even a permanent doctor at the health centre. For years, the villagers have been raising their demand for a resident doctor. Absence of a resident doctor not only puts unnecessary pressure on the town or city hospitals. It also aggravates the health concerns of both, children and the elderly. The authorities should pay heed and ensure that resident doctors are available in the villages situated on Divar island, states singer Saby Dias, known on the Konkani tiatr stage as 'Saby De Divar'. Dias is a resident of Naroa, which along with Malar and Capao/Vanxim, are also areas under the jurisdiction of the Sao Matias panchayat. As there is no permanent stationing of doctors in the village, even for minor problems, be it a mild fever or cold, the villagers have to visit the GMC or other health clinics in Panaji. On the health front , the economically-weaker sections, in particular, end up as the biggest sufferers in the villages of Divar island. The village youth should be more vigilant and be in the forefront to get infrastructure in the island villages improved in terms of a completely-equipped primary health centre with facilities of admission in its wards for sick patients, says Christopher Menezes, another tiatrist known as 'Comedian 64', who acted in the recent Kala Academy award winning tiatr 'Modli Onnot'. The 24-hour doctor facility will act as a great contributor to safe health. People in their post-retirement phase of their life are reluctant to stay in this village, because, the government doctor is not available around-the-clock. Good sense should prevail on the government to allot a government doctor who will be available around-the-clock at the primary health centre in Sao Matias. At the same time, all residents are proud of living on the island because of the serenity and tranquility enveloping the region, said Justin Coutinho of Amboi. Though in the past two months, a 108 ambulance has been stationed at the panchayat , the villagers, on condition of anonymity, state that since the villages of Divar island have a meager health facility, the ambulance should be exclusively centered for the villages of Divar island and not for the mainland like Old Goa or Dongorim as is currently happening. Sarpanch of Sao Matias panchayat Vaibhavi Sawant states that the panchayat will try its level-best to get a 24-hour facility of a resident doctor for the villagers. We will take up this demand again in the next gram sabha and then make a fresh appeal to both the chief minister and the health minister. It is generally believed that lack of housing facility has been acting as a deterrent for doctors to take charge as full-time resident medical practitioners, she said. When contacted, Cumbharjua MLA Pandurang Madkaikar said, There has been a fulltime doctor at the health centre. He met with an accident recently and is on leave. In fact, he was available to the people almost round-the-clock as he stays nearby. It's because he is on leave that another doctor who comes from another health centre is available thrice a week. Once he resumes, it will be normal. Problem Problem Bad roads The residents lament the condition of the roads in the village. Almost the entire stretch of Sao Matias panchayat's road lies in a dire strait. It is a shame that a beautiful village has a pot-holed road,
[Goanet] Left out
Left out TNN | Oct 29, 2014, 12.30 AM IST READ MORE Tiswadi|Times Panchanama|Isidore Domnick Mendis|Cumbharjua|Bridge Isidore Domnick Mendis Surrounded by the villages of Marcela, St Estevam, Corlim and Banastarim, Cumbharjua is a unique village in Tiswadi taluka which, at one point in time, was a peninsula. Around 164 years ago, its western side was excavated for navigation and, from then onwards, it became an island. The Cumbharjua canal is also a famed crocodile habitat and stretches of its canal is home to the Indian Magar crocodile. Cumbharjua is a name derived from Kumbhars (potters) though hardly any one living on the island pursues this profession today. The island village has a population of 4,878 out which 3,919 are registered voters. Cumbharjua has 12 vaddos including Talap Vaddo, Surchem Bhatt, Goll Vaddo, Tak Vaddo, Malla Vaddo, Zor Cantor, Gavant, Thapah Vaddo, Chaddassseai, Rambuvan Vaddo, Khaddap Vaddo and Gaundalim. Of late, an element of uneasiness is brewing up among locals of Cumbharjua. They feel left out and completely let down by the state government which they say has not provided a direct access road to Cumbharjua to two bridges under construction; the Cumbharjua -Gaundalim bridge and the Cumbharjua-Marcela bridge. The soon-to-be ready bridges will not be favorable to us, Cumbharjuakars. It is an irony that our villagers sacrificed so much of their 'xhettam' (agricultural fields), but, it has given them no benefits at all, said Shivaji Shet of Khaddap vaddo, son of late freedom fighter Mukund Shet. Government sources say these two new bridges are scheduled to be inaugurated either this year on December 19 or on January 26, 2015. The bridges will decrease the distance between Panaji and Belgaum by 15 km. In the field of sport as our village is bereft of sports facilities; be it a Goa Cricket Association (GCA) or Sports Authority of Goa ( SAG)-owned and maintained cricket ground. The neglect of the village is clearly visible with the construction of the two new bridges in which local consideration has not been given a serious thought. We, too, want to get connected to these bridges from our village and not by using the 2km-long route via Marcel. It is very important to note that these two bridges save time and distance in travelling to Belgaum and other parts of Goa be it Bicholim , Valpoi etc. Even the distance required for travelling to Panaji from Cumbharjua would will get reduced by atleast 7-8km, said Vijay Kumar Shet from Goll vaddo, who, in his higher education days, played for Bombay University as an opening batsman in the years 1972-75. Concurs Suryakant Gawde of Gawant vaddo Access roads are the only way which can allow Cumbharjuakars to use the two bridges. For example, the road at Talap vaddo between the St Francis Xavier Chapel and the old Cumbharjua-Marcela bridge could be used as an access road for the new Cumbharjua-Marcela bridge because this road would not lead to any destruction of any house or property. The panchayat is steadfastly standing behind the demands of villagers. The panchayat will do everything to act as a facilitator if the state government decides on the construction of access road. The local self government is aggrieved too that despite its farmers who have sacrificed over 30,000 sqm of land , they cannot directly use the bridge from their village. The panchayat is with Cumbharjuakars in their demand for the access roads to these bridges, said Cumbharjua sarpanch Suresh Naik. Residents of Gaundalim, however, feel the construction of new bridges will terminate the ferry operations on the canal between mainland of the village and their vaddo. As the ferry service will come to end, parishioners staying on the mainland side of the village will stop coming to the parish church and prefer going to Holy Family Church at Marcel as it will become relatively closer, states Fr Eufemiano Lino de Sa, the parish priest of the 1653-constructed St Blaise Church. MLA Pandurang Madkaikar said, One of the bridges has already been constructed while the other is under construction. Land for the approach road has been acquired by the government though work is yet to begin. +++ Top View The panchayat is with Cumbharjuakars in their demand for the access roads to these bridges:Suresh Naik, sarpanch One of the bridges has already been constructed while the other is under construction. Land for the approach road has been acquired by the government though work is yet to begin :Pandurang Madkaikar, MLA + People's take The soon-to-be ready bridges will not been favorable to us. It is an irony that our villagers sacrificed so much of their agricultural fields, but, it has given them no benefits at all :Shivaji Shet, Khaddap Vaddo Access roads are the only way which can allow Cumbharjuakars to use the two bridges: Suryakant Gawde of Gawant Vaddo We, too, want to get connected to these bridges from our
[Goanet] Where taps run near dry
Where taps run near dry TNN | Oct 15, 2014, 12.29 AM IST Isidore Domnick Mendes It's an irony that Batim, a lush green village, a mere 11km from Panaji, housing nearly 4,000 residents across seven vaddos, and blessed with water bodies—from a majestic lake dating to the Kadamba era to a hot water spring at Maina vaddo—has a problem with tapped potable water. In almost all the vaddos the PWD-supplied water is for not more than an hour and comes only between 6.30am and 7:30am. It's a paradox. We have paddy fields, salt pans, coconut palms and hills, but no regular tapped water supply, says Joe Menezes of Gaunkar waddo. Every year, things come to a head in the hot summer months as the wells in the village dry up and the water level in the lake shrinks. April and May are a nightmare period for us. The government and the panchayat have to provide us succor from this year-round water scarcity, says Fatima Vaz of Sovastkai vaddo. The issue is most acute for the 12 houses near the Holy Cross Chapel at Maina vaddo. The public tap was disconnected 20 years ago and residents have to rely on the well adjacent to the chapel or on tankers that come on alternate days. For years now we are being deprived of tap water. It is the most difficult and intricate phase of our existence in the village. And till date nothing is being done to restore water supply after the public tap was removed, says Maria Pereirra, a senior citizen. In the rest of the village there's also the issue of illegal pumping of water, says Daniel Fernandes of Chinel Bhatt, This puts tremendous strain on the natural water sources we have. Authorities have to act stringently against unscrupulous elements who are robbing the village of precious water. As the village grapples with the water supply problem, the significance of wells cannot be undermined. The wells are still doing a priceless, commendable job of fulfilling the water needs of the village. The well is very much in use at the parish church. The traditional sources of water have to be protected and preserved to face the water challenges in modern times, says Fr Saluzinho Fernandes, parish priest, Our Lady of Guadalupe Church. Local authorities say a plan to extend the Selaulim dam's pipeline to the village was shelved after the same was diverted to the Bambolim plateau because of its Goa Medical College (GMC). With no water tank of its own, Batim has to share its meagre water supply with nearby Agasaim and Pilar villages. Sarpanch Manulina Dias says, Many of the pipelines in the village have become very weak because of corrosion. Authorities, including our MLA Vishnu Surya Wagh, are aware of the grave situation. But till date no concrete or substantial measure has been taken to solve the problem. Batim is craving a durable solution to its water supply problem. St Andre MLA Vishnu Surya Wagh is optimistic that the underground pipeline from Selaulim dam is going to be the remedy. The water scarcity problem will very soon become history for Batim. Within 25 days the underground pipeline from Selaulim dam, whose capacity is estimated to be 4-5mld of water, is expected to be complete. This augmented supply will go a long way in tackling the water crisis of not only Batim but the two adjacent villages of Goa Velha and Agasaim too. I am conscious of the fact that Batim has suffered a lot due to the insufficient water supply from the Opa line. The present state government is spending 85lakh on the underground water pipeline project and one of the highlights of the work is that the pipeline will be under the river between Cortalim and Agasaim. Problem Problem…….. Road Maintenance : Many of the roads in the village have worn down. The roads need to be hotmixed on priority , say locals . Motorists find it tough negotiating these roads during monsoons. Motorists have been risking life and death due to bad conditions of the road in Batim. Power :Frequent power cuts occur mostly in the nights between 8-10 pm. The situation is so bad that work and household chores taken up by the residents during late evening is severely affected. Protection of lake : The Batim lake attracts winged visitors from Siberia between November and January every year .Birds lover and villagers feel a railing wall should be build immediately to protect the water body .
[Goanet] Rough road ahead
Goa Top of Form Bottom of Form The Times of India Advanced Search » · Home · City · Goa · Crime · You are here: Home » City » Goa Rough road ahead TNN | Oct 1, 2014, 12.30 AM IST READ MORE Xhakecho Zunvo|Times Panchanama|St Estevam – Tiswadi|RP 2021|Isidore Domnick Mendis Times Panchanama - St Estevam - Tiswadi Till a decade ago, every December 26th saw the St Stephen's club at Mazagaon, Mumbai, organize a dance at the Central Railway Institute ground in Byculla. It was open to families and was more popular than the Christmas dance which was restricted to couples. This dance was monikered the 'bhendekar special', for the locals who were from St Estevam, a village in neighbouring Goa. The octopus-shaped St Estevam village, spread across 8.2sqkm in Tiswadi taluka, is famed for its seven-ridged long green ladyfingers, bhende in Konkani. It is also called xhakecho zunvo, the island of vegetables. Housing a population of 3,500, the island-village, till recently, had most of its men working overseas as seamen. The distance however has never diluted residents' connection with their beautiful home, which is why when blatant hill-cutting threatened the village's heritage fort in 2006, a local movement was born. It was the flagship of the state-wide movement against the real estate-friendly Regional Plan (RP) 2011 and the spark that ignited the formation of the activist group Goa Bachao Abhiyan (GBA). While RP 2011 was finally scrapped, the current RP 2021 is giving zuemkars, as the island's residents are known, sleepless nights. It proposes a 10metre-wide road in the village which has beautiful houses on both sides of its narrow road that measures no more than 4 meters. Why do we need wide roads in one of the most gorgeous villages of Goa? These will in no way serve the interests of the village or its residents, says Lucas Ribeiro of Mangueiral Vaddo. Iver Ferreira concurs, The state government should listen to the villagers by standing by the draft Regional Plan that was prepared by us and which took care of our village's future considerations without disturbing either the settlements or the ecology. Firebrand environmentalist, Bismarque Dias, points to the neighbouring villages of Khandola, Naroa, and Tottewada, where the ecology has already been compromised by the cutting of hills and mangroves, the construction of illegal roads and CRZ violations. These villages have ambitious projects under way, including a township of 881 exclusive villas, water ballast, coal cargo, iron ore, shipbuilding, and hinterland tourism. We are trying to save our land which has been wickedly destroyed and robbed through the RP 2021. The proposed 10m road is a barbaric step to bleed the land and dislocate the locals. St Estevam is already facing ecological, social and cultural challenges foisted on it through environmentally-destructive projects, be it on its own vaddo, Tolto, or on its bordering villages and towns like Khandola, Naroa, Tottewada, says Dias. Scrapping the environment and people unfriendly provisions of RP 2021 is now a mantra in St Estevam. RP 2021 is destroying our entire village, from its fields to its institutions, especially the church, temple, schools, etc. It is playing havoc with people's lives. The projected 10m road will bisect the church property, especially in the area where the 'stations of the cross' (the Lenten commemoration of the Passion of Christ) are held annually for the last 100 years, says Fr Domnic Sequeira, assistant priest at the St Stephen's church which was built in 1575. Artimisia Rangel of Palmar waddo says, The government should never keep villagers out of important strategies like Regional Plans. Only then we can prevent disastrous provisions like the 10m-wide road or CRZ violations. While some locals are skeptical about the village panchayat's support to their cause, sarpanch Camilo A J Nolasco Menezes stresses, The panchayat is totally against ecologically-destructive projects, whether these are widening of roads or any other construction activity. We would not allow any widening of roads which would destroy the nature of the village. Cumbharjua MLA Pandurang Madkaikar told TOI, I will not allow the 10m road-widening to happen. We cannot demolish houses to make way for such a road. The mention of the road came up because it was already marked in RP 2001. Problem Problem Sand mining hill issues St Estevam village, which has nine waddos—Tolto, Igreja, Foro, Polwado, St Francis, Tonca, Mangueiral, Palmar and Akhada—suffers from rampant and illegal sand extraction. Sand extraction is affecting our bundhs which are already weak and which protect our lives and our khazans. No action has been taken against violators though I have personally filed a suit against all government authorities concerned, from officials of the mines department to the village panchayat secretary. A few months ago the Old Goa police forced me to file an FIR
[Goanet] Crying fields
You are here: Home » City » Goa Crying fields TNN | Sep 24, 2014, 12.45 AM IST READ MORE Problems|Neura|Isidore Domnick Mendis|Agriculture Isidore Domnick Mendis Times Panchanama - Neura - Tiswadi Till a few decades ago, Goans from across the state would flock to Neura for Korgut and Assgo, the village's prized varieties of rice grown in its khazan lands—saline floodplains that lie besides tidal estuaries. The fertile fields made Neura one of the top rice granaries of Goa and at that time at least 500 households here were involved in agriculture. Historically too, Neura, bordered by Agassaim, Goa Velha and Azossim-Mandur, enjoyed a place of prominence, as it was the principle shipbuilding locale during the reign of the erstwhile Kadamba kings. And religiously too, it was renowned for its worship of Bhindimahadev-the divine being. In 1541, the village became the abode of the majestic St John the Evangelist church, which has retained its grandeur to date. Let's turn the clock to the Neura of today. The village of 5,000 people, of which 2,000 are registered voters, is no more famed for its agriculture. It is difficult to find even 50 households cultivating crops. Pisciculture adopted by a handful of people, has been largely instrumental in the throttling of the fields, claim residents. They allege that mischief mongers regularly release saline water into the fields by opening the sluice gates. Except for the southern part of Neura, almost all agriculture activity in our village has stopped. Saline water has not only killed cultivation but has led to the growth of mangroves and the tree species known locally as epili. The government has to take stern action against those who release saline water by opening the sluice gates, says Ravikant Kashinath Naik alias Chedo of ward no. 4. There are other crippling factors too. What is the incentive to an average farmer who has to pay Rs500 per day to a hired labourer? Instead of toiling the whole day in his field without getting substantial returns, he or she finds it more convenient to buy rice at Rs2 per kg under the below poverty line (BPL) scheme. The government has to offer schemes so that agriculture becomes a viable field, says Nonla Sawant of ward no. 1. Tukaram Naik of ward no. 2 wants the state government to encourage youngsters to take up agriculture as a profession. Given the low supply and high cost of labour, he suggests, Youth should be given training in modern methods of agriculture, right from the pre-planting to the post-harvesting stages. There's also the land mutation process, often a cumbersome experience, that's a deterrent to taking up the profession, say residents. Devdas Naik from ward no. 3 explains, The current process for name transfer from the late parent to his/her children is a very long and tedious one. Many people have given up agriculture because of this time-consuming task which often goes on for years. The government should create a system where once the mamlatdar is satisfied with the documents provided, the mutation should be cleared in two hearings. Fr Mousinho Athaide, parish priest of St John the Evangelist church says the comunidade and the panchayat are responsible for the destruction of agriculture in Neura. Let us not forget that it is because of the failure of both the comunidade and panchayat to take action against wrongdoers that agriculture has been ruined. The panchayat being the premier local government body can play a big role by first activating the villagers to revive agriculture by correcting the wrongs first. Vinod Kamat, one of the longest-serving sarpanchas of Goa—he is currently serving his seventh term—believes the panchayat on its own is powerless to restart agriculture in the village. The main push has to come from the state government so that erstwhile farmers can get back to their fields. St Andre MLA Vishnu Surya Wagh concurs that only the invigorating role of the state government can restore Neura's agricultural glory. I have already discussed the issue of revival of agriculture with chief minister Manohar Parrikar and I've had meetings with various government departments, including agriculture, irrigation, PWD, etc. The state government programme for agriculture should be a holistic one, because Neura to Carambolim is Goa's biggest khazan stretch. From my own studies of the issue, I estimate that funds of Rs70core are required to make the saline water-infested land cultivable once again in the whole area. Problem problem Tree felling Ecology lovers are distraught with the rampant felling of trees on hills in the village panchayat area. The stretch of land from the church of St John the Evangelist to the chapel of St Sebastian would have been deforested had the present reprieve from the stay order of the court not come, claims Fr Mousinho Athaide. Hall road blues While Neura houses one of the state's most modern, spacious panchayat buildings, its hall, used for marriages and other events,
[Goanet] She wore a sari to Portugal’s parliament
She wore a sari to Portugal’s parliament Andrew Pereira,TNN | Sep 21, 2014, 01.00 AM IST READ MORE Lourdes Filomena Figueiredo De Albuquerque|Lisbon|Isidore Domnick Mendis|Daman And Diu|Antonio De Oliveira Salazar Her enthusiasm, her voice and her energy belie her age. Eighty-five year-old Maria de Lourdes Filomena Figueiredo de Albuquerque would certainly pass off as someone a few decades younger. Between embroidery, painting, restoring porcelain works, cooking and catching up on some reading, this young spirit also looks after her 410-year-old heritage house in Loutolim, near Margao, and acts as a personal guide to guests and visitors who visit the Casa Museu Vicente Joao de Figueiredo, a museum of Indo-Portuguese artefacts set up in one wing of the house which showcases art, furniture, chandeliers, cutlery and household items, all part of the family's legacy. style='orphans: auto;widows: auto;-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px;word-spacing: 0px' v:shapes=_x_i1025 Figueiredo also lays claim as the last Goan to represent Goa, Daman and Diu in the Portuguese parliament, a feat that she says 'came about', although she never harboured any political ambitions. I never had any intention to become a member of parliament, but was convinced to take it up. There was an interaction between Portuguese prime minister Antonio de Oliveira Salazar with around eight Goans, including myself. Salazar was pained at the loss of Goa after its takeover by the Indian Union, she says. During that discussion, I spoke out what I felt about various issues. It was only a few days later that my husband came home and informed me that Salazar had asked me to represent Estado da India. I did not agree to it initially, but there were several others who joined in and convinced me to take up the job. Among them was Jose Antonio Ismael Gracias of Loutolim. He was the chief justice of the high court, who moved to Portugal after the takeover of Goa. I finally gave in, and took up the job, she recalls. Albuquerque, who also possesses a quick-witted sense of humour, recounts. I wanted to wear a mink collar for the opening day of the Portuguese parliament, but, when I found out the cost, it was almost equal to my husband's monthly salary, so I decided not to buy it, she chuckles. The Portuguese parliament opened on November 25, 1965, and mink collar or not, Albuquerque says she did end up on the front pages of many Portuguese newspapers the following day. It was a personal request from Salazar that I should wear a saree on the first day to parliament, and I obliged by wearing a Benaras saree. The next day, the photograph was carried by several newspapers, she recounts. Her term ended in 1969, and Albuquerque says she had no intention of having another stint in parliament. Marcelo Caetano, who succeeded Salazar, asked me to continue, but, I declined, she says. Ask Albuquerque what she feels about December 19, 1961, and she replies: Liberation was actually botheration. Liberation is a lie. It was a conquest, it was the annexation of Goa. These are not my words, but the words used by the Supreme Court of India, which is the truth. An anecdote that Albuquerque recalls is the hurried marriage of over 100 couples after the Indian armed forces entered Goa. There were some Portuguese men and Goan women who had intended on marrying each other. Soon, after the conquest of Goa, they were uncertain of what lay ahead in their future. I was involved in facilitating the marriage of almost 100 such couples. Soon after the marriage, they took their wives and left Goa immediately, she said. She goes on, Today, lands are slipping away from Goans. The way the judicial system works; if you fight a court case, a minimum of 20 years of your life is lost fighting in court. Government jobs are up for sale for lakhs of rupees. Reservation of jobs have denied competent, meritorious persons from serving in the government. Albuquerque says that official history written for Goans misses out on several things. Do present-day Goans know that Goa would have achieved autonomy. There were Goans working towards this cause. The vision was to let Goa have its own government and also enjoy good relations with both India and Portugal. This could have been achieved by 1970. By 1961, almost all jobs, including the high positions in the government and judiciary, were occupied by Goans. Goa was getting to the point of being able to govern itself, she says. Albuquerque was born to Vicente Joao de Figueiredo and Amalia Gomes e Figueiredo on November 18, 1929, in Ponda. She married Antonio Figueiredo de Albuquerque in 1949. The grand old lady of Loutolim is a polyglot and speaks four languages —Konkani, Portuguese, English and French. She also worked in the advertising department of the New York Times in Lisbon, and later, went on to run her own advertising and public relations firm there. Albuquerque describes herself as a workaholic, who even at the age of 85 sleeps
[Goanet] Ailing health Centre
Ailing health Centre Isidore Domnick Mendis Once the go-to destination for patients from over six villages in the vicinity ,Azossim-Mandur’s rural health centre is today in a decrepit state, with locals desperately seeking its revival . The Times of India , Goa, Tuesday , Aug 5, 2014 Times Panchanama-Azossim-Mandur-Tiswadi Till a few years ago, the rural health centre in the seven-ward Azossim-Mandur village panchayat provided treatment facilities not only to local residents but to those from nearby villages of Carambolim, Corlim, Se Old Goa, Neura, Goa Velha, Agasaim, etc. It catered to diverse health issues, including eye ailments, diabetes, blood pressure problems, etc, and even deliveries were conducted at its one-storey precincts. It had field officers and they carried out checks throughout the village to ensure all toddlers had been given their immunization shots. The centre also attracted government doctors from across the state for their rural posting. Today this important 'lifeline' of the village lies decaying. Its iron pillars stand rusting, the roof has suffered damage and water has seeped into the structure. Most cases are now referred to the Goa Medical College (GMC) and Hospital, Bambolim. The centre was an important health hub not only for our village but for patients from across Goa, says Durgadas Naik of Thorlem Bhat. As a boy of 7, I remember going to the then maroon-and-yellow building which bustled with patients and doctors, recalls the 47-year-old. The facilities offered to pregnant women and infants benefited large sections of society, says Jyoti Naik of Dakhtem Bhat, recalling that the wards were segregated for men and women patients. Our village is going through a poignant phase of its existence because of the near ruination of its health centre, she bemoans. Mahendra Bakal of Dhaklem Bhat, Dongri, concurs: In its heyday, our rural health centre catered to a minimum of 100 patients every day. Today barely anyone comes, as the centre has neither doctors nor facilities. Countless representations to successive governments, including the present, and numerous unanimous resolutions passed in gram sabhas, demanding that the centre be modernized, have yet to bear fruit. Locals however have heard that the government plans to build a new centre by demolishing the old one. The foundation stone for the same is expected to be laid next month. We have high hopes that the present government will finally restore to our rural health centre its erstwhile glory. It is distressing that our village of about 15,000 residents has a health centre in a decrepit state, says sarpanch Asha Madkaikar. Deputy sarpanch Samir Naik feels if the foundation stone is laid next month then a modern rural health centre, catering to the needs of not only our village but nearby villages as well, will come up by June 2015. St Andre MLA Vishnu Surya Wagh says, The rural health centre has a unique history-it was the first such centre in Asia. I am with the villagers of Azossim-Mandur and will do everything possible to revive the rural health centre at Dongri. I, along with my present government, led by Manohar Parrikar, are completely sincere about bringing it back to life soon. Problem Problem Ramshackle road The Pilar-Old Goa road, which runs through the village, is heavily potholed. Many motorists have suffered injuries because of the poor state of the road, claims local resident Samir Naik. Stressing that the PWD has failed to upkeep the thoroughfare, he points out that the road is heavily used by those using the Konkan railway station at Karmali and pilgrims during the novenas and feast of St Francis Xavier at Old Goa. Power problem Villagers complain about the power supply, which is much interrupted. Almost every night, between 8pm and 10pm, there is a power outage. It would not be wrong to say that before our village goes to sleep, the electricity takes a two-hour nap, quips Mahendra Bakal of Dakhlem Bhat. Off line Telephone lines in the village go out of order regularly, claim locals, adding that the fault remains unfixed because the local office of BSNL has no staff. Top View We have high hopes that the present government will finally restore to our rural health centre its erstwhile glory. It is distressing that our village of about 15,000 residents has a health centre in a decrepit state Asha Madkaikar, sarpanch The rural health centre has a unique history-it was the first such centre in Asia. I am with the villagers and will do everything possible to revive the rural health centre at Dongri Vishnu Surya Wagh, St Andre MLA People's Take The rural health centre was an important health hub not only for our village but for patients from across Goa. As a boy of 7, I remember going to the then maroon-and-yellow building which bustled with patients and doctors Durgadas Naik, resident of Thorlem Bhat Our village is going through a poignant phase of its existence because of the
[Goanet] Stray buffaloes destroying the fields
Hoofed marauders at Velsao-Pale Isidore Domnick Mendis TNN | Jan 7, 2014, 01.47 AM IST Farmers are hoping the Govt gets its act together to stop the stray buffaloes that are destroying their fields. PANAJI: Xetkars (farmers) from the seven-ward village panchayat of Velsao-Pale take pride in their agricultural land which measures over 2,50,000sqm. For decades they have been cultivating sorod (kharif) and vaigonn (rabi) crops. But over the past few years many have been encountering a rather unusual problem -- the plunder of their fields by stray buffaloes that come in a herd of 60-70 from the adjacent hills of Zuari and Nagoa. These intimidating beasts 'attack' in the hours between midnight and sunrise, and this season too, with seedlings planted just a few days ago, the farmers are skeptical about the fate of their crops. As a precautionary measure some have taken to sleeping in tents erected in their fields from December to March. The government has to come out with a strong policy to tackle this menace. The buffaloes have to be resettled in a specially-demarcated region of the state, says Joaquim D'Souza, secretary of the Pale Tollem Xetkar Association, a farmers' body with around 134 active members. He points out that though chief minister Manohar Parrikar had promised the group a policy when the farmers last met him in Cortalim at the Krishi Mela in November 2012, nothing has happened. These stray buffaloes have become a threat to agriculture in Velsao-Pale, asserts D'Souza. The menace is affecting other residents in this panchayat of 12,000 people as well, as herds, these buffaloes and other cattle, also invade gardens and fruit orchards. Whether it is stray buffaloes or stray cows, they all are a menace to the villagers of Velsao as they have destroyed our gardens and orchards. They are also a traffic hazard at night as they idle about on the main road, says Kevin Martins of Pale. Though the panchayat has a cattle pound officials say it is very difficult to catch the stray cattle that tend to be very aggressive. The stray buffaloes behave just like wild animals. The moment we try to nab them, they group together and retaliate. The panchayat neither has the manpower nor the financial resources to deal with the nuisance created by these stray buffaloes, says Santan D'Souza, deputy sarpanch, who is officiating as the acting sarpanch after the resignation of Fatima Pereira in November 2013. The state government is seized of the matter, says local MLA and minister for environment and forests, Alina Saldanha. Concrete wall-type fencing and solar fencing are being considered so that the farmers can repulse the attacks, and the state government has already offered the farmers 70% subsidy for the fencing of their fields. The other measure could be to keep a wide grazing area in one corner of the village for both stray buffaloes and other cattle who have been left out by their owners, she elaborated. The farmers' association however feels the fencing will not work for them. The area of cultivation is so big that it will be difficult for tractors and harvesters to be taken to each field after the fencing is in place, says D'Souza. But there are villagers who feel fencing, especially the solar-powered kind, is worth the risk. I feel solar-fencing should be taken up in right earnest, as it creates a psychological fear in the intruding animal through its prickly but safe shock, says Martins. Problem problem Football ground Velsao village has a football ground, but its own villagers are not allowed use the facility, claim locals. Due to the ill-conceived policy of the Velsao panchayat, our football ground has been leased to the Sports Authority of Goa. Outside clubs come and play at this ground while our own people of Velsao are barred, alleges a prominent football aficionado from the village on condition of anonymity. Rail over bridge needed To ease their daily problem of being stranded when the railway gate is closed due to rail traffic, students of Infant Jesus Academy along with other villagers residing near Velsao beach, strongly feel the need for a road bridge over the railway line. Lack of infrastructure The lack of a library facility, absence of a playground for children, and bad roads in the interiors also trouble the villagers. There is no library in Velsao as a result most of the readers, young or old, cannot pursue their habit of reading through the library. There are no good playground facilities for the children. Similarly, the interior roads of the village are in a bad shape as it is not tarred, says Kevin Martins of Pale. Top view The panchayat neither has the manpower nor the financial resources to deal with the nuisance created by these stray buffaloes Santan D'Souza, sarpanch Concrete wall-type fencing and solar fencing are being considered so that the farmers can repulse attacks by stray buffaloes on their fields Alina Saldanha, Cortalim MLA People's take Till date
[Goanet] Local bunds and tollem of Majorda-Utorda and Calata in dire straits
Much ado about water Isidore Domnick Mendis TNN | Dec 17, 2013, 12.17 AM IST The drying up and pollution of the local bunds and tollem are affecting the quality of life of the residents of Majorda-Utorda-Calata. For the past two decades the 12,000-plus residents of the serene village panchayat of Majorda-Utorda-Calata, also known as MUC, have been facing hardships caused by the drying up and pollution of their well-known natural water bodies-tolla bund, pongiro bund, khursachem tollem and igorjichem tollem. Villagers were dependent on these water bodies for everything, including the irrigation of their rabi crops such as beans, cereals, sweet potatoes, red chilies, onions and watermelons. There was a time when Majorda's watermelons enjoyed the numero uno position across the state, say locals. And fish, too, was once abundant in these water bodies. Both igorjichem tollem and khursachem tollem flowed with lobsters and local fare such as pitol, tigor, etc. Old timers lament the establishment of an industrial area and the construction of a railway line, which, they claim, led to the ruination of the water bodies. The railway line was particularly devastating as it deposited huge quantities of mud and silt in the water bodies, claim locals. Farmers were dependent on the natural lakes for irrigation, but today most of these water bodies are dying a silent death and some have already died, says Jose Inacio Gomes, a resident of Dongri waddo. A teacher at a Chicalim-based institute, he claims khursachem tollem in Costa Gomes waddo is bearing the brunt of encroachment on one side and sewage being dumped by nearby hotels, restaurants and houses on another side. The water table of igorjichem tollem has gone down 60% because of the road under bridge at the level crossing at the Majorda railway station, he alleges. Claiming that this bridge was an ill-planned and ecologically disastrous project, he says the initial plan to construct a bridge over the railway line for road traffic was sacrificed by the then selfish, corrupt rulers. Since the panchayat area is a popular tourist destination, it is also home to some big-name starred hotels. Yet, locals claim, most of these establishments, along with restaurants in the area, do not have proper systems to treat their sewage, which either flows into the water bodies or the nearby fields. A classic case is that of the 1,500 sq m field at Adao vado belonging to Joaquim Fernandes. It has allegedly become un-cultivatable because of sewage flowing from a nearby five-star hotel. We don't see the larger picture of tomorrow and we are hell bent on polluting the entire area with sewage water. All stakeholders, whether five-star hotels or restaurants, should be more responsible, feels Jeorge Fernandes, a taxi driver and a prominent social activist from Majorda. He stresses that there is absolutely no emphasis on preserving the water bodies, which have not been desilted or even de-weeded. The water table has also depleted because the railway has planted along the track line Acasia-an Australian reject and a water-consuming plant-instead of traditional water-retaining plants such as mango, jackfruit and coconut, he adds. Despite this gloomy scenario, there is a voice in the village that talks of the need for a collective endeavour to raise the water table. Every household should try to focus on rainwater harvesting, says local Oscar Gonsalves. The educationist and administrator of a Miramar-based institute adds, Drinking water in particular is a scarce commodity and should be used judiciously. At my house I ensure that rainwater is retained in specially dug pits. He also takes care of cooking through bio gas. Speaking on the issues, sarpanch Moses Vaz says, The water resources department is desilting all the major water bodies in the panchayat area. As for the flow of sewage from hotels into the water bodies, I am unaware of any such case. Yes, there was an inspection conducted by the Goa state pollution control board at Adao wado a year ago following one complaint, but the panchayat has not been informed about any action taken in this regard by GSPCB. In khursachem tollem, any problem of sewage flow will be detected only after desiltation, as the fields have not been tilled for many years now. Nuvem MLA Fransisco 'Mickky' Pacheco said, The work of desilting most of the water bodies in Majorda is already complete, and the water table is now expected to rise. Water woe The village panchayat is divided into nine wards, and many areas experience shortage in drinking water supply and absence of street lighting. The drinking water supply is weak throughout the year and this gets further compounded by leakages caused by corroded pipes. Many of the places also lack proper street lighting which has led to a rise in robberies, claims resident Milagres Pereira. Another resident, Michael Gracias adds, During the 2012 assembly
[Goanet] Educating Goa
Educating Goa Isidore Domnick Mendis Dear Manohar Gopalkrishna Prabhu Parrikar Bab With literacy rate of 87.4%, Goa occupies fourth position as one of the top literate States of India. According to Government of India Census 2011 report in the list of the first ten literate States only Kerala , Mizoram, Tripura rank above Goa while Himachal Pradesh, Maharashtra, Sikkim, Tamil Nadu, Nagaland, Manipur grade below it . However this glee turns into despondency when one looks at vital schooling index be it the dropout rate in schools or the enrolment rate in higher education . Education experts on schooling believe that out of the total enrolment at primary level only 29 percent students opt for higher education. Sometime back even the records of the Department of Education (DoE) indicated that as high as 2,000 students drop out before completing the high school. Significantly in rural areas and far away country sides of talukas like Pernem, Quepum, Canacona, Sattari, Bicholim, Sanguem, Ponda etc the dropout rate is high. In these regions the effect of transition from 5th standard connected with medium of instruction from either Konkani or Marathi to English onwards is felt more. Parrikar Bab, one completely agrees with you that the charm which one finds in one’s own mother tongue cannot be found in a foreign language . Yes we need to preserve, protect and propagate Konkani the official language of our Goa and the mother tongue of us Goans. It is also important to remember that for ages Konkani in Roman script is crying for official recognition. Goans in large numbers spread all across the globe have full faith that your government run by BJP the Party with a difference will pave the way for Konkani in Roman script finally getting its official recognition. We cannot dilute an indispensable fact that English is a global language whose relevance cannot be undermined. Mother tongue can be properly and better spoken in our daily conversation especially in our homes and social gatherings. It will be an opportune idea to have English also introduced from the 1st standard onwards for all boys and girls studying either in Konkani or Marathi medium schools in Goa. With the passage of time there has been steady deterioration in the quality of our teachers. The lack of knowledgeable, dedicated and value ingrained teachers coupled with underdeveloped school infrastructure , emphasis on rote learning etc has also led to students failing and eventually dropping out of school. We are not doing better either on pre vocational and vocational aspect of school education. Three years back in 8th to 10th standard, the DoE had introduced pre vocational subjects agriculture, mushroom cultivation, plumbing, electrical repairs and home science. Education experts believe hardly any progress has taken place on prevocational education because only 2-3% of the schools have such courses. Presently, Goa has 43 Higher Secondary Schools which impart 15 vocational courses like computer software application, maintenance of electronic and electric domestic appliances, auto engineering technology, office secretaryship and stenography, accountancy and auditing, marketing salesmanship and management, commercial garment designing and making, catering and restaurant management, industrial management, insurance, healthcare assistant, horticulture, tourism and travel techniques, electronic technology. Parrikar Bab, you are a firm believer that teachers cannot be appointed on contract basis and they should be taken on full time basis. The fixed security of tenure is absolutely imperative even for technical teachers. It has been observed that the vocational courses generally offered in the designated higher secondary school are not in tune with the requirements of the local industry. The management of schools too has to be proactive in order to see which courses would fulfil the needs of the local industry. Schools in Goa can take a leaf out from St Alex Higher Secondary School at Curtorim which is doing a laudable work. This institution provides courses in electronic , technology , catering and restaurant management that cater to the requirement of local areas like the industrial town of Verna and the abode of Star hotels the Salcette Taluka . As a result almost all its students who have no aptitude or inclination for higher education after 10th or 12th are easily absorbed by nearby industries and foreign passenger and cargo ships in overseas. There is a provision that the Director of Education has a power to introduce non formal technical course under Sec 18 of Goa School Education Rules 1986 which states: ”The Director may in consultation
[Goanet] Merces remembers Dr Jack de Sequeira
Merces remembers Dr Jack de Sequeira Isidore Domnick Mendis To celebrate the 45th anniversary of the Opinion Poll Day, a melodious musical extravaganza -Konkani Kantarancho Kariakrom was orgainsed by Konkani Kala Kendr Merces (KKK). This renowned cultural group of Merces was till recently known as Goykaranchi Konkani Bhas, Songit Kala ani Sonskrutai Kendr (GKBSKSK). The 16th Jan 2012, evening coincided by paying rich tributes to the Father of Opinion Poll Dr Jack de Sequeira. The Chief Guest of the musical extravaganza was Fr Conceissao D’Silva Parish Priest of Taleigao.Fr Maverick Fernandes of Council for Social Justice and Peace along with Fr Clifford Castelino Asst parish priest of Our Lady of Merces Church, Merces graced the occasion as special invitees. A close aide of Dr Sequeira and one of the last surviving stalwarts of Opinion Poll Joao Fernandes was honored by Konkani Kala Kendr Merces. Joao expressed his agony that today most Goans had forgotten the priceless contribution of Dr Sequeira and that was to get Goa for Goans. Joao showered paean on both Dr Sequeira and other luminaries of that famous movement like Anton Caitan Fernandes(founder of ‘oHeraldo’), Antonio Fernandes (Xiru), Anton Fernandes, Joao Joao, Kerin and Bonifacio Rodrigues. Fr Conceissao too expressed anguish that the present rulers of Goa do not care for Goa and Goans. “The principles of unselfishness and thoughtfulness practiced whole heartedly by the late leader of United Goan Party (UGP) do not apply to the present day politicos who are both corrupt as well as self centered. Ironically even this year while celebrating Opinion Poll anniversary only the villages of Calangute and Merces remembered Dr Sequeira. Fr Conceissao who is also the main preacher of the famed Jesus Mary Ministry Goa asked derisively why only Calangute and KKK of Merces only remembers Dr Sequeria. “What has happened to the other talukas and more so to Salcette Taluka which coincidentally during the time of historic opinion poll had played a decisive role in preventing Goa from being swallowed by Maharashtra. Why has Dr Sequeira become an anathema to our present day Goan rulers? Why do they run from even discussing his name?” asked Fr Conceissao. Konkani lovers were spell bound by the captivating ‘kantaran’ rendered under the tutelage of melody king Lawry Travaso. The audience was awestruck to the heart rendering numbers delivered by both stalwarts and upcoming stars of Konkani numbers comprising of Mario Menezes, Anthony San, Tony De Ribandar, Marcus Vaz, Mario Da Vasco, Clerissa, Jessica, Rosy Alvares, Joana, Ben Evangelisto, Alexinho da Morjim and Elvis. The comedian duo of Joana and Ben Evangelesto were at their best to pepper the evening with laughter and humour. The 2011 KKK, Merces winners of 2011 Gandhi Jayanti Essay competition in Roman script were also rewarded with cash prizes during the occasion. --- Protect Goa's natural beauty Support Goa's first Tiger Reserve Sign the petition at: http://www.goanet.org/petition/petition.php ---
[Goanet] Merces remembers Dr Jack de Sequeira
- Forwarded Message - From: Isidore Mendis i_domn...@yahoo.co.in To: Goanet goanet@lists.goanet.org; Goanet reply.goanet.n...@gmail.com Sent: Sunday, 22 January 2012 11:59 AM Subject: Merces remembers Dr Jack de Sequeira Merces remembers Dr Jack de Sequeira Isidore Domnick Mendis To celebrate the 45th anniversary of the Opinion Poll Day, a melodious musical extravaganza -Konkani Kantarancho Kariakrom was orgainsed by Konkani Kala Kendr Merces (KKK). This renowned cultural group of Merces was till recently known as Goykaranchi Konkani Bhas, Songit Kala ani Sonskrutai Kendr (GKBSKSK). The 16th Jan 2012, evening coincided by paying rich tributes to the Father of Opinion Poll Dr Jack de Sequeira. The Chief Guest of the musical extravaganza was Fr Conceissao D’Silva Parish Priest of Taleigao.Fr Maverick Fernandes of Council for Social Justice and Peace along with Fr Clifford Castelino Asst parish priest of Our Lady of Merces Church, Merces graced the occasion as special invitees. A close aide of Dr Sequeira and one of the last surviving stalwarts of Opinion Poll Joao Fernandes was honored by Konkani Kala Kendr Merces. Joao expressed his agony that today most Goans had forgotten the priceless contribution of Dr Sequeira and that was to get Goa for Goans. Joao showered paean on both Dr Sequeira and other luminaries of that famous movement like Anton Caitan Fernandes(founder of ‘oHeraldo’), Antonio Fernandes (Xiru), Anton Fernandes, Joao Joao, Kerin and Bonifacio Rodrigues. Fr Conceissao too expressed anguish that the present rulers of Goa do not care for Goa and Goans. “The principles of unselfishness and thoughtfulness practiced whole heartedly by the late leader of United Goan Party (UGP) do not apply to the present day politicos who are both corrupt as well as self centered. Ironically even this year while celebrating Opinion Poll anniversary only the villages of Calangute and Merces remembered Dr Sequeira. Fr Conceissao who is also the main preacher of the famed Jesus Mary Ministry Goa asked derisively why only Calangute and KKK of Merces only remembers Dr Sequeria. “What has happened to the other talukas and more so to Salcette Taluka which coincidentally during the time of historic opinion poll had played a decisive role in preventing Goa from being swallowed by Maharashtra. Why has Dr Sequeira become an anathema to our present day Goan rulers? Why do they run from even discussing his name?” asked Fr Conceissao. Konkani lovers were spell bound by the captivating ‘kantaran’ rendered under the tutelage of melody king Lawry Travaso. The audience was awestruck to the heart rendering numbers delivered by both stalwarts and upcoming stars of Konkani numbers comprising of Mario Menezes, Anthony San, Tony De Ribandar, Marcus Vaz, Mario Da Vasco, Clerissa, Jessica, Rosy Alvares, Joana, Ben Evangelisto, Alexinho da Morjim and Elvis. The comedian duo of Joana and Ben Evangelesto were at their best to pepper the evening with laughter and humour. The 2011 KKK, Merces winners of 2011 Gandhi Jayanti Essay competition in Roman script were also rewarded with cash prizes during the occasion. --- Protect Goa's natural beauty Support Goa's first Tiger Reserve Sign the petition at: http://www.goanet.org/petition/petition.php ---
[Goanet] Respect the Person First
Respect the Person First Isidore Domnick Mendis India has some 40 to 80 million persons with disability……..In the years to come, the number of disabled people in India is expected to rise sharply as age related disabilities grow and traffic accidents increase. ( People with Disabilities in India from Commitments to Outcome - World Bank , 2007) India is an abode to a large proportion of people suffering from disability -a state in which a person has either a physical or mental impairment. In India, the percentage of five types of disabilities Seeing 48.55 Speech 7.49 Hearing 5.76 Movement 27.87 Mental 10.33 (Source: 2001 census) The study by the World Bank further states that low literacy and poor employment rate coupled with age old social stigma makes India’s disabled among the most excluded people in the world. The disabled children in India also bear the brunt of exclusion. Studies reveal that a child with disabilities is 5 times more prone to be out of school than a normal one. According to UNESCO’s 2009 work -Policy Brief on Early Childhood “98% of children with disabilities in developing countries do not attend school”. There are over 30 million children with disability in India. Yes, there is a Herculean task in front of everyone of us be it the government, the private sector , the cooperative sector , the NGOs, the individuals etc to do their bit to get people with disability integrated into the mainstream of society . The state policies vis-à-vis people with disability like scholarship in education, concessional assistive device, job reservation, traveling concession, specialized training institutions, tax benefits, loans for business at a lower interest rate etc are positive initiatives and need to be further strengthened. There is also a paramount need that both private and public places provide disability friendly access like space for use of wheelchairs- ramps for wheelchair access, specially-designed restrooms, and designated parking slots, proper signage, and hand rails for ramps, staircases, lifts and toilets. Apart from making a vigorous effort of getting the people with disability in the mainstream of the society , there is also a dire need among the part of the abled to inculcate an etiquette culture of making the people with disability feel comfortable by the way they behave. In a nutshell it means using the formal rules of correct behavior towards another person with disability . “It is very important to use person sensitive language when conversing with any body, irrespective of ability or disability. Every human being needs to be respected for what he or she is .” says Percy Cardozo, Psychologist, Sangath - the NGO which works in Goa’s area of mental health . The terminology or the language concerning person with disability should completely do away with outdated terms like handicapped , crippled , disabled, physically challenged . “It is important to put the person first. One should say person with a disablity instead of a disbaled person. Similarly it is sober to state people with disabilites than disabled/crippled people . In the same way, a person living with AIDS could be referred to as person with AIDS instead of AIDS victim or for that matter you do not call a person ‘mad’ or ‘mentally retarded’ but rather an individual with mental challenges” says Tina Mendis Regional Manager , The Leprosy Mission, Belgaum. The Leprosy Mission’s Choice, Dignity and Integration of the socially excluded focus’ on disability management and rehabilitation in Gokak, Saundatti, Raibag and Hukkeri talukas of Belgaum District. Mendis further says “Using the correct language provides dignity and respect to a person with disability She strongly believes that one should “not feel awkward or sorry while dealing with a person with disability. While talking one should converse directly with a person with disability.” Once while airborne with a colleague with visual impairment, she remembers how the air hostess came up to her and asked if her colleague needed any assistance. While the air hostess’ intention was good, her approach was wrong. Mendis’ colleague was capable of asking for assistance, if needed - after all she was visually impaired but her hearing and speech was like anybody else’s. This is what unconsciously most of us generally do (with good intentions of helping). We assume if there is disability, the individual is incapable from all aspects. Adults with disability prefer to be treated as independent individuals. A help should be offered only if a person requires it. It is important to be sensitive when physical contact comes into place, one should avoid patting a person on the head or the back or even touching the cane or the wheelchair. If people who are visually impaired require to be guided it is important
[Goanet] Multifaceted Mumbai Goan
Multifaceted Mumbai Goan Isidore Domnick Mendis Age is no hindrance to this bespectacled Goan who at the ‘young’ age of 81 is as busy as any person would have been in active phase -before retirement. In a recent visit to Goa he had an extremely crowded schedule. This whirl wind tour involved “conducting training programme that was spread over couple of days at Cidade de Goa. Then there were litany of social events ranging from months mind Mass to a wedding. ” says the HR whiz kid - George Menezes who after his brief tour of Goa left immediately for Mumbai his domicile to conduct a two days Effectiveness Programme for Teachers of St Joseph's School. Time management for him is the key to be successful both in professional as well as personal life. “I have never had problems about balancing my time between work, writing, and family. Among the many things I teach in my management programs is Time Management. I'm a good manager of time. I have clear set goals, and I use management tools to get my priorities right. There is the concept called the 20-80 Paretto,s law. 20% of the things you do produce 80% of your results. I concentrate on doing the 20%. I'm able to control my time, I'm able to make or create time. I am not like the man who was riding a horse through the village in Goa, seated on the saddle, the reins in his hands and when somebody asks him where he is going he replies why are you asking me ask the horse.. opines the multifaceted Mumbai Goan who started his career with the Air Force and called it quits after becoming the Squadron Leader. Later on he became the Director for Human Resources of Hoechst Pharmaceuticals Ltd. He had also done his internship in Human Behaviour at the National Training Laboratory in at Bethel, Maine, USA while pursuing Post Graduate diploma in Business Management There is no doubt that George is a man who wears many hats. He is a renowned writer, a terrific management guru , excellent trainer, voice of Christian community. His books “Pardon your Middle is Showing” and “One Sip at a Time” and “ Sugar and Spice “ have all been showered with excellent appraisals. Incidentally the second edition of Sugar and Spice carries a book mark remembering Eustace Fernandes of Amul fame who had done the cover of this book with George’s’ two granddaughters on it. By the way late Eustace was the creator of Amul moppet that was part and parcel of the world’s longest advertising campaign spanning for nearly 43 years. Published by the Bombay Saint Paul Society, Sugar and Spice priced at Rs 150 has Georges’s collection of 58 articles that have been published over the years in various journals and newspapers. In the piece Where has all the culture gone he laments at the cultural decay of Goa. “Today Goan culture is an absence of culture. People don’t return your calls. They don’t keep appointments and don’t bother to call you in case they are not coming. Or the chapter Open letter to Thackeray he ridicules Shiv Sena supremo’s right wing views “God gave you the gift to be able to make people laugh .Today in Bombay there is no laughter, only tears .” Or he rubbishes the prevalent view about Goans being alcoholic in Goans are…… drunkards? “Most Goans have a sip wine with their meals or a peg or two of hard liquor at sundown. But the drinking is an accompaniment to intellectual conversation, gossip or the telling of naughty stories. For Goans, alcohol is an ‘hors d’oeuvres’, not a ‘plat du jour’………..Complete the following statement: All Goans are easy going, fun loving-yes! Drunkards, certainly not!” The two previous works Pardon your Middle is Showing and One Sip at a Time were replete with wit and humor. “Wit and humor is a great stress reliever. It is also a practice in humility because genuine humor requires the writer to laugh at himself before he pokes fun at others. Most of my humorous writing has been during times of personal stress.” states George whose website is incidentally named as georgemenace.com The book Spice and Sugar has touch of more anger and agony. “The world and the society around us have changed so dramatically that we are faced with happenings that lend to anger rather than humor.” Says George a firm believer in God . The grace of God is truly loving overlooking the fact that I do everything that I should not be doing. I eat eggs every other day, I am generous with butter, I love cheese and I have a sweet tooth. I could live on Goans sweets.. In lighter vein I can say that God has blessed me with a medical condition that is called irritable bowel syndrome a frequency of bowel movements that is mostly a nuisance but ensures that all the dangerous things I consume are not absorbed into the bloodstream” opines George in a philosophical tone who as a young boy nurtured dream to
[Goanet] Soul of Goan identity
Soul of Goan Identity Isidore Domnick Mendis Being a Goenkar to the core, one takes immense pride in conversing with a fellow Goan in one’s mother tongue- Konkani. However it often becomes a bitter experience while interacting with fellow Goenkars in offices, shops, church etc; these haughty Goans just do not feel comfortable in continuing their tête-à-tête in Konkani. Today Goans particularly the Roman Catholics are reluctant to communicate in their mother tongue. It is not only the elites form higher caste/ class but even the humble flocks belonging to lower caste/class today feel inferior to communicate or express themselves in Konkani. It has become a fashion to eat, drink and sleep in English or any other language than in Konkani. “Goans are suffering from island mentality. They feel terribly low when it comes to speaking and writing in Konkani. Inspite of Many Goans being excellent orators and writers in English, Portuguese and other languages they refrain to talk and write in Konkani. ” Opines Fr. Pratap Naik S.J., the director of the Thomas Stephens Konkkni Kendr (TSKK) based at Alto Porvorim. Roman Script is an important component of Goan uniqueness “If we need to protect the identity of Goa, it is important to preserve and spread the use of roman script of Konkani.” Let us not forget that Konkani in Roman script has existed in Goa for the past hundreds of years. It has played a stupendous role in the development of the Konkani language. In the sixteenth century Jesuits and Franciscans priests in particular were instrumental in the dissemination of Roman Konkani. It was around 1556 that the first printing machinery was brought to Goa by the Jesuits. Even Konkani’s first grammar was prepared in Roman script by Father Andre Vaz in 1563. A considerable section of Goans associate themselves more with Roman than with Devnagri script. Importantly, Devnagri is largely connected with Hindi heartland whereas Roman Konkani has a greater global appeal. “The Roman script can also act as a great cementing force to Goans settled all across the globe. It can unify the Goan Diaspora” says the Jesuit priest Fr. Naik. Though Devnagri was incorporated in the Official Language Act on 4th Feb 1987, Roman script has still not been given its due importance.” It is a high time that the State Government ends its cruel apathy towards Roman script. The State should finally grant the much needed official recognition to Roman script at the earliest ” opines Sebastiao Fernandes and Caetano Pereira of Roman Konkani Goykaranchi Konkani Bhas , Songit , Kala ani Sonskrutai Kendr Merces. Since the readership for Roman Konkani has considerably dwindled in the present times, hardly any material is available in Roman Konkani. Today there are few monthlies and weeklies in print like Vavradeancho Ixtt (workers friend from Pillar), Gulab, Jivit, and Goykar. By the way Vavradeancho Ixtt has already been in print for the past seventy five years. There was a time when even dailies like Divtti, Sot, Uzvadd, Goa Times (from Bombay) etc were published in Roman script. These newspapers died due to lack of funds. However the most important literature of daily use in Roman Konkani continues to still be the Holy Bible i.e. Povitr Pustok Like in the past Goan Catholic priests are still in the forefront of their endeavor to preserve and propagate the Roman script. But the effective spread of Roman Konkani is only possible if every Goan starts loving this language. Yes as Goenkars we should all feel proud to converse with each other in amchi mai bhas- Konkani and at the same time we should not despise the role of Roman script. Let me make myself very clear that when one talks for the preservation and propagation of Konkani one is not despising the role of English or Hindi or any other Language. Yes I agree that in the 21st century world of tough competition English has an important place as a Global Language. There is no doubt that there are tremendous educational and job opportunities available if one learn English. We should master English but not blindly embrace it at the cost of our own mother tongue Konkani. A couple of months back a Goan priest friend hailing from Benaulim and now based with Delhi Arch Diocese visited me. I was in utter disbelief to learn that whatever I would ask him in Konkani he would answer it back in English. Sadly, today in all their dealings connected with their social and public life it is Goans themselves and not non Goans who are killing Konkani. Today even at homes an educated Goan gets a sense of pride no matter how false and hollow that might be by conversing with their kids in English. As a result when these children grow up they are not able to speak even a single sentence in Konkani. Why are we hell bent in passing an artificial legacy to our children? Why are we Goans so
[Goanet] Destination Goa for a Healthy You
Dear Fredric Noronha Please find the article Destination Goa For a Healthy You for uploading on Goanet . It has been published on page 8 of today's i.e. (30th April) Herald . Thanking You Warm Regards Isidore Domnick Mendis Writer/Columnist Flat DG-2, Block-D Philomena Complex Molluca Merces Goa : 403005 Tel: 9764007366 - . Destination Goa for a Healthy You Isidore Domnick Mendis Travelers have always preferred Goa as a famous destination for fun and relaxation but of late another type of tourists is making a beeline to Goa. These international tourists are coming to get treated in the State’s super specialty health centres. Western Europeans and North Americans along with NRIs are coming in large numbers to get cured for myriad health problems ranging from cataract to obesity. The hi- tech and well equipped super specialty hospitals and modern medical clinics with their comparatively low cost treatment and high calibre doctors is fast attracting hordes of foreigners who are coming to Goa to get themselves treated . Opines Dr Oscar Rebello, noted medical practitioner and former Convenor of Goa Bachao Abhiyan ( GBA) “Goa can really do very well in certain non emergency areas like dental, cosmetic, ophthalmologic, orthopedic, etc. For instance in many of the Western countries the waiting period for cataract is over a year. Goa can establish its important position on the world health tourism map.” Goa getting connected directly with international airlines is also helping to get foreign tourists all 365 days of the year. Till some time back these special tourists came in the tourist season i.e. from October to April but with the commencement of foreign airlines like Air Arabia, Qatar Airways this segment of travelers are now coming round the year. “Tourists from the West and NRIs from UK and USA are coming to Goa mainly due to two factors : 1) reasonable cost of surgery and 2) the availability of the best qualified doctors . For example the cost of cosmetic surgery is one fifth of that in the UK and a tenth of that in US. The cost of the popular cosmetic surgeries at Apollo Victor is : bariatric ( weight loss) Rs 1.5 lakh, facelift ( removal of wrinkles) Rs 61,500 , Liposuction ( fat removal) Rs 82,000 ” opines Varun Albuquerque of Alcon Victor Group which owns Apollo Victor Hospital –Margao and Devaaya at Divar . Concurs Dr Hubert Gomes who has been running one of the most popular dental clinic Dr Hubert Gomes clinic at Margao since 1984. “My prices are ten times cheaper than that prevalent in the West .The cost for dental implant and Metal Free Ceramic Veneers / Crowns ranges between 14,000-25,000 and Rs 6000 (per crown) respectively. ” Every year Dr Gomes treats around 2500 international tourists and NRIs. Eye treatment is another area where the goose is laying golden eggs for health tourism . Foreign tourists from western countries are visiting Goan ophthalmologists for cataract surgery, retina , refractive error, Glaucoma etc Says Dr. Chandrakant Shetye who runs the popular Vision Care Super Speciality Eye Hospital-Mapusa, “Cost of Surgery or treatment compared to UK USA is only ½ in our hospital in Goa. The cost of Cataract surgery per eye ranges from Rs. 7000 to Rs. 49000 which depending on the type of lens package the patient chooses. Similarly,Retinal Surgery ranges from Rs. 25000 - to Rs. 4 and Retinal Laser treatment costs depends on the number of laser seatings. Our hospital get 10-15 foreign patients a year for surgical treatment and 1-2 foreign patients for OPD per day during tourist season.” Apart from allopathy, tourists are also frequenting Goa for non allopathic treatment. For instance Devaaya at Divar is the Ayurveda and Nature Cure Centre which offers extensive facilities for providing Ayurvedic Panchakarma Wellness treatment. It combines Ayurvedic treatments with Yoga, Meditation, Music, Lifestyle correction, Diet Planning and medicines to achieve a healthy body, mind and spirit. Tourists from Germany, Austria, Switzerland and NRIs from UK and USA frequent Devaaya. Health tourism has a great scope in Goa , and on January 26th this year the foundation stone for the proposed Rs 120 crore EIH Goa Super Speciality Hospital at Bambolim was laid by Chief Minister Digambar Kamat . This all points to the happening of good times for this new variety of tourism . Experts believe that Goa has a great potential for health tourism. “ The climate and environment existing in
