Target Goa Target Goa ESG asks for help from public to nail illegal and damaging film shoots in Goa http://targetgoa.com/newsd.php?id=3782
The ESG requests citizens to be vigilant as these shoots may project Goa in a negative light as
the script of the same is not verified. In case a film shoot is in process without the necessary “No Objection Certificate” issued by the Entertainment Society of Goa, request to call on 0832-2428111.]]> Sat, 19 May 2012 00:00:00 +0530 Guv Wanchoo meets all heads of forces in Goa in one day http://targetgoa.com/newsd.php?id=3783


NAVY- Rear Admiral Sudhir Pillai, NM, Flag Officer Commanding Goa Area meeting with the Governor of Goa  B V Wanchoo.


Brigadier Kamal Singh Chauhan, Commandant, 2 Signal Training Corps at Raj Bhavan with Governor Wanchoo.



Governor Wanchoo & Dy Inspector General S D Bhanot, TM, Commander Coast Guard.




Director General of Police Goa, Kishan Kumar IPS getting the Governor up to speed about the law and order situation in Goa.]]> Sat, 19 May 2012 00:00:00 +0530 Zuari Bridge to be closed on May 20 http://targetgoa.com/newsd.php?id=3781
Ferry services will be made available for passengers and two wheelers only. No four wheelers and three wheelers/other light vehicles or heavy vehicles will be allowed.

Might as well get a taste of things to come, if the Zuari Bridge becomes unusable in the months to come. Treat May 20 when the bridge is closed for maintenance, as a dry run for the future. Don't use your cars. Use public transport, get off at Agacaim, cross on the ferry, continue your journey from Cortalim.]]> Fri, 18 May 2012 00:00:00 +0530 President gives nod to Lok Ayukta, will Ferdino Rebello be Goa's First Lokayukta? http://targetgoa.com/newsd.php?id=3777
Parrikar had initially stated that he would not use the CBI etc to pursue the scams and scamsters of which he has sufficient evidence. He would place the whole lot along with the evidence before the Lokayukta in Goa. Parrikar was dead certain he would turn the Lokayukta into a reality in Goa.

It will take three months to set up the Lokayukta institution from scratch. For starters a retired High Court Judge will be appointed in consultation with the Chief Justice of the Bombay High Court and the Leader of the Opposition.

The only High Court Judge Goa has who stands head and shoulders above the rest is Ferdino Rebello who retired as the Chief Justice of the Allahabad High Court, which is the leading High Court in India. Let us hope the Chief Minister considers retired Justice Ferdino Rebello.

Justice Rebello is a son of the soil, committed to Goa and had been instrumental in passing judgements that had far reaching effect in saving Goa's environment from considerable degradation.

But the first State Lokayukta can only be appointed once the Bill becomes an Act.
]]> Thu, 17 May 2012 00:00:00 +0530 GVP joins government, will support Alina http://targetgoa.com/newsd.php?id=3778
With Raymond D'Sa and his vote bank in Cortalim and Mickky's vote bank, there was a slim chance that the pitch may have queered for Alina Saldanha's entry into the Assembly. Parrikar has too much on his plate to take any chances. He needs to protect Mathany's seat, not just to keep his numbers, but to do something that will keep Mathany alive.

Francisco Xavier Pacheco has agreed to lend the GVP support to Alina and Mickky is indeed a formidable campaigner who knows just how to handle voters.  But Mickky Pacheco has extracted his pound of flesh. He needs to stand up and be counted with the ruling side. He has now joined the BJP led government which has accepted the official support of the GVP. Will he also push to be the Minister of Tourism which was his hunting ground during two or three governments?

With GVP’s support to the BJP-led government, the strength of the ruling side in the legislative assembly has gone to 27. (BJP – 20, MGP -3, GVP -2, with 2 Independents).
]]> Thu, 17 May 2012 00:00:00 +0530 Centre says no Special Status for Goa, but that's not the special status Goa wants http://targetgoa.com/newsd.php?id=3779
The way the UPA (read Sonia Gandhi) keeps slapping down Goa's aspirations, and the way we keep bouncing back, our national export should be rubber not mining. Goa is never down in the dumps for long. We have received another body blow with the announcement that the Centre will not grant Special Status to Goa. How can they? Most of the government and bureaucrats have bought properties and villas in Goa.

Special category status is granted by the National Development Council on the basis of certain criteria. These include difficult geography, low population density, location with neighbouring countries, economic and infrastructural backwardness and non-viable nature of state finances.

This is not what Goa has been asking for. Goa has been asking for Special Status to protect our culture and our land. We are not going to the Centre with a begging bowl, we are asking for the special status that was promised to us at the time of Liberation by Sonia Gandhi's grandfather-in-law Jawaharlal Nehru and more recently by Sonia Gandhi herself when she campaigned for the Congress in the elections after the BJP government was toppled.
]]> Thu, 17 May 2012 00:00:00 +0530 Another huge turnout - 80.12 % for panchayat elections http://targetgoa.com/newsd.php?id=3780
Bicholim had the largest voter turnout of 90.48 percent. Pernem 89.29 percent. Dharbandora 88.36 percent.

Despite all the mess in delimitation, and allegations of fraud, boycott calls, etc, the people of the villages of Goa turned out in peaceful and tremendous numbers to cast their vote.
]]> Thu, 17 May 2012 00:00:00 +0530 Congress picks Raymond D'Sa, Churchill invited to tag along for nomination http://targetgoa.com/newsd.php?id=3769
Jeetendra Deshprabhu, Congress spokesperson had made it clear a couple of days ago that a local would be selected. Churchill is not a local. But Churchill had spoken in glowing tems of the bond he shared with Sonia Gandhi and how she always came up trumps for him in any situation. He had made plans to win provided it was a one-on-one fight with Alina Saldanha, widow of Mathany. But Sonia cleared Raymond D'Sa. And Raymond is going to file his nomination as Congress candidate for Cortalim constituency, supported by Pratapsing Rane and Subhash Shirodkar before the returning officer at Vasco. Shirodkar says Churchill has also been invited to be present for the filing of D'Sa's nomination. Ouch. That's just mean.

Meanwhile Churchill's persecution complex has kicked in big-time and he is accusing MP Francisco Sardinha, Luizinho Faleiro, Mauvin Godinho, even Congress leader Oscar Fernandes for sabotaging his ticket for the Cortalim bye-election. “It appears that Oscar and these three leaders know the pulse of the people better than anyone else,” he said.

One hears, today is Churchill's birthday. This must be one of the most miserable birthdays he has spent.]]> Wed, 16 May 2012 00:00:00 +0530 NCP wants in on the Cortalim fight too http://targetgoa.com/newsd.php?id=3770
The Congress feels it has a good chance of winning via Raymond D'Sa if it is a one-to-one contest in Cortalim versus Alina and the BJP. Last heard Congressmen were lobbying frantically with the national observers of NCP in Delhi.

They will have to make the NCP an offer they cannot resist, because this is the last chance the NCP has to get a foot inside the Goa Assembly. It is not likely that NCP will give up this golden opportunity. They are hoping to break into the BJP bank by getting the hardcore Hindu voters to back Ramakant Borkar. But as is the case with all national parties at state level. The final call is taken by the respective High Commands.

Bets are now on as to whether Churchill will stand as independent, or whether he will ''come home" to the UGDP.]]> Wed, 16 May 2012 00:00:00 +0530 We'll first set up the Lokayukta then see where it needs strengthening, says CM http://targetgoa.com/newsd.php?id=3771
Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar says we could always use certain good features of the Uttarkhand Bill but says, let's set up the Lokayukta institution first, run it and after 6 months see if the Bill needs to be strengthened.

The Goa Lokayukta will have administrative, financial and functional independence from the government.]]> Wed, 16 May 2012 00:00:00 +0530 Archdiocese does re-shuffle of Parish priests, assistants and chaplains http://targetgoa.com/newsd.php?id=3772
CP-P/27/2012: Rev. Fr. Joseph Correia appointed Assistant to the Parish Priest of Our Lady of Succour and Good Success Parish, Nagoa (Salcete).

CP-P/28/2012: Rev. Fr. Benny D’Costa appointed Assistant to the Parish Priest of Our Lady of Succour Parish, Carmona.

CP-P/29/2012: Rev. Fr. Dylon Clive D’Costa appointed Assistant to the Parish Priest of Our Lady of Snows Parish, Raia.

CP-P/30/2012: Rev. Fr. Doel Menino Dias appointed Assistant to the Parish Priest of Immaculate Conception Parish, Panjim.

CP-P/31/2012: Rev. Fr. Elvis Marcelino Dias appointed Assistant to the Parish Priest of Our Lady Queen of Martyrs Parish, Assolna.

CP-P/32/2012: Rev. Fr. Norbert D’Silva appointed Assistant to the Parish Priest of St. Lawrence Parish, Agassaim.

CP-P/33/2012: Rev. Fr. Leo Lucio Fernandes appointed Assistant to the Parish Priest of Ss. Philip and James Parish, Cortalim.

CP-P/34/2012: Rev. Fr. Americo Francisco Rodrigues appointed Assistant to the Parish Priest of St. Rita of Cascia Parish, Maina, Curtorim.

CP-P/35/2012: Rev. Fr. Marcelino Rodrigues appointed Assistant to the Parish Priest of Holy Spirit Parish, Margão.

CP-P/36/2012: Rev. Fr. Constancio Inacio Carvalho appointed Assistant to the Parish Priest of Jesus, Mary and Joseph Parish, Nuvem.

CP-P/37/2012: Rev. Fr. Jaime Manuel Jose Martim Couto relieved from the post of Chaplain of St. Sebastian’s Chapel, Fontainhas, Panjim.

CP-P/38/2012: Rev. Fr. Leonardo Caetano Antonio Pegado Souza appointed Chaplain of St. Sebastian’s Chapel, Fontainhas, Panjim.

CP-P/39/2012: Rev. Fr. Jose João Roque Gonsalves appointed Parish Priest of Our Lady of the Rosary Parish, Navelim.

CP-P/40/2012: Rev. Fr. Romano Jeronimo Belem Gonsalves appointed Parish Priest of Holy Cross Parish, Verna.

CP-P/41/2012: Rev. Fr. Jorge Pazzi Fernandes appointed Parish Priest of St. Francis Xavier’s Parish, Velim.

CP-P/42/2012: Rev. Fr. Boulais Aviano Jesus das Merces da Costa appointed Parish Priest of Saviour of the World Parish, Loutulim.

CP-P/43/2012: Rev. Fr. Alvaro Agostinho Martins appointed Parish Priest of Our Lady of the Rosary Parish, Fatorda.

CP-P/44/2012: Rev. Fr. Victor Conceição Rodrigues appointed Parish Priest of Jesus, Mary and Joseph Parish, Nuvem.

CP-P/45/2012: Rev. Fr. Francisco Xavier Fernandes appointed Chaplain of Our Lady of Livramento Chapel, Arlem, Raia.

CP-P/46/2012: Rev. Fr. Santana Carvalho appointed Parish Priest of Our Lady of Succour Parish, Socorro.

CP-P/47/2012: Rev. Fr. Agnelo Diogo Francisco Tome Baptista de Souza appointed Parish Priest of Mother of God Parish, Pomburpa.

CP-P/48/2012: Rev. Fr. Joaquim Francisco Carmo Olavo de Silveira e Souza appointed Parish Priest of St. Anne’s Parish, Bodiem.

CP-P/49/2012: Rev. Fr. Sebastião Eusico Lourenço Pereira appointed Parish Priest of St. Stephen’s Parish, S. Estevão.

CP-P/50/2012: Rev. Fr. Eucaristinho Filipe Lourenço Gomes relieved from the post of Parish Priest of St. Joseph’s Parish, São Jose de Areal.

CP-P/51/2012: Rev. Fr. Ricardo Pinheiro appointed Parish Priest of St. Joseph’s Parish, São Jose de Areal.

CP-P/52/2012: Rev. Fr. Vicente Leonardo Leitão appointed Chaplain of St. Joaquim’s Chapel, Borda, Margão.

CP-P/53/2012: Rev. Fr. Francisco Avito Almeida appointed Parish Priest of St. Francis Xavier’s Parish, Batpale, and Parochial Administrator of Our Lady Help of Christians Parish, Chiplem.

CP-P/54/2012: Rev. Fr. Daniel Agnelo Pereira relieved from the post of Director of the Diocesan Centre for Lay Apostolate in order to pursue higher ecclesiastical studies in Rome.

CP-P/55/2012: Rev. Fr. Jean Ruby da Cruz Fernandes appointed Director of the Diocesan Centre for Lay Apostolate, with residence at 'Lar de Estudantes', Panjim.

CP-P/56/2012: Rev. Fr. Antonio Angelo Corsino Bonamis appointed Chaplain of Our Lady of the Rosary Chapel, Carvota, Loutulim.

CP-P/57/2012: Rev. Fr. Roque Aleixo Manuel da Costa appointed Parish Priest of Our Lady of Snows Parish, Rachol.

CP-P/58/2012: Rev. Fr. Mousinho João Salustinho Afonso de Ataide appointed Parish Priest of St. John the Evangelist Parish, Neura.

CP-P/59/2012: Rev. Fr. Geraldo John Diniz relieved from the post of Parish Priest of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish, Arambol.

CP-P/60/2012: Rev. Fr. Pio Salvador Almeida appointed Parish Priest of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish, Arambol.

CP-P/61/2012: Rev. Fr. Auxemio Monteiro appointed Parish Priest of St. Matias Parish, São Matias, and Parochial Administrator of Christ’s Parish, Vanxim.

CP-P/62/2012: Rev. Fr. Jose Arvind Columbano de Adrião Furtado appointed Parish Priest of Our Lady of Livra Febres Parish, Consua.

CP-P/63/2012: Rev. Fr. Martinho Filipe Antonio Dourado relieved from the post of Parish Priest of Our Lady of Health Parish, Sancoale.

CP-P/64/2012: Rev. Fr. Luis Alvares appointed Parish Priest of Our Lady of Health Parish, Sancoale.

CP-P/65/2012: Rev. Fr. Lourenço Bartolomeu Roque Rodrigues appointed Chaplain of Our Lady of Carmel Chapel, Vonvottem, Curtorim.

CP-P/66/2012: Rev. Fr. Cajetan Joaquim Andrew Maria J. Mascarenhas appointed Parish Priest of St. Anthony’s Parish, Panchwaddi.

CP-P/67/2012: Rev. Fr. Tomé Bernardo Teofista Cota appointed Chaplain of Our Lady of Monserrate Chapel, Manora, Raia.

CP-P/68/2012: Rev. Fr. Arlino de Melo appointed Parish Priest of Our Lady of Flight Parish, Cunchelim.

CP-P/69/2012: Rev. Fr. Heinêncio Sabino Galdino de Souza appointed Parish Priest of Our Lady of Health Parish, Cuncolim.

CP-P/70/2012: Rev. Fr. Alexandre Antonio Agnelo Pereira appointed Parish Priest of Holy Cross Parish, Santa Cruz.

CP-P/71/2012: Rev. Fr. Santana Jacinto dos Remedios Faleiro relieved from the post of Secretary of the Secretariat of Confraternities and of the Secretariat of Fabricas/Cofres with deep appreciation for his valuable services to the Archdiocese.

CP-P/72/2012: Rev. Fr. Manuel Pascoal Gomes appointed Secretary of the Secretariat of Confraternities and of the Secretariat of Fabricas/Cofres.

CP-P/73/2012: Rev. Fr. Edson Anthony Fernandes appointed Director of the Diocesan Centre for Biblical Apostolate.

CP-P/74/2012: Rev. Fr. Francis Pereira appointed Assistant to the Parish Priest of Our Lady of Piety Parish, Piedade, Divar.

CP-P/75/2012: Rev. Fr. Camilo Dias appointed Assistant to the Parish Priest of Our Lady of the Rosary Parish, Navelim.

CP-P/76/2012: Rev. Fr. Leenoy Dias appointed Assistant to the Parish Priest of the Holy Cross Parish, Santa Cruz.

CP-P/77/2012: Rev. Fr. Trindade Johnson Monteiro appointed Assistant to the Parish Priest of the Our Lady of Hope Parish, Chinchinim.

CP-P/78/2012: Rev. Fr. Mariano Joseph Dias appointed Assistant to the Parish Priest of the Guardian Angel Parish, Sanvordem.

CP-P/79/2012: Rev. Fr. Caetano Rosario Dourado appointed Assistant to the Parish Priest of the St. Alex’s Parish, Curtorim.

CP-P/80/2012: Rev. Fr. Valentine Alvares appointed Assistant to the Parish Priest of St. Thomas’ Parish, Aldona.

CP-P/81/2012: Rev. Fr. Ramiro Jesus do Carmo Luis appointed Assistant to the Parish Priest of See Cathedral Parish, Old-Goa.

CP-P/82/2012: Rev. Fr. Agnelo Gomes appointed Prefect of Discipline of the Minor Seminary of Our Lady, Saligão-Pilerne.

CP-P/83/2012: Rev. Fr. Vitorino Fernandes, s.f.x., relieved from the post of Parish Priest of St. Francis Xavier’s Parish, Dudhni, Nagar Haveli.

CP-P/84/2012: Rev. Fr. Anthony Augustine Cardozo, s.f.x., appointed Parish Priest of St. Francis Xavier’s Parish, Dudhni, Nagar Haveli.

CP-P/85/2012: Rev. Fr. Savio Coutinho, s.f.x., relieved from the post of Parish Priest of Our Lady of the Sea Parish, Nani Daman, and appointed Assistant to the Parish Priest of Our Lady of Remedios Parish, Moti Daman, Daman.

CP-P/86/2012: Rev. Fr. Nolasco Dias, s.f.x., appointed Parish Priest of Our Lady of the Sea Parish, Nani Daman.

CP-P/87/2012: Rev. Fr. Dilip Donke, s.f.x., appointed Assistant to the Parish Priest of Christ the Redeemer Parish, Khanwel.

CP-P/88/2012: Rev. Fr. Dilip Donke, s.f.x., appointed also Coordinator of Social Work in the Mission of Daman.

CP-P/89/2012: Rev. Fr. Andrew Fernandes, o.f.m. Cap., relieved from the post of Parochial Administrator of St. Lawrence’s Parish, Sinquerim, Linhares.

CP-P/90/2012: Rev. Fr. Brayon Pinto, o.f.m. Cap., appointed Parochial Administrator of St. Lawrence’s Parish, Sinquerim, Linhares.

CP-P/91/2012: Rev. Fr. Marcus Fernandes, o.f.m., Cap., authorized to reside at Our Lady of Lourdes’ Chapel, Chisda, Khanwel, Nagar Haveli, and to assist its Chaplain in the pastoral ministry.

CP-P/92/2012: Rev. Fr. Felipe Neri Dias appointed Spiritual Director of the Minor Seminary of Our Lady, Saligão-Pilerne.

CP-P/93/2012: Rev. Fr. Pedro Camilo Gama appointed Parish Priest of the Parish of Our Lady of the Sea Parish, Oxel.

CP-P/94/2012: Rev. Fr. Mariano Dionisio Travasso appointed Chaplain of Our Lady of Perpetual Succour Chapel, Kurpavaddo, Cortalim.

CP-P/95/2012: Rev. Fr. Sebastião Justiniano Dias appointed Assistant to the Parish Priest of Our Lady of Snows Parish, Raia.

CP-P/96/2012: Rev. Fr. Socorro Colaço appointed Assistant to the Parish Priest of Our Lady of Lourdes Parish, Utorda.

CP-P/97/2012: Rev. Fr. Freddy Lobo relieved from the post of Assistant to the Parish Priest of St. Thomas’ Parish, Cansaulim, and authorised to do higher ecclesiastical studies in Bangalore.

CP-P/98/2012: Rev. Fr. Jorge Fernandes relieved from the post of Assistant to the Parish Priest of Holy Spirit Parish, Margão, and authorised to do higher ecclesiastical studies in Pune.

CP-P/99/2012: Rev. Fr. Antonio Francisco Albuquerque relieved from the post of Assistant to the Parish Priest of Immaculate Conception Parish, Panjim, and authorised to do higher ecclesiastical studies in Bangalore.

CP-P/100/2012: Rev. Fr. Pio Furtado, s.f.x., relieved from the post of Assistant to the Parish Priest of Our Lady of Piety Parish, Colem.

CP-P/101/2012: Rev. Fr. Santosh D’Souza, s.f.x., appointed Assistant to the Parish Priest of Our Lady of Piety Parish, Colem.

CP-P/102/2012: Rev. Fr. Roncy Braganza, s.f.x., appointed Assistant to the Parish Priest of St. Sebastian’s Parish, Canaguinim.

CP-Of/103/2012: Rev. Fr. Anthony Paulo Vaz, s.f.x., appointed “On the Staff” of St. Michael’s Parish, Anjuna.

CP-P/104/2012: Rev. Fr. Marcos D’ Souza, m.sf.s., relieved from the post of Assistant to the Parish Priest of Our Lady of Fatima Parish, Cotto de Fatorpa.

CP-P/105/2012: Rev. Fr. Santosh Salve, m.sf.s., appointed Assistant to the Parish Priest of Our Lady of Fatima Parish, Cotto de Fatorpa.

CP-P/106/2012: Rev. Fr. Jerard Sahayaraj, m.sf.s., relieved from the post of Assistant to the Parish Priest of Our Lady of Lourdes Parish, Valpoi.

CP-P/107/2012: Rev. Fr. Joagrish Fernandes, m.sf.s., appointed Assistant to the Parish Priest of Our Lady of Lourdes Parish, Valpoi.

CP-P/109/2012: Rev. Fr. Aleixinho Rodrigues, s.d.b., relieved from the posts of the Parish Priest of St. Francis Xavier’s Parish, Tuem, and of the Parochial Administrator of Our Lady of Rosary Parish, Vaidongor.

CP-P/110/2012: Rev. Fr. Lino Lopes, s.d.b., appointed Parish Priest of St. Francis Xavier’s Parish, Tuem, and Parochial Administrator of Our Lady of Rosary Parish, Vaidongor.

CP-P/113/2012: Rev. Fr. Leslie Bosco Rego appointed Assistant to the Parish Priest of Immaculate Conception Parish, Panjim.

CP-Of/114/2012: Rev. Fr. Cristo Pedro Antonio de Menezes relieved from the post of Parochial Administrator of Our Lady of Miracles Parish, Badem.

CP-P/115/2012: Rev. Fr. Siran Rebello, s.a.c., appointed Parish Priest of Our Lady of Miracles Parish, Badem.

CP-P/116/2012: Rev. Fr. Nelson Rodrigues, s.a.c., relieved from the post of Parish Priest of St. Joseph’s Parish, Pernem.

CP-P/117/2012: Rev. Fr. Frederico Leão de Souza, s.a.c., appointed Parish Priest of St. Joseph’s Parish, Pernem.

CP-Of/118/2012: Rev. Fr. Elias D’Souza appointed 'On the Staff' of St. John the Evangelist Parish, Neura.

CP-P/119/2012: Rev. Fr. Valeriano Joaquim Vaz appointed Financial Administrator of the Archdiocese of Goa and Daman.

CP-P/120/2012: Rev. Fr. Maverick Mario Cludoff Fernandes appointed Director of Caritas-Goa.

CP-P/121/2012: Rev. Fr. Savio Maria Fernandes appointed Assistant to the Director of Caritas-Goa and Executive Secretary cum Treasurer of the Council for Social Justice and Peace.]]> Wed, 16 May 2012 00:00:00 +0530 Civil servant needs written consent from AG to file criminal contempt case http://targetgoa.com/newsd.php?id=3773
Kashinath Shetye in his petition to the High Court while pointing out various issues raised by Adv. Rodrigues had claimed that they were all in contempt of Court. He claimed that the issues raised by Adv. Aires Rodrigues against former Advocate General Subodh Kantak, former Public Prosecutor Winnie Coutinho, former DGP Aditya Arya, Mumbai Senior Advocate Amit Desai amongst others amounted to contempt of court. He also stated that Adv. Rodrigues had raised various issues against some judicial officers.

Drawing the Court’s attention that the registry had wrongly accepted the contempt petition without Mr. Kashinath Shetye complying with the legal requirements, Adv. Aires Rodrigues told the Court that none of the issues raised by him would by any stretch of imagination amount to any contempt of Court.

Adv. Rodrigues also submitted that all the issues raised by him in the last over three decades were always towards striving for purity and transparency in public administration while fighting against corruption and nepotism.



]]> Wed, 16 May 2012 00:00:00 +0530 If Parrikar does not want to rock the Governor's boat, hear my petition separately, Aires requests the SC http://targetgoa.com/newsd.php?id=3774
Stating that Mr. Manohar Parrikar now as Chief Minister may not be keen to take on the Goa Governor on the RTI issue, Adv. Aires Rodrigues has moved an application before the Supreme Court seeking that the petition pertaining to him be heard and decided separately.

The Supreme Court is hearing two petitions filed by the Goa Governor challenging the judgment of the Bombay High Court at Goa which held that the Goa Governor was a Public Authority  and had directed the Raj Bhavan to furnish Manohar Parrikar and Adv. Aires Rodrigues information sought by them under the RTI Act.

While Manohar Parrikar as the Opposition Leader had sought a copy of Goa Governor's report to the Union Home minister regarding the political situation in the state during the period July 24-August 14, 2007, Adv. Aires Rodrigues had sought from Raj Bhavan details of the action taken by the Governor on the complaints filed by him against the then Advocate General of Goa  Subodh Kantak. Adv. Rodrigues had also sought copies of noting sheets pertaining to the processing of his complaints against the then Advocate General.

The Goa Raj Bhavan however took a stand that the Goa Governor was not a Public Authority and does not come within the ambit of the RTI Act.

After hearing a complaint filed by Adv. Aires Rodrigues the State Chief Information Commissioner Motilal Keny on 31st March last year ruled that the Goa Governor was a “Public Authority” and did come within the ambit of the Right to Information Act. That decision was later upheld by the Bombay High Court at Goa

Interestingly despite every other Governor in the country and even the President of India currently complying with the RTI Act, the Goa Raj Bhavan has chosen to avoid furnishing information under the RTI Act on the grounds that the Governor of Goa was not a Public Authority.

While former Goa Governor Mr. S.C.Jamir and his successors Dr. S.S.Sidhu and Mr. K. Sankaranarayanan had refused to comply with the RTI Act, it is not known what the stand of the recently appointed Goa Governor Mr. B.V. Wanchoo on the issue will be.]]> Wed, 16 May 2012 00:00:00 +0530 Amending Article 371 of Constitution is possible says Urban Minister Francis D'Souza http://targetgoa.com/newsd.php?id=3775
He complained that the Central Government agencies were acquiring land and the people from Delhi were investing to set up Holiday Homes as Goa was a tourist destination. D'Souza was the Chief Guest at a Seminar on “Preserving Goa Identity under Article 371 of Constitution of India” organized by Asha Family Responsibilities & Rights Association, at Panjim.

D’Souza asked the audience to take up this issue seriously before it is too late and that he would do whatever possible to pass a Resolution in the Goa Assembly to demand amendment to Article 371 to preserve Goa land and Identity.

Late Mr Matanhy Saldanha was fondly remembered for his efforts to preserve Goa Identity. Mr Jose Maria Miranda stated that the Opinion Poll had confirmed that the Goa land and identity would be preserved only for native Goans, who are now facing a threat of displacement from their own land.

Mr. Rajendra Kakodkar informed that a Special Provision can be made for Goa and that all should unite irrespective of any parties or religion, in order to protect the original Goans.

Mrs. Merzina Clement stated that the migrant population is being provided land for business investments, when the same should be protected for the Goan population for the future need of their children.

Mr. Rui Da Gama informed that Goa directory had even printed that late Prime Minister Mr. Jawaharlal Nehru had given in writing to the Portuguese dictator Mr Salazar, that the Goa Culture and all the Rights would be protected. Even during the first visit of Mr Jawaharlal Nehru to Goa, he has assured the Goans that all their Rights and Culture would be protected by the Government of India.

It was further decided that the new Government of Goa should immediately pass a Resolution in the Goa Assembly asking the Central Government to amend the Constitution of India granting Special Provision to preserve Goa Identity and Culture under Article 371.]]> Wed, 16 May 2012 00:00:00 +0530 Parrikar caps number of floating casinos, but no talk of shifting them out of the Mandovi http://targetgoa.com/newsd.php?id=3776 Horseshoe. "Among the 6 offshore live casino gaming licenses issued by the Government of Goa, Delta owns and operates 3 licenses, i.e Casino Royale, Caravela and Horseshoe (coming soon). These casinos offer a variety of international games like Baccarat, Poker, Roulette, Black Jack, etc." Check this link http://www.deltacorp.in/group.html

And then on the same website, Delta unveils plans to bring in a floating hotel. Check this link http://www.deltacorp.in/hospitality.html "to provide luxury accommodation to the high-rolling guests". They will register the Royale Floatel as a luxury hotel and they could park it in the Mandovi along with the six other off-shore casinos.

We still say, we have no issue with Goans losing their parents hard-earned money, but we have issue with off-shore casinos in the River. If they are "off-shore", they should be off-shore out of the river and off the coast. And no more permanently anchored ships should be allowed in the Mandovi which is turning into an obstacle course with barges and casinos, cruise boats, yachts, ferries, waterscooters and banana boats. Let's not wait for an accident to happen.]]> Wed, 16 May 2012 00:00:00 +0530 Hopeless farmers believe Sesa Goa is to be more feared than terrorists http://targetgoa.com/newsd.php?id=3768

MONSTER DUMP 1.7 km long and 90 mts high

Monster dump blocks Advai Nullah
The Sesa Goa dump is the largest OB (Over Burden) Waste dump in Goa at Advai, in Sattari taluka. The dump is actually an almost 90-metre high hill which is 1.7 km long. This dump has blocked the natural stream or Advoi nullah which used to flow perennially and water the fields and orchards in the area. Now it flows during the monsoons thick with mining reject. It dries up completely in February. The dump consists of clay soil on which nothing grows except acacia which sucks up all the water in the area and destroys other trees in the vicinity. This, claims the troubled farmers, is also the game plan of the mining company, since once water in the area is depleted, the forest cover dwindles.

 
CONVERTED ADVAI NULLAH Now used as a series of settlin ponds

On the way to the Sesa Goa dump one sees the Chowgule dump partially covered by Acacia plants. An entire section of the Chowgule dump collapsed on itself.

When earth is dug up for mining, one part contains mineral ore while six parts contain mud which has little or no value. That mud has to be dumped somewhere. It cannot be dumped in the mining lease area, since the area has to be exploited to the last centimetre, so the mining company looks for land to dump the O B Waste. Sesa Goa’s Sonshi mine, which is 8 kilometers away from the Advai Nullah signed an agreement with the Revenue Secretary, Government of Goa to dump its O B waste in government land, under survey number 35. The government land was leased to Sesa Goa for a princely sum of Rs 10,000 to Rs 12000, say the farmers. The agreement expired in October 2011 and no one knows whether the contract has been renewed.

Survey No 35 was not enough for Sesa Goa, they extended their dump to survey numbers 32, 34, 35, 36/1, 36/2and 38 which are government properties encroached upon by others for cashew cultivations and other agricultural purposes. The dump has already spread into protected forested area. The mining giant is currently hunting for more parcels of land to dump its rejects in.

Survey No 1 in Codiem is protected forested area. It contains a tract of lush green forest (see photograph). If they are not stopped, this forested area too will be buried alive.

Sesa needs more land for dumping
Considering that for every seven parts of earth that is dug up, one part contains ore, the rest – six parts – is reject. Sesa Goa is going to need much more land for piling up its OB Waste. In 2005-06 Sesa Goa applied for permission to mine 12 lakh tones of ore per annum. This was increased to 20 lakh tonnes in 2007-08 and 30 lakh tones in 2008-09. This was when A Raja headed the Union Ministry of Mines. A Raja is the same gentleman sitting in Tihar Jail for the telecom scam. Which brings one to the conclusion that while digging a mine can and does inflict serious damage on the land, the dumps inflict even more damage. Especially when they keep adding ‘benches’ or tiers. In October last the dump was 72 metres, two benches have been added bringing the height of the dump to more than 90 metres.


NEW DANGER Forest in Codiem ready for burial ( below) lush forest at Codiem



The farmers have accessed documents of Sesa Goa from the Mining Department. Sonshi mining lease covers an area of 62 hectares. Their first dumps for collecting the waste covered an area of 21 hectares, but these dumps are getting filled to capacity. They are now planning to take up three survey numbers in Codiem. The company is looking for 50 hectares more for dumping reject. They would then have effectively destroyed 62+21+50 and even that is not enough. How can it be? Sesa Goa’s annual turnover is more than the entire Budget of Goa.

Safeguards look inadequate
Sesa Goa was ordered by the High Court to stop dumping any more material on the dump. Sesa Goa informed the Court that they would safeguard the dump by contouring it and covering each bench with geotextile to prevent landslides and damage to the surrounding forest land. The geotextile sheets seem woefully inadequate and some of the lower levels of the giant dump have already developed fissures. Sesa is building a concrete wall around the dump to hold it in place, but would prove less than useless against the enormous height of the dump, or the slope which is 55 to 60 degrees. The concrete wall will not hold the enormous mass of loose mud.

 
GEOTEXTILE SHEETS INADEQUATE close shot on the right (below) cracks and fissures



The mining company has begun constructing a concrete wall around the base of the dump. This is too small to contain the mass of unstable mud. Sesa Goa has constructed a temple some distance away from the dump. They are taking all precautions to keep the temple safe by constructing a wall around the temple.

 
CONCRETE WALLS not enough for the dump, maybe just enough to save the temple

To make matters worse the Advai Nullah area which used to be thickly forested, gets the heaviest rainfall in the district. This begs the question: Did the pundits of Sesa Goa deliberately select this area over the Advai Nullah to spread destruction far and wide. The farmers predict that not just all of Sattari taluka will suffer once the dump collapses, the Mhadei and Mandovi and those who depend on the rivers will suffer too.


BURIED ALIVE! This is how you bury a forest

Trees were buried and more are at risk
Since getting permits to fell trees in Government forest land is impossible since trees are not allowed to be cut in Government forest land. There is no law against burying the trees though. Sesa Goa merely dumped the mud over the trees, burying them and raised the dump to a height of almost 90 metres. The trucks drive up on roads tamped on the contoured ‘benches’ and we saw that they were still dumping soil on the dump. They have already started extending the dump into a local farmer Tendulkar’s property. Tendulkar had already leased or sold land to the mining company, he now owns several trucks for transporting ore and has built a spanking new bungalow in the path of the floodwaters if or rather when they arrive.

 
TRUCKS STILL DUMPING despite court order

Sesa Goa has bypassed the Government of Goa and acquired land from Other Rights Holders whose names are included in Form I & XIV. Under the Right to Information the complainants learned that the mining lease is in the name of Cosme Costa & Sons, but the documentation says that the ore is sold at the pithead to Sesa Goa. The Environment Plans and other documents have been submitted by Sesa Goa.

Farmers’ lawyer now works for Sesa Goa, claim farmers
Not only has Sesa Goa killed a 1.7 stretch of forest at Advai, the company also diverted the perennial nullah by digging out a nullah using heavy earth moving machinery to divert the water. But the springs were in the original Advai nullah now covered with mud. The farmers in the area were dependent on the water from the nullah for irrigating their kullaghars (betel nut plantations) banana, cashew and coconut plantation. Once the water dried up, they learned that the ground water too had depleted to such an extent that they could get water only by boring a well 70 metres deep. Desperate now for redressal, 30 affected farmers had taken the case to court in 2000. Judge Ferdino Rebello presided over the case. In 2003 the judge gave the order that no more mining reject could be added to the dump. Nothing much was said about restoring the nullah. You will see how this is significant.


WORRIED AND DEJECTED the last warriors fighting to protect their land

The farmers asked their lawyer to get an order for its restoration, but their lawyer told them that there was no need too. It is significant that the lawyer is presently working in the legal department of Sesa Goa. Of the 30 complainants, only two families – the Desais and Sawaikars continue to fight against the monster dump that had destroyed their nullah. What happened to the rest of the complainants? Most of them own trucks and transport ore for Sesa Goa and other mine owners.

No value in the soil of dump
Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar has a plan to take over all the dumps in Government and forest land, but this 1.7km, 100 mt high dump has no monetary value at all. It has been exhausted of all ore. It is just clay, say the farmers. The reject is mud shorn of all nutrients in which no trees except acacia and scrub can grow. Acacia spells the death knell of forested areas, since the trees are water guzzlers and deplete the groundwater, even while spreading all over a forested area. Many countries have discouraged the planting of acacia trees.

Water scarcity where there was plenty
There was a man named Chari who dug a well just 15 feet deep. In those days, water was available at just 3 metres below the surface of the land. Chari used to supply 15 – 20 trucks of potable water to the mining company to spray water on the surrounding area and roads. Now Chari’s well has dried up and he has to depend on the mining company’s tankers to supply him with drinking water.

 
SHOCKING CRUELTY what's left of the original nullah(left) and the new Sesa Goa made diversion (right) neither carries any water in the months water is desperately needed

Reduced to waiting for a mega disaster
The farmers have given a file to the Mining Department, to the Chief Minister, to the Indian Bureau of Mines, to the Forest Department (1.7 km of forest has been buried alive by Sesa Goa and another lush green forested area, see photograph is due for burial soon). But the Forest Department Officials famously stated that they can do nothing about forests in Government lands. Each department of Government refuses to take a decision saying that they have no powers to act against Sesa Goa.

Deputy Collector & SDO, Bicholim Sub-Division has directed the Mamlatdar of Sattari Taluka to carry out the inspection and submit a detailed checklist with plan and photographs. The farmers have submitted a memorandum to the Chief Minister of Goa who is also the Minister of Mines to do something about ht illegal dumping of mining rejects in the villages of Vaghurem and Codiem villages. The farmers are happy but not too hopeful that firebrand environment activist Claude Sir (Claude Alvares of Goa Foundation) has taken the trouble to come and see the impending disaster for himself. They know that destruction of fertile lands is inevitable. As will be the choking of the River Mandovi. Only then will the good people of Goa stand up and shout.

COMMUNIQUE FROM CLAUDE ALVARES, PRESIDENT, GOA FOUNDATION (GF): The legal limit (if it is of any use right now) is 30 metres given to them under the law. They have violated everything there including Rebello's earlier judgement on Advoi nallah. The GF has taken up the matter with the CM, Director of Mines and Pollution Board. No action from any, except site visits by the last. GF will not disclose further what it is proposing to do in the matter.

(Permission granted to use this article or parts of it including photographs. All photographs clicked by Bevinda Collaco)
]]> Tue, 15 May 2012 00:00:00 +0530 Law Dept overrules Dir of Prosecution opinion on dropping former IGP son accident case http://targetgoa.com/newsd.php?id=3766
On 4th December 2009 Siddharth Singh, the former IGP’s son was driving his father’s official vehicle along with his friends to a night club at Vasco when he crashed the vehicle while also damaging two electricity poles. The repair of that damaged Toyota Innova cost the State exchequer Rs 4,33,200. Mr. K.D Singh on his retirement as IGP of Goa has now settled in Porvorim.

It may be recalled that Director of Prosecution Mrs. Shobha Dhumaskar had in a controversial legal opinion given on 22nd Feb 2010 opined that the IGP’s son should not be chargesheeted in that accident case and that the case be closed as it would be difficult to prove the case in Court.

After Adv. Aires Rodrigues complained that the opinion given by Mrs. Shobha Dhumaskar was politically tainted and manipulated, the Chief Secretary directed the Law department to examine that legal opinion given by Director of Prosecution Mrs. Shobha Dhumaskar.

Law Secretary Mr. Pramod Kamat in his opinion submitted to the government last week has stated that there was enough evidence to establish that the former IGP’s son was unauthorisedly driving his father’s official vehicle in a rash and negligent manner. The Law department has opined that the former IGP Mr. K.D.Singh and his son should be both prosecuted in the case

The Law department has pointed out that the then IGP Mr. K.D.Singh who was incharge of the vehicle allotted to him had permitted his son to drive the vehicle though he was not authorized to use the vehicle thus violating Section 180 of the Motor vehicles Act.

Opining that it was not proper for the Director of Prosecution to rule against filing a charge sheet, the Law department has held that from the facts on record there was a good scope for the prosecution to file the charge sheet.

The Law Secretary has directed that the investigation in the case be expedited and that the accused be chargesheeted under Sections 279 and 337 of Indian Penal Code along with offences under the Motor vehicles Act.

The Home department has now sent the opinion of the Law Secretary to the Director General of Police to take necessary action accordingly.]]> Mon, 14 May 2012 00:00:00 +0530 Dayanand overthrown from BCA throne http://targetgoa.com/newsd.php?id=3764
Parrikar said of course he would support them, provided whatever they did was legal. The coup leaders have announced that they voted out the President and that if he so wished he could stand for elections to the post again, but they have already set up a new GCA Managing Committee.

The GCA is the wealthiest sports association in the State and Narvekar has been the President from 1998. 14 years.

In an unrelated move questions are also being raised by parents of basketballers about the 25-year long uninterrupted reign of the Goa Basketball Association President C.F.Vaz.

Latest update: The new managing committee of the GCA entered the GCA premises at Porvorim with police and took charge of certain documents. They were suspecting that Narvekar insisted on occupying the office with a view to removing some incriminating documents.]]> Sun, 13 May 2012 00:00:00 +0530 Rules for booze - four day shut-down in villages, May 15, 16, 17 & 18 http://targetgoa.com/newsd.php?id=3765
If you are carrying liquor to or from your home or place of work, the Government has prescribed that the following shall be the maximum quantity of liquor which can be transported from one place to another within the State of Goa other than Municipal areas. This is also the amount which can be possessed by any person within the said areas without permit issued in accordance with the provisions of the related Act.

You can carry three quart bottles of Indian made foreign liquor other than beer and six bottles of beer of 650 ml. for any person including your family. Three quart bottles of country liquor for any person including his family. This notification kicks in and remains in force from May 15, 2012 to May 18, 2012 in view of the elections to 185 Village Panchayats in the State of Goa which will be held on May 16, 2012.]]> Sun, 13 May 2012 00:00:00 +0530 Goa gets a Digital Planetarium at the Goa Science Centre http://targetgoa.com/newsd.php?id=3767
The new facility is set up by the National Council of Science Museums (NCSM) an apex organization for Science popularization in the country. Goa Science Centre is one of the 26 Science Centres in the country under its administrative control. The Council is working under the aegis of Ministry of Culture, Government of India. For this state-of-the-art digital planetarium. Department of Science, Technology & Envirnment, Government of Goa has contributed 50 % of the project cost. It cost around Rs 1 crore to set up.


DIGITAL PLANETARIUM, to encourage scientific thinking in our chiildren

Regular shows will be conducted in Hindi and English. In all 4 shows will be conducted every day and each show will be of half an hour duration. These will be at 11 am, 1 pm, 3 pm and 5 pm respectively. There will also be a provision to organize special shows for organized groups of 25 or more.

The Science Centre remains open on all days except Holi and Diwal between 10 am to 6 pm.


ROCK AND VICTORY SIGNS, as delighted children cheer Parrikar as he inaugurates the Digital Planetarium at the Goa Science Centre
]]> Sun, 13 May 2012 00:00:00 +0530