News Clips from Goa
 

In Goa School Education Should Be In Devanagri Script Only http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/msid-5536459,prtpage-1.cms 'School edu must be in Devanagri' TNN, 5 February 2010, 04:01am IST PANAJI: Even as he insisted that school education should be in Devanagri script only, NRI Commissioner Eduardo Faleiro said that all incentives given to writers in Devanagiri script, including Sahitya Academy awards, representations on literary bodies and financial assistance should also be given to writers in the Roman script. Faleiro was speaking as chief guest at the Official Language Day celebrations organized by the Goa Konkani Akademi, Panaji, on Thursday. It was on February 4, 1987, that Konkani was declared the official language of the state. Faleiro also called for the development and preservation of Konkani, warning that Goans would lose their identity if they lost touch of the language. Faleiro further called for parity between Devanagri and Romi script writers stating that "a neccessary prerequisite for the survival of the Konkani language is harmony among Konkani writers in different scripts." Faleiro said, "Konkani is a fundamental element of Goan identity and it unites all Goans, irrespective of religion and lifestyle. The survival of Konkani is essential for the preservation of Goan identity now and in future." The official language day function was marked by most speakers lamenting that though Konkani was declared the official language of Goa, there has been no development of the language in the last 23 years. Journalist Prakash Kamat said that the government has issued only two notifications regarding the Official Language Act in all of these 23 years. He charged that the use of Konkani is deliberately kept out of government offices so that citizens have to struggle with English and bureaucrats retain their hold over the citizens. He said that the government has still not framed rules for the Official Language Act and that it took the government 17 years to constitute the directorate of official language. "The government has always been creating vacancies for all government departments, but no interest has been shown towards the development of the directorate of official languages," he said. Kamat said that since Goa lacks strong political leadership to promote Konkani, it is up to the citizens to actively pursue the cause of the language and ensure that it is used in the administration of the state. The guest of honour, Fr Feroze Fernandes, who is the editor of 'Vavradeancho Ixtt', said that Konkani should not be mixed with political, religious or caste-based tenets and that it should be developed since it is a "vivid sign of our identity." Tomazinho Cardozo, president of the Goa Tiatr Akademi, also released a book of the scripts of two tiatrs by renowned Konkani playwright Prem Kumar. The scripts were of the tiatrs 'Fullam ani Kantte' and 'Jawan'.

Goa’s Good Samaritans http://www.yahoogroups.com/group/gulf-goans/ | http://www.goa-world.com GULF-GOANS e-NEWSLETTER (since 1994) We are hugely indebted to the selfless services rendered to Goan society by individuals of high morality and ethics. Special mention needs to be made here to the husband-wife team of Claude and Norma Alvares, Soter ‘Souza, Aires Rodrigues, Arvind Bhatikar, Sabina Martins, Dr Oscar Rebello and other such Goans. These enlightened individuals are doing whatever they can to save our environment and important social causes by spending their valuable time and money. These social activists are responsible for single-handedly changing the course of corrupt men in society to a large extent. What they need most is public expression of support for exposing corruption and other social evils. I hereby take this opportunity to express my own gratitude to all the above mentioned social activists and also request them to endeavour to come together on a single platform in order to defeat the rogue elements in Goan society who are out to destroy our values and lives. Franco Fernandes, Mapusa (Letter to the Editor in Herald)

Rehabilitate us or face action: says Goa Fishing Boat Owners Association http://oheraldo.in/news/Local%20News/Rehabilitate-us-or-face-action-GFBOA/33253.html   NRI GOANS (goan-nri@yahoogroups.co.in) | HERALD REPORTER | VASCO, FEB 7 The Goa Fishing Boat Owners Association (GFBOA) on Sunday threatened to resort to violence if their structures are demolished prior to rehabilitation. This decision was taken at a meeting convened by GFBOA at its office at Khariwado to discuss the show cause issued by Mormugao Municipal Council (MMC) to nearly 200 fishing structures located along the Khariwado seashore.. The GFBOA has given a March 15 ultimatum to the State government and other authorities to work out remedial measures to their problem and resolve the fishing jetty issue. “Time and again we have agreed to the demands of Mormugao Port Trust (MPT) to shift the fishing jetty provided we get a modern fishing jetty, despite that we are often served with notices,’ said GFBOA President Simon D’Souza. He further said show cause notices, issued by MMC, are mostly the people who are related with fishing business activities. It may be recalled that MMC had recently served show cause notices to nearly 200 structures of the 364 structures, which are marked as illegal. “We want these structures to be rehabilitated in proximity to the proposed fishing jetty as these structures are mostly related to fishing business,” said Pereira. MPT in its survey carried few years ago had identified nearly 194 structures and had agreed to rehabilitate them at Adarshnagar-Chicalim. However, the fishermen have conveyed their dissatisfaction over the site and demanded that their structures should be rehabilitated in proximity to the proposed jetty as it was a question of their livelihood. The GFBOA members have unanimously agreed to reply to the notice of the council and have also decided to make representation before Urban Development Minister Joaquim Alemao and Revenue Minister Jose Philip D’Souza. Others who were present during the meeting were GFBOA Secretary Edwin Carvalho, Vice President Rocha Barreto, Edwish Carvalho, Roney D’Souza, Jose D’Souza, Sidney Furtado and others.

Master plan for Goan roads in the pipeline Written by SHAIKH JAMALUDDIN | Saturday, 06 February 2010 01:11 PANAJI: Though there is exponential increase in vehicular population in the state, the existing roads, parking spaces and overall infrastructure fail to catch up with this rise in number of vehicles. Every year thousands of new vehicles hit the Goan roads, which are narrow and are not planned scientifically, leading to rise in road accidents. Sources in the transport and police departments informed that to put an end to this situation, there is a proposal to have a master plan for Goan roads designed by road experts of the New Delhi-based Central Road Research Institute. Giving details of the proposal, the sources disclosed that a couple of days ago, three CRRI road experts visited the state and held discussions with the Chief Minister, Mr Digambar Kamat, officials from the transport department, the traffic police and others. The CRRI has submitted the proposal to the government quoting a huge amount for the work. The team submitted the proposal to the Regional Transport Authority director requesting him to conduct a preliminary study on the massive traffic circulation plan. The expert team is known for scientific designing of roads in other cities of the country. The team would inspect the roads in all major cities of Goa, all six KTC bus stands, lanes, sub-lanes and interior roads and parking lots. Thereafter they would design roads factoring into the geometry of the present roads for short-term basis (2010) and long-term basis (2030). They have laid down certain terms and conditions: they have said that they would suggest certain rectification for the existing road designs either to the Corporation of City or to the concerned city fathers as well to PWD officials, and these suggestions would have to be implemented. But for this project to see the light of day, the transport department and CRRI will have to sign a memorandum of understanding. The team has been asked to plan Goan city roads, junctions, circles, interlinking roads, lanes, sub-lanes and bus stands in such a way that the infrastructure that would come up should set an example for city planners from other states to take a cue from Goa, the sources said.

DONA PAULA - MORMUGAO SEA LINK http://groups.yahoo.com/group/gulf-goans/message/28284 The Indian Concrete Institute, Goa Centre, under the stewardship of Chairman, Pascoal Noronha, President, Dr Jennifer Kamat took a bold initiative to organize a “symposium / panel discussions on the proposed Panaji –Vasco-da-Gama – Mormugao Harbour –Sea link project Goa , at the India International Centre Dona Paula on 9th September, 2010. at 4. 48 p.m. The meet registered an impressive audience – many of them technocrats professionals, engineering students, lay persons, representatives of the Government of Goa and some NGO’s. Initiating the discussions after inaugurating the symposium by President of the Indian Engineers Association, Mr. P P Borkar, felt that before delving on the issue of the sea – link - the factors that need to be given a thought to are the utility of the two existing bridges almost 1 km long on the River Zuari and the third one underway; the land acquisition costs involved, besides the geometrics of the approach roads , the effect of land acquisition on those involved in traditional occupations, the emotive issues involving ancestral land of those displaced from their existing abode and the compensation. The issue of political acceptability of the project and the savings entailed in such projects. In a lighter vein he pointed out that – while most developed countries laid emphasis on “planning the work - in India, we concentrate on - working the plan”. Citing the instance of the Bandra Worli sea link stretch which is about 5 to 6 kms long and can be covered in five to six minutes instead of the earlier route of 8 kms via Mahim causeway consuming well over and hour. The economics is there in both money as well as time. saved. However the congestion at the approach roads are still a grave bottle neck. He also mentioned that earlier in a paper presented by the Institute of Engineers the planning ought to began at the grass root level this policy of down –up was accepted while undertaking the exercise on the Draft Regional Plan 2020. Hence the proposal of the sea-link too ought to have followed this process but it was not so hence ignorance is bliss. Mr. Anupam Kishore Jt Director (Finance) Public Private Participation Cell, Govt of Goa, who will head the sea – link project made a power point presentation explaining the nitty gritty involved thus far in the proposed sea – link project . Background - Goa has been ranked as the number one state in the country and an important tourist destination. It is the vision of this Government to make Goa a model state and upgrade it to levels of the developed world. Hence the proposal for greater emphasis on infra-structure development and fiscal assistance, found support from both the Planning Commission of India and duly supported by the Ministry of Finance Govt of India . The Central Governments view has been that if growth rate was to be attained at 9% or above then greater emphasis needs to be made on infrastructure development. It was owing to this that the Budget of 2009-10 found mention of this project and an initial budgetary allocation of Rs.1000 crore was earmarked for the consultancy work. Following this a Cabinet approval was obtained and the expression of Interests was floated on 28th September, 2009 and by 10th December, 2009 several international bidders of repute from Germany, Spain, Singapore, etc evinced keen interest and after their presentation just 3 were short listed after burning the midnight oil, in January,2010, the final decision to appoint the consultant will follow immediately. Benefits – Presently the state is well connected to road, air, rail and sea route . However the nearest rail head to Panaji is 12 kms from Karmali Station. Today the sea route plays a very important role in the growth of the economy by having an efficient infrastructure for transportation of goods and services . Integrating the Mormugao Harbour Port and Vasco-da-Gama city to the hinter land talukas and neighbouring states is essential. Presently most goods are exported via Colombo Sri Lanka . Today commuting from Panaji to Vasco-da-Gama 35 kms takes over an hour but the proposed sea link of about six kms whether it connects from Dona Paula or Siridao Bambolim to Mormugao Harbour or to Vasco da Gama or Chicalim would reduce this distance by almost 30 kms. The exact location is not finalized yet as the approach road networks need to be identified to cope up with the envisaged traffic movement. Even with the development of Mopa a green field international airport in North Goa alongside the existing Dabolim airport down South with the sea link it will reduce the distance for transit passengers or onward destinations bound passengers to the South by almost 30 to 35 kms . There is no land accquisition involved as the bridge would be over the sea. Financial --- In the Bandra Worli sea link Rs. 800 crores was invested but most of it was due to delayed execution. It took nearly 8 years instead of a mere two years . The allocation made by the Govt of Goa to the proposed sea link in the 2009-10 budget was Rs.1000 crores as a rough estimate more could be provided in the 2010-11 budget. However of this amount to be spent the Central Government will provide 40% of the funds as Viable Gap Fund 20% will be provided by the State Government and 40 % will come from private sector participation in the project. Economic – With the expansion of the Port and augmentation of the Port facilities like passenger cruise terminal, iron export terminal, liquid cargo handling berth, and above all a passenger cruise terminal to boost tourism in the State there is bound to be a multiplier effect on the economy of the State and the general economy of the country besides providing a boost to tourism and industry at large, Others - the alignment the Geo Technical Investigations, the concept design to make it aesthetical will need to be re-visited once the Consultancy firm is entrusted the task Most of the panelists had reservations on the project and that to a point though some reasons appeared disputable. Dr A C Anil Senior Scientist of the National Institute of Oceanography and Dr G N Nayak Prof of Dept of Marine Science in Goa University gave a power point presentation on the impact of marine life need for Environment Impact Assessment on biodiversity -- The study of the Mandovi estuary clearly showing how the marine life was affected in 1926, 1968 ,1986, where the river flow down stream was affected owing to sedimentation and thereby causing bouts of fish famine. This was the same in case of the Zuari river. Near the Chicalim, Dona Paula bay clamps cultivation would be affected so also prawn culture in other areas . This will affect the economy of the traditional fishermen and Goans who relish fish will be the sufferers. Even the shadow of the bridge over the sea could affect marine life. Owing to the sea link – mainly being illuminated at nights movement of vehicular traffic movement of migratory birds and even dolphins would affect them. Ironically bird viewing and dolphins sight-seeing tours which attract tourists to the state would suffer. To illustrate further the impact of a bridge – the study on the impact of the Kali bridge in Karwar, Karnataka over the River Kali showed that the river mouth was moving northward after the bridge was constructed. Apparently he felt that the CM a real estate developer has personal interests in this pet project. The CRZ – 1991 is a case in point pointed out Dr Nayak who was at his wittiest best; despite the rules and regulations in force there were “authorized” constructions – by way of regularizations and now orders for demolition on those that are within 500 metres, 200 metres and 100 metres of No development Zone. Who authorized these structures in the first place? he quizzed the audience. The development in the State has to be sustainable without adverse impact on the environment . He said while the State achieved the highest iron ore production in 1985 its consequences on the ecology was adverse. The contamination of lakes eg at Santa Cruz Tiswadi Goa filled with plastic non bio-degradable waste is a case in view. The sea link could also result in plastic waste around the piers etc. Summing up he stated that the greatest ills affecting the State has been owing to mismanagement in Mining, Solid waste management Vehicular pollution and CRZ – ICZM. these need to be addressed. Infact why label the project as a sea – link and not a bridge Prof . Dr. Nayak wondered because eventually it is going to be a bridge over the sea just like those over the rivers in Goa. Should we merely copy others – just because Mumbai has a sea link need we have one ? And making a power point presentation down loading some of the fantastic bridges in Rio Brazil and elsewhere he wondered whether we need to copy each of these. Can we not decide what Goa needs and what is acceptable to the stake holders the common man? But at least the Chamber of Industry & Commerce in Goa; felt that a project so vital to boost the economy and jettison industry in the State was not consulted. Posing several questions representative of the Chamber an industrialist himself Mr. Blaise Costa Bir ex CEO of the Verna Industrial estate as one of the panelist felt that the Government has had its priorities wrong. Have those stake holders been consulted? Why not assess the potential of other river navigation routes with Central assistance coming for development of inland water ways. Why not expand existing road network , or re-fashion the linkages to the Golden Triangle towards Belgaum, in Karnataka which is the closest link to Goa/ The infrastructure linking Mormugao Taluka to Ponda Taluka and onto Chorla Ghat – Belgaum would require that the Mormugao to Rassaim road or a bridge onto - Dhurbat leading to Ponda be improved and could easily make way for movement of container trucks and also mobility of indigeneous work force from Ponda and beyond Talukas in North Goa to Verna instead of relying on Biharis and UP nationals migrants who have cornered jobs in Verna and around. The bridge at Zuari is declared out of bounds for the movement of goods truck and containers hence most of them are forced to take a detour to reach North, or East. Upgrading the bridge or a new bridge over the River Zuari parallel to NH 17 ought to have been the priority. Expansion of rail network the Konkan Railway was much needed . The Draft Regional Plan 2020 has not forseen the sea link and finds no mention. The Eco sensitive zones would be affected by the proposed sea-link. Has the stake holder been consulted ? The people are waiting for the final approved Regional Plan but this is not forthcoming despite representations made by the Chamber . At the question answer session an activist Ms Patricia Pinto of People’s Movement for Civic Action, Panaji pointed out that the sea-link project was apparently in view when the Government rode roughshod in the Assembly to move the amendments to the Town and Country Planning Act section 16 and 16 A despite stiff opposition from the citizens thus keeping such projects out of the ambit of the Draft regional Plan 2020 and hence it smacked of ulterior motives of the Government. Another representative of an NGO South Goa Public Interest Action Group wondered how tourism could be developed if the State would be developed on par with developed countries. After all tourists visit the State for it natural ambiencea la village state and not a city state. He suspected that the ongoing plan for port development namely the cruise terminal etc were linked to this project and hence the veil of secrecy in the matter thus far. Would not the sea link affect the coastal taluka demography with this development ? He also asked of the organizers why the panel which had representatives from Government  Industry, NIO and the Goa University did not have the peoples representative in the form of NGO’s or elected representatives at grass root levels Panchayats and Municipalities ? . Another member of the audience advised the Government to browse the internet for the pros and cons of the sea link with reference to John’s Pass Bridge. A senior engineer challenged the averments of Dr A C Anil relating to destruction to be caused to marine life owing to construction of piers in the river Mandovi and Zuari. According to him there was no affect on marine life as sufficient safeguards were taken at the foot of the piers. He further questioned how the barge movement did not in any way affect the rivers thus far. The Chief Minister Mr. Digamber Kamat who addressed the valedictory function later that evening sensing the mood of the deliberations against the sea link, and the political developments in the state some seeking his ouster, and also vowing to see that the sea link project is aborted; assured the audience that his Government had merely mooted the project at the instance of the Planning Commission recommendations for infrastructure development and the appointment of the Consultancy firm would alone be its priority. There is no hurry but given the traffic on the roads clearly the congestion needs to be addressed. In fact a noted architect from South Goa speaking to this writer post function was disgusted with the way the Government has placed its priorities. He felt that the present dispensation meaning the Government was merely interested in pushing its proposal rough shod irrespective of the valid opposition to some of its project. Citing a case in point he mentioned a high rise building in a conservative zone opposite the Hospicio Margao which the present Government alleged was given a commercial zone status by the previous government Similarly another building parallel to the Rua Abade Faria and others in the Old fish Market and Pimpalkatta were cases in point where the planning was amiss, destroying the city. Many in the audience expressed discreet opinions that the sea-link consultancy pay offs will fetch the elected representatives whether in opposition or on the treasury a bonanza but Goans will obviously need to gear up for another bout of agitation if the Government has its way. Interacting with some of those in attendance, this writer noted that majority were totally ignorant of the “sea-link” as except for a few tit bits that appeared on local newspapers sometime as earlier there was no clarity on the nitty gritty of the project until this seminar. Engineer Earnest Moniz ably moderated the event . GODFREY J. I. GONSALVES, | BORDA, MARGAO, 403 602, GOA. (INDIA) | +91 98221 58584 (24 HRS) | gonsalvesgodfreyji@..

Modern day electronic media has wiped out the city-village cultural gap" Observing that the British colonial administration created a disparity between Indian cities and countryside, which in turn, resulted in a cultural chasm between the two, the celebrated actor and playwright, Girish Karnad on Monday said that the present-day electronic media has definitely succeeded in killing this distance." Though it is hard to predict as to where the electronic revolution would lead the country to, equality of communication is bound to emerge from it in the modern day India," he added. Delivering a lecture on "Colonialism and Culture" at the third DD Kosambi Festival of Ideas 2010 at Kala Academy, Karnad also stated that we must accept the fact about Indians being partly willing to imitate their colonial masters just as the British rulers tried to induce a slave mentality in natives. Earlier, the Festival of Ideas organised by the department of art and culture and dedicated to the memory of the iconic Goan scholar, economist, historian and archaeologist, late D D Kosambi, was inaugurated by the Chief Minister, Mr Digambar Kamat, in the presence of the Chief Secretary, Mr Sanjay Srivastava. [NT]

Colonialism has adversely impacted culture: Karnad Colonailism is now called globalisation, opined Padma Bhusan Girish karnad while delivering his lecture on 'Colonialism and Culture' which opened the '3rd DD Kosambi festival of ideas' here yesterday. Karnad, a Jnanpith award winner and former Fullbright scholar, expressed the sentiment that foreign rule has generally had a negative influence on Indian culture. The introduction of the English language, an offshoot of colonialism, for instance which has had a huge impact on our sanskruti (culture), he said. [GT]

I wish to reach out to every Goan through yoga: Baba Ramdev Yoga Guru Ramdev Baba on Saturday stated that yoga can help eradication of bad habits and has expressed his desire to reach out to every person in the State. Ramdev Baba was on a day’s visit to the State to address the yoga teachers of the Patanjali Yoga Samiti (Goa unit) and also the members of the legislative assembly. Baba Ramdev, who represents the Patanjali Yog Samiti Haridwar, has founded the Bharat Swabhiman Trust. “It is my wish to reach out to every Goan through yoga. With the help of yoga, bad habits such drug addiction, alcohol, tobacco and also evils in the society can be solved. This is possible only if each one of us takes to yoga. Our mission is to make every Goan a member of our organisation and to impart them yoga teachings,” said Baba Ramdev. [H]

Govt to soon finalise consultant for sea link The Chief Minister, Mr Digambar Kamat on Tuesday said that the government will shortly take a decision on appointing a consultant to study all aspects of the proposed Panaji-Dona Paula sea link project. He said that bids were invited from interested parties and that the government has shortlisted a few names. Justifying the reason to appoint a consultant in this project, he said that when the government decided about the project it had no idea on how to go about it as it had no data on the same. [NT]

Love affair behind attack? A twist to the tale has emerged in last week's case of brutal assault on Old Goa panch Vinayak Phadte with allegations that an extra-marital affair was the reason behind the attack. According to top police sources, the love-affair angle was one of the main reasons why Vinayak was attacked, for, the father of three children had begun harrasing his wife after he suspected her of being involved in an affair with Rajesh Desai, the brain behind the attack. Phadte's family members, however, strongly rubbished the allegations. [GT]

Konkani Lenten Hymns Common in Goa and Mangalore Goa and Mangalore have two Lenten hymns in common. The first hymn is "Doiall Deva Kaklutichea" in its Goan which in Mangalore is sung as "Deva doiall kakutichea". The second hymn is "Papia tum rê nirbhagia" in Goa and "Papia Nirbhagia" in Mangalore. Click here to read more

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