Read the latest issue of Exotic Goa
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The special issue features Calangute and St. Alex Church.

This online magazine was designed by Rohan Lobo of Goa.

He was recently injured in a “hit-and-run” road accident suffering a broken collar bone and other injuries. Our best wishes for a speedy recovery

Contents July 2012

Personalities

• Yolanda Souza - A Yeomans Service to Women's football & the Art world
• Bruno Coutinho - International Footballer of India
• Dr. Carmo D'Souza-Prof of Law, Mathematics & author law & fiction.
• Ms. Mary Kay Graves Fry Shares the memories of her father.

Events/entertainment

• NoMoZo - II
• MILSIM Goa
• Music Video Release and COncert by KARMA
• 'LET IT RAIN', the umbrella project
• Save the Indian Bull Frog
• World Music Day
• Goa Dance Sport wins Dance Sport Nationals.
• San Joao celebrated in Goa.
• Google I/O extended 2012

Heritage

• St. Alex Chruch Calangute

Literature

• Friend - Poem by Ms. Prudencia
• Goans Overseas
• Goan Association Canada
• Goa Sudarop met Captain Sullenberger

Goa govt to invite global bids for Mopa airport
http://www.business-standard.com/india/news/goa-govt-to-invite-global-bids-for-mopa...
In Sept (Aneesh Phadnis, Business Standard)

To Goa's premiere mailing list, estb. 1994! Goa govt to invite global bids for Mopa airport in Sept Aneesh Phadnis / Mumbai Jun 24, 2012, 00:19 IST

Goa Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar has said all concerns for the greenfield airport in Goa had been addressed, and global tenders for the project would be invited in September.

After sweeping to power earlier this year, Parrikar has pushed for the airport in Mopa, north Goa. Though the project had secured the Centre’s in-principle approval in March 2000, it has been stuck ever since, owing to land acquisition woes and litigation. Politicians from south Goa have also protested against the project, saying it would considerably increase travel time to the new airport from south Goa.

“Whenever we set about projects, people always have differing views. There are difficulties. We will overcome these. There are no hurdles in the way. We will complete 95 per cent of the land acquisition by July, and plan to issue global tenders in September,” Parrikar told Business Standard.

Affected villagers, however, are unhappy with the government’s acquisition and rehabilitation plans.

“The government is not even offering market rates,” claims Siddarth Karapurkar of the Goan Farmers Collective.

The airport at Dabolim serves as a naval base and, despite its upgrade and a new terminal at a cost of Rs 500 crore, it can handle only 4.5 million passengers. The state government estimates the Mopa airport, on completion of all its phases, can handle 30 million passengers by 2045.

Concern has also been raised on the viability of the second airport, as the Dabolim airport would also remain functional. Critics say an International Civil Aviation study, too, expressed similar fears. Parrikar, however defends the decision. “Dabolim Airport would be saturated in three-four years. It has restrictions and does not allow flying during certain hours. Traffic is also growing. In my opinion, airport developers would queue for the project,” he said, adding, “The airport would be developed through private participation. The Goa government’s contribution would be land. A financial consultant has been appointed to prepare bid conditions and the report would be available by July-August.”

Western Ghats being handed over to mining barons: Goa's green campaigner
http://www.mid-day.com/lifestyle/2012/jul/050712-Western-Ghats-being-handed-over-to...
July 05, 2012 | Panaji IANS

A rampaging iron ore mining industry and colluding officials are behind the shocking exclusion of Goa's forests from a cluster of 39 areas in the Western ghats region that were included this week in Unesco's World Heritage list, according to a leading green campaigner

Carmen Miranda, former director of global social development agency Panos and a British citizen of Goan origin, who has been campaigning worldwide to end mining in Goa, said Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar had been taking "disappointing" and "misguided" decisions as far as mining is concerned.

Miranda, who co-ordinates a global campaign amongst the Goan diaspora in 65 countries said that the reason why the state government and the mining industry conspired to deliberately leave Goa's forests out of the protective heritage list was 745 million tons plus of iron ore on which the forests sit.
"The previous administration betrayed the people in many ways and presided over the biggest and quickest destruction of the environment in Goa in the past 10 years, executed by the mining industry and real estate developers. Their plan, I am quite sure, was to hand over the Western Ghats in a plate to the mining barons who for ages coveted the riches of our Ghats," Miranda told IANS in an interview.
The Western Ghats are a contiguous stretch of tropical forests spread across Maharashtra, Karnataka, Kerala and Tamil Nadu and are recognised as one of the top 10 global bio-diversity hotspots.
Miranda also said that while the Parrikar government had made some right moves, his disposition towards mining was queer.
"While Parrikar admittedly is doing some good things in Goa, his attitude towards the mining industry, so far, does not seem to be very different from the previous government. In fact, he is making some worrying misguided decisions about mining, which is very disappointing," said Miranda, who had submitted a petition to the government, with signatures of Goans across the globe seeking the inclusion of Goa's forests in the Unesco World Heritage List.
Miranda said that she could still give the BJP-led coalition government the benefit of the doubt. "The new administration is just settling in. However, there was plenty of time for Parrikar to have given by now the 'OK' to go ahead with the application. He was presented with a world petition signed by the Goan Diaspora from 65 countries, over two months ago," she said.
The activist said that Unesco status to Goa's forests would significantly guard the green areas against the mining scourge.
"The miners' supercilious attitude towards illegal expansion into the forested areas, which so far was done with impunity, will be curtailed by a UNESCO tag for our Western Ghats. The government will have to step up the conservation and protection of this region, as the eyes of the entire world community will be on it. The tag comes with tough obligations and responsibility," she said, adding that the Goa government still had time to catch the Unesco boat until January 2013.
"All that needs to be done now is to lobby with Parrikar and (Forest Minister) Alina Saldanha to immediately give the department of forests the permission to go ahead and support the application. But the ground work and preparation must start immediately," she said.

Goa government ignored UNESCO on Western Ghats heritage status
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/goa/Goa-government-ignored-UNESCO-on-West...
Rajendra P Kerkar | Jul 4, 2012

Keri/Goa: The apathy of the Goa government has been responsible for five sites in the Western Ghats region of Goa missing out on being included among world heritage sites.

Already, a cluster of 39 sites from Maharashtra, Karnataka, Kerala and Tamil Nadu has been inscribed in the heritage list. However, four wildlife sanctuaries and one national park of Goa has missed this year's opportunity of getting world heritage status.

UNESCO delegation members of government of India, the MOEF, had asked Goa for its participation prior to India submitting the proposal to the World Heritage Committee in February, 2010. The Goa government neither concurred with the application to UNESCO, nor did it supply any information on Goa's protected areas of Mhadei, Bhagavan Mahavir, Netravali and Cotigao to the MOEF.

On September 15, 2011, not a single official from Goa attended the meeting between the delegates and the co-coordinating agencies held in Banglore. On June 28, 2011, the then Union minister of Environment and Forests, Jairam Ramesh, who has led India's nomination process at UNESCO, wrote a letter to the Goa chief minister asking him to take immediate steps on submitting a proposal for the Mhadei Wildlife Sanctuary (WLS) to be brought under the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA).

It was one of the last things the minister did before moving onto the Union ministry of Rural Development.

As per India's Forest Report of 2011, Goa has one National Park at Mollem in Dharbandora taluka with 107 sq km area and six wildlife sanctuaries covering an area of 648 sq km a total of 755sq km area constituting 61.68% of the recorded forest area and 20.4% of the geographical area of the state as under protected area.

The forest cover in the state, based on interpretation of satellite data of February 2009 is 2,212sq km which is 59.94% of the state's geographical area. In terms of forest canopy density, the state has 543 sq km area under very dense forests, 585sq km area under moderately dense forests and 1,091sq km area under open forests.

Out of six wildlife sanctuaries, Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary is not inside the Western Ghats region of Goa. However, the rest of the four wildlife sanctuaries and one national park with the total protected are of 745.10sq km are lying in the Western Ghats. Amrutsingh, president of Animal Rescue Squad, said, "It is indeed painful for us that our Western Ghats region is not given a heritage tag, when the region has areas rich in biological wealth."

Goa is bestowed with a relatively rich floristic diversity. Late V D Vartak in 1966 in his 'Flora of Gomantak' has recorded a total of 1,512 species of plants over an area of 3,282sq km. Wildlife International, Cambridge, has officially classified Goa's area as one of the endemic bird areas of the world. The sections of the Western Ghats that lie within Goa are one of the richest reservoirs of biodiversity, reflecting a complexity of plants, animals and bird life.

Ramesh Gauns, environmentalist from Bicholim, said, "Goa's Sahyadri is an extremely important source of fresh water for people. The legal protection of the green cover has facilitated and sufficed the increasing demand for fresh water. By inscribing the region in the World Heritage list, our efforts to protect and conserve the region will be consolidated."

The officials from Goa's forest department said, "We are making our best efforts to get Goa's sites in the Ghats a World Heritage status.

However, final decision in this matter lies with Goa government."

Free cocktails, discounts luring tourists to rain-hit Goa
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/goa/Free-cocktails-discounts-luring-tourists-to-rain...
Joaquim Fernandes, TNN | Jun 25, 2012,
 
Panaji: Free cocktails in a certain time slot, free transfers to and from the airport and railway station, free use of sauna, sight-seeing tours plus a boat cruise on the river and discounts of between 20% to 30% on room tariffs are some of the extra goodies offered by Goan hoteliers to attract guests this monsoon.

The downpour has been steady in Goa in the last few days and some of the beaches are awash with flotsam. But hotels in Goa are claiming occupancies of about 55%. Ralph de Souza, immediate past president of the travel and tourism association of Goa (TTAG), however, said occupancies were between 10% to 12% lower in the present fortnight compared to the same period last year.

With juicy allurements from hotels on offer, tourists find the rains not much of a dampener.

For example, a five star resort in south Goa has slashed its 'superior room' rate from its December high of 10,900 per night to 5,800 now. Add to that free cocktails for an hour from 7.30pm, free sauna, free half-day sightseeing, river cruise, gifts to children and free pasta cooking classes.

A 3-star resort in Arpora-Baga has cut its tariff by about 50% compared to the peak Christmas period. Besides, during the 'happy hour', guests get 20% off on drinks. The resort also has an off-season menu with fewer dishes but at lesser prices. Their 3-night-4-day package that cost 18,000 in January for two, is now cheaper by 3,000.

Edwin Dias of a resort in Baga (North Goa) says this June, his hotel boasts of 50% occupancy. In earlier years, the hotel had just 20% to 30% occupancy in June. Dias feels that the present proliferation of online travel agents helps disseminate offers to a wider audience. Hotel discounts and sops were high on Sunday, when Goa celebrated the feast of St John the Baptist-popularly referred to as "Sao Joao".From P 1

Besides church services, Goans celebrate this feast by jumping and bathing in wells, ponds and lakes wearing crowns of flowers and bingeing on drinks and seasonal fruit. Many hotels offered packages for Sao Joao celebrations, opening their swimming pools to revelers. A weekend stay in a 3-star hotel went for between Rs 1,500 to Rs 1,750 per person per night, all inclusive; which means, the night stay, all three meals mostly of traditional Goan dishes, drinks on the house and unlimited frolicking in the pool.

De Souza feels it won't be just showers of rain but tourists too who will pour into Goa for the remainder of the monsoon. Besides dealers' conferences and incentive tours, honeymooning couples and young executives are flocking to Goa. "For July and August, inquiries are coming in. In August and September, occupancies will definitely pick up," he said.

Fatorda MLA slams 'mining-friendly' BJP govt
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/goa/Fatorda-MLA-slams-mining-friendly-BJP...
Jun 30, 2012

Margao: Lashing out at the South Goa collector's reversion of the monsoon ban on ore transportation, Fatorda MLA Vijai Sardesai said this reeked of the government succumbing to the mining lobby's demands.

"This government will do favours to the mining lobby," he said, alleging a prominent mining firm had contributed to the election coffers of parties-" 2 crore to Congress, 1.75 crore to BJP and smaller amounts to state units of NCP and Trinamool Congress".

"The ban (on ore transportation in some parts of Goa) was initially imposed to prevent accidents during the monsoon. After the Goa mineral ore exporters' association made a representation to the government to allow transportation of only lumpy ore the decision was reversed. Which makes the common man ask: does this mean trucks carrying lumpy ore do not cause accidents? Will such accidents cease to occur?" asked Sardesai.

Further slamming the government's decision to auction mining dumps, Sardesai said the pro-environment should not keep hope in the mining-friendly BJP government.

"The plan to auction mining dumps in government lands, which incidentally are located in forests, amounts to a total U-turn by the parivartan BJP government and its environment minister Alina Saldanha," said Sardesai.

He pointed out that Saldanha had publicly stated that she would not allow an inch of forest land to be given to mining. "The government decision will totally affect the forests' ecosystems," Sardesai said.

Manohar Parrikar's fellow techies to the rescue?
http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2012-07-01/goa/32493979_1_manohar-parrikar...
Jul 1, 2012
 
Panaji: A Goa-specific and need-based software to detect mining fraud, its implementation, information technology to introduce automation in Goa's village Panchayats, a 10-megawatt solar powered plant for Goa and several other such proposals are among those being discussed by chief minister Manohar Parrikar with members of the IIT Bombay alumni association (IITBAA) in a two-day all-chapter conclave in Goa.

The conclave, with eminent IIT alumni from across the globe participating, will dwell on prioritizing, revitalizing and developing sectors that were previously neglected.

The alumni association has already received proposals on various fronts that could be implemented in Goa. For example, the 10 MW solar powered plant proposed in Goa is by an entrepreneur who is already participating in the solar-powered park project in Gujarat. While that falls in the energy sector, another proposal in the field of education looks at new ways of teaching science to children. Yet another proposal in the social sector involves detecting narcotics abuse through scientific abuse. Also, in healthcare, there is a proposal for economical dialysis for failed kidney patients.

Speaking on the initiative, Shridhar Shukla, chairman of IITBAA, said that for the out-of-the-box-thinking IIT Bombay alumni community, this partnership is a great opportunity to make a difference. "For IITBAA, this is a historic moment and we're thrilled to be part of it," he said.

Screening the proposals, Dinar Bhatkar, alumnus and a Goa chapter leader along with Bakul Desai, director IITBAA, said, "Each of these proposals has been carefully shortlisted by the IITBAA keeping in mind the larger picture of building a progressive society through robust and transparent methods that enable even big institutions and the wealthy to conduct themselves responsibly and make contributions for the common good."

All the entrepreneurs who have come to present their proposals will interact with Parrikar in special one-to-one sessions on both days of the conclave. IITBAA also plans to create a structure for whetting future proposals with recommendations and ensuring follow-up action with the government of Goa.

IITBAA's Bangalore chapter is also running a highly-successful initiative known as VKC (village knowledge centre). This initiative of spreading computer literacy and e-enabling rural areas will also be showcased to Parrikar. "If this initiative can be replicated in Go with due patronage from the state government, it will open up the possibility of starting this initiative in all the IITBAA chapters and make it visible enough to seek support from governments, NGOs and volunteers across India," IITBAA members opined.

Goa Investment Forum 2012 seeks to woo investors to the state
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/business/india-business/Goa-Investment-Forum-2012-seeks-to-woo-investors-to-the-state/pmarticleshow/14530840.cms?prtpage=1 
Krish Fernandes, TNN | Jun 30, 2012, 06.38PM IST

Panaji: Aimed at wooing investors to the state, the Goa Investment Forum 2012 was held in Panaji today with leading executives from major companies in attendance.

The day-long conference organised by the Goa Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI), in association with Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) and Government of Goa began with the chief minster Manohar Parrikar holding a closed-door breakfast meeting with CEOs of leading companies. The breakfast meeting was held to facilitate one-to-one discussions between the chief minister and the CEOs on proposed new projects informed Manguirish Pai Raikar, president of GCCI.

Parrikar then formally inaugurated the Forum in the presence of industries minister Mahadev Naik, power minister Milind Naik, and tourism minister Dilip Parulekar among other government officials.

The chief minister assured investors that the policies of the government will be clear, transparent and time-bound. He also promised to put in place a single window clearance system.

R V Kanoria, president of FICCI said "FICCI will continue to lend its support to Goa" and hoped the state would emerge as the "best state in the country".

Pai Raikar expressed hope that Goa would soon see economic growth in the state, as a result of the buoyant perception among investors. Over 100 representatives of companies and institutions from the IT and IT-enabled Services, pharmaceutical and bio-technology, entertainment and education sectors attended the Forum.

Among the companies in attendance were Accenture, Wipro, Persistent Systems, Tech Mahindra, Mastek Ltd, WNS Global Services, Indoco Remedies Ltd, Airsonic Travels, Essel Group, Royal Orchid Hotels Ltd and Ranbaxy Pharma.

Goans abroad called upon to invest in the state's development
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/goa/Goans-abroad-called-upon-to-invest-in-the...
Gauree Malkarnekar, TNN | Jul 1, 2012, 07.21PM IST
 
Panaji: Dr Wilfred Mesquita, Goa Commissioner for NRI Affairs, has said that Goa Government will encourage non-resident Goans to participate in the state's development. He also assured the NRGs that the Goa government will also ensure protection to their property and interest in the state.

Dr Mesquita, was speaking at the 23rd Annual General Meeting of the Goan Welfare Association at Hyderabad, on Sunday.

The NRI Commissioner said that Goenkars around the world have risen to the pinnacle of name, fame and glory and many of them have amassed wealth. "Therefore, Goa beacons its sons and daughters to share their intellectual resources in a big or even small measure with mother Goa. Goa chief minister Manohar Parrikar has promised a single-window clearance system soon for investors,"" Dr Mesquita said. He said, batting for investments from NRGs, that this has created an atmosphere conducive for quick and transparent approvals, sanctions, and quick redressal of grievances in the state.

Dr Mesquita seized the opportunity to inform Goans all over the world that Parrikar has launched a web-based land records system known as Darnakash, which will enable the Goans anywhere in the world to view map outlines of properties in Goa and even print them after making the necessary payments.