OHERALDOThe Voice of Goa Since 1900

Region: Kareena to play

a sex-worker Pg 5

Sports: Saina wins Singapore

Open Super Series Pg 13Business: The road map for

the tax department Pg 12

Visit us at:www.oheraldo.in pAnjim, monDAY, june 21, 2010 pRiCe Rs. 3.00 (Air Surcharge Rs. 1.50) pages 18

in BrieF

Sir!! We have seized illegally ripeMangoes and calcium carbide,what do we with these kids work-ing in the godown???

Todays Matches

north korea vs portugalat 5.00 pm

switzerland vs chileat 7.30 pm

spain vs hondurasat 00.00 Am

Agenda ready forIndo-Pak meetingsThe Cabinet Committee on Se-curity is understood to havefirmed up agenda on Sundayfor upcoming Home Ministerand Foreign Secretary-leveltalks between India and Pak-istan. (PTI)

A supporter of Brazil cheers for his team during the match between Brazil and Ivory Coast on Sunday at Soccer City stadium in Soweto.

HERALD REPORTER

PANJIM, JUNE 20

Ahead of the assembly sessionnext month, the Bharatiya JanataParty (BJP) today threatened toexpose the family members ofministers in the DigamberKamat-led government who areacting as dalals and collectionagents on the floor of theHouse.

Wait and see, we will exposeeveryone playing the roles ofdalals and collection agents, dur-ing the upcoming assembly ses-sion, BJP President LaxmikantParsekar told reporters.

Every infrastructure projectis tendered for a price. Familymembers of the ministers andruling MLAs are playing roles of

dalals and collection agents,he maintained.

Parsekar was briefing themedia after BJP State executivepassed political and economicresolution in their first evermeeting.

Parsekar said corruption isrampant at all levels of gover-nance.

There are a number of ex-amples that we can quote. Cor-ruption in work orders given incase of public works department(PWD), various government jobs,excise scams, illegal mining andworst ever case of police-politi-cian-drug nexus, he stated.

Parsekar criticised the chiefminister for being in the dark,always, about the whereabouts

of his cabinet colleagues, whoare increasingly getting into var-ious criminal activities.

A resolution was also passedover the total failure of law andorder machinery, which accord-ing to the BJP is reflected in thesharp increase in cases of mur-der, rape, drug nexus and oth-ers.

Its true that due to the po-litical interference, the policeforce is unwilling to act againstthe culprits involved in suchacts. The very fact that policehas failed to trace and arrest anex-minister (Mickey Pacheco),who is allegedly involved inNadia Torrado death case,proves the inefficiency of theprotectors of law, the resolu-tion passed by BJP legislatorDamu Naik reads.

Passing the economic resolu-tion, the party leaders allegedthat the Congress-led govern-ment has incurred unnecessaryexpenditures creating a dent inthe exchequer whose dept lia-bility has shot up almost 100per cent in the last five years.

The borrowings by the Stategovernment have led to the li-abilities exceeding to Rs 7,000crore, which amounts to a per

BJP vows to exposeagents of ministersSays family members of the ministers and

ruling MLAs are playing roles of dalals

HERALD REPORTER

MARGAO, JUNE 20

Even as the police checked andverified documents and recordsin his office late last night, city-based notary, Adv Joey Ro-drigues has said that formertour i sm min i s te r Mickk yPacheco had come to his officefor notarizing his affidavit whichwas filed in the High Court alongwith the anticipatory bail peti-tion.

All the records in the office

were verified by the police offi-cers. There was no hanky pankyat all. The affidavit of Pachecowas notarized as per the laiddown procedure, he said, evenas the police has come underthe scanner for their failure tolay their hands on the formerminister for moving around Mar-gao for swearing in his affidavitbefore the notary.

Questions are being askedhow Pachecos visit to the cityescaped the police intelligence,

and that too given the fact thatthe office of Adv Joey is locatedin a congested area like the NewMarket. The police had issueda look out circular for the formertourism minister and his OSDLyndon Monteiro in the NadiaTorrado death case.

Commenting on the develop-ment, a senior police officialsaid the police are trying to findwhether the former Ministerhad indeed come to the officeof Adv Joey to get his affidavit

notarized.Adv Joey told Herald that no

notice or summons was servedon him by the police and he vol-unteered to open his office lastnight for the men-in-uniform toverify the records and registers. I have no th ing to h ide .Pachecos affidavit was notarizedby me in my office, he said.

While social activist Adv AiresRodrigues has demanded an in-quiry by the Goa police on the

Mickky visited my office: Notary

PTI

NEW DELHI, JUNE 20

India will soon join an eliteleague of countries, includingAustralia and Canada, whereinvestors can get data on freemineral blocks at the click ofa mouse and apply online formining rights.

We have asked all mineral-bearing states to work in tan-dem with the Land ResourceDepartment, Ministry of RuralDevelopment, for faster digi-tisation of cadastral maps (mapshowing detailed records ofland), Mines Joint SecretaryAjita Bajpai Pande told PTI.

The Land Resource Depart-ment has provided over Rs 600crore for the digitisationprocess, while the Mines Min-istry has earmarked initialfunding of Rs21 crore for acomputerised on-line registerof the Mining Tenement Sys-tem.

Pandey said that all mineral-rich states have been asked toreplicate a pilot project tested at iron-ore rich Bellaryin Karnataka and Durg in Chat-tisgarh to digitise informa-t ion re l a t ing to min ingresources, including availableblocks.

A mining tenement systemprovides online data of min-erals and mines. It enables anyperson to see data regardingthe status of concessions on-line on a large scale map, andaccepts applications for vacantareas.

Only advanced nations likeAustralia and Canada currentlyhave the system, which offersall information on mineral con-cessions, Pande said. She saidthe system will be imple-mented in Goa , AndhraPradesh, Chhattisgarh, Gujarat,Jharkhand, Karnataka, Kerala,Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra,Orissa, Rajasthan and TamilNadu.

The system has been devel-oped by the Indian Space Re-search Organisation (ISRO)with the help of the Indian Bu-reau of Mines (IBM). IBM hasdesigned formats on recon-naissance permits (for explor-ing minerals), prospectinglicences and mining leases,and circulated them to all stategovernments concerned.

The system would also beuseful to check illegal trans-portation of minerals with thehelp of proper records. Lastyear, a staggering 42,000 suchcases were detected in 11 min-eral-bearing states. The centrehas also appointed a task forceto curb illegal mining.

Now, book mining rightswith a click of a mouse! PTI

PATNA/NEW DELHI, JUNE 20

Bihars ruling allies JD(U) andBJP were in open war today withthe latter daring Chief MinisterNitish Kumar to snap ties fol-lowing the Gujarat flood aid row.

Angry over Kumar returningthe Rs five crore flood reliefmoney to the Narendra Modigovernment, Deputy Chief Min-ister Sushil Modi of BJP boy-cotted the Chief Minister sfunctions today.

Upping the ante, senior BJPleader Yashwant Sinha said what

Kumar has done is a childishact and that if the Chief Minis-ter does not want to continuethe alliance with BJP, let himclearly announce it.

There is no use of doing thisdrama, Sinha said in Ranchi,maintaining that he did not un-derstand the logic behind Kumarreturning the relief fund to Gu-jarat.

Apart from Sushil Modi, stateminister and BJP leader N K Yadav,who represents the Patna Cityconstituency, also pulled outfrom the Chief Ministers Biswas

Yatra (confidence march).I dont want to accompany

Kumar for the meeting for thearbitrary attitude of the ChiefMinister in returning the floodrelief money to the governmentof Gujarat, a fuming Modi toldreporters here after cancellinghis programme with the chiefminister at Paliganj in Patna dis-trict.

However, JD(U) chief SharadYadav asserted that his partysalliance will BJP will continuedespite the unfortunateepisode.

JD(U), BJP at war

Indian techieshot dead

in USPTI

WASHINGTON, JUNE 20

An Indian software engineer wasrobbed and shot dead by agroup of five people in a motelnear Detroit in US, where hehad gone to meet a Mexicanwoman.

The victim has been identifiedas 35-year-old Venkata SubbaReddy Cuttamanchi, who is anative of Chittoor in AndhraPradesh.

Cuttamanchi was shot deadby a group of people in South-field near Detroit on Wednes-day around 2:00 am, the TeluguAssociation of North Americasaid.

The police have arrested allthe five individuals, includingthe boy friend of the woman,who were involved in his killing.

Terror suspects allege torture, write to court

PTI

MUMBAI, JUNE 20

Two suspected terrorists, ar-rested for allegedly planning tocarry out terror attacks in thecity, have in a letter submittedbefore a local court sought bailalleging police torture.

Abdul Latif and Riyaz Ali werearrested by the state Anti Ter-rorism Squad (ATS) on March 13this year for allegedly planningto carry out attacks at the headquarters of public sector petro-leum company ONGC, ThakkarMall in suburban Mumbai andMangaldas Market in southMumbai.

On June 19, when the duowere produced before the Maz-gaon metropolitan magistratefor extension of their judicialcustody, the accused submitteda hand written letter to the courtalleging torture by the ATS.

Kamat is always in the dark about the whereaboutsof his cabinet colleagues

Government has incurred unnecessary expendi-tures creating a dent in the exchequer

Dept liability has shot up almost 100 per cent in thelast five years

Debt liabilities have exceeded Rs 7,000 crore, whichamounts to a per capita liability of Rs 45, 000

OPPOSITION CHARGES

A man must not swallowmore beliefs than

he can digest

Havelock Ellis

(Continued on page 10) (Continued on page 10)

pg1:Layout 1 6/21/2010 12:53 AM Page 1

GOAHERALD

Pg2GOA, MONDAY, 21 JUNE, 2010

CIvIC fOrumOvercrowded Mapusa

Vivek Fernandes, Mapusa

Mapusa city is well known for the Friday Market and for trafficmismanagement. The vehicles always crowd the road startingfrom the Aldona bus stand till the taxi stand. Besides, theMapusa market shop owners or sellers occupy the place reservedfor parking. Due to lack of parking space, people park theirvehicles in any available vacant space.

The Mapusa Municipality should take up this matter or oth-erwise there will be no space for people to walk.

Water crisis in CandolimG Madhu Sudhan Rao, Candolim

There has been erratic PWD water supply in Candolim areaforcing the residents to buy water for drinking purpose. Wateris available just once or twice a week for one or maximum twohours, with very low pressure. It is pathetic to note that hotelsin Candolim area get 24 hours water supply throughout theweek. It seems the PWD officials are releasing more water tocommercial areas. The matter should be urgently looked intoby the concerned authorities.

Improve BSNL serviceAugustus Alphonso, Vasco

The Vasco BSNL Telecom customer care office should strictlylimit their service of accepting bill payments to maximum2 or 3 bills per person. Several people are left waiting in aqueue for a long time as receipts for telephone bills arebeing issued by a single person. Such inconvenience to cus-tomers should not be repeated under any circumstances inthe future.

Parking at High Court Melwin Ribeiro, Panjim

For quite some time, I have been commuting to and fro fromFontainhas to downtown Panjim, taking the short route whichpasses through the High Court at the Lyceum.

What I fail to understand is why the concerned authoritiesdo not locate a suitable parking place for all four and two-wheelers. These vehicles, belonging not only to a few com-mon citizens, but also to High Court advocates andgovernment personnel, are parked in such a way that it be-comes difficult for pedestrians and vehicles to negotiatethe sharp turns at two points. The vehicles are even parkedin front of entrances of residences, and on both sides ofthe road! Will the concerned authority kindly look intothis?

Lethargic BSNL service Savio Pinto, Nagoa

Come monsoon, and my BSNL telephone line plays hideand seek every alternative day. I have been bitterly com-plaining to the BSNL office in Verna for months now, butthere seems to be no end to my misery. I was a proud cus-tomer with a broadband connection, but its functioning isa nightmare.

Very often when I complain, the line/Internet starts working,but by evening the connection disappears. I cannot hear thecall, as the line has erratic disturbances.

I feel this is daylight robbery by BSNL. We regularly pay thebroadband fees, but rarely get connectivity. The Verna Exchangepeople blame it on theft of cables or shortage of manpoweror the linesman being on leave Is that any excuse? Pleasesomeone in BSNL help me.

Negligent linesmanPravin U Sardessai, Adpai

On Saturday 12 June, a sodium vapour lamp in a faulty positionnear the Kapdi residence at Varkhandem in Ponda was re-fixedin a correct position. But the dirt accumulated inside this lampwas not cleared. Shouldnt the concerned linesmen removethe dirt to assure sufficient light on the road?

The higher authorities at the Electricity Department in Pondashould take a serious view of such a negligent and lethargicattitude from the concerned linesmen; those who do incompletework need to be taken to task without succumbing to any po-litical pressure. The interests of pedestrians should be firstpriority.

Lack of traffic senseMauro Fernandes, Anjuna

The governments proposal to make wearing of helmets manda-tory for pillion riders needs to be applauded. It is absurd tomake protection compulsory only for the rider because, incase of a mishap, both the rider and the pillion rider are equallyvulnerable.

Another decision that is baffling is the mandatory use ofhelmets only on highways. Our interior village roads are verynarrow and dangerous, and more prone to accidents than theNational Highways.

But simply issuing challans to errant riders will not solvethe problem. It will only fill the government coffers and thepockets of some RTO and Traffic police officers. They are notat all committed in inculcating road sense and traffic disciplineamong motorists.

The Transport Department should make the rules morestringent, increasing fines threefold. The RTO and TrafficCell should function more cohesively, without political in-terference.

Tar ball menaceAdelmo Fernandes, Vasco

The appearance of tar balls, oily substances and discolorationof the sea-water along the shoreline of Baga-Sinquerim, Anjuna,Vagator and Morjim in North Goa is a matter of concern. Un-fortunately, the government has not shown any willingness tofind the cause of this phenomenon, which occurs every yearbefore the monsoon.

It appears that some ships are discharging oil waste on thehigh seas which washes up as tar-balls on the shore. This canbe a health risk, as some sea water is invariably swallowedwhile swimming. The oily residue can have an adverse effecton the skin and the eyes.

The government should show some concern for the healthof the aam admi and tourists, and get to the bottom of theproblem. If need be, the Coast Guard could be asked to keepa watch on ships discharging oil on the high seas.

Do you have a complaint against some authority or service?Are there any violations of the law that you would like tobring to the notice of the public? Do you have any suggestionsfor improvement and/or redressal of services?

If you do, then write to us at editor@herald-goa.com. Withthe aim of improving the quality of our civic life, every MondayHerald will publish the best letters on these subjects receivedduring the week. This is in addition to our regular Letters tothe Editor column.

HERALD REPORTERMARGAO, JUNE 20

Garbage disposal dominated thegram sabha meeting of the Be-naulim Village Panchayat on Sun-day, with villagers questioningthe Sarpanch over steps takento identify garbage disposalsites.

At a meeting held on Sunday,the gram sabha members askedthe Sarpanch Carmelina Fernan-des in respect of the affidavitfiled by the Panchayat body inthe High Court on garbage dis-posal. They demanded to knowfrom the Sarpanch the locationof the vermicomposting site setup by the Panchayat body andto explain how and where the

panchayat is collecting plasticwaste from the village.

The gram sabha membersfirmly opposed any plans by thePanchayat body to shortlist openspace for garbage disposal, say-ing the open spaces can be uti-lized only for recreation. Themembers demanded that theproposal to use open space forgarbage disposal be droppedimmediately saying the matterwill only end up in litigations.

Agitated members contendedthat the Panchayat by filing anaffidavit that the village hasstarted collection of plasticwaste has misled the High Court.The Sarpanch, however, said shehas started plastic collection in

her wards and has no idea aboutthe situation in other wards.

When members questionedwhere the plastic waste col-lected from the ward is beingdumped, the Sarpanch repliedthat it is stored in the PanchayatGhar. However, the panchayatsecretary, upon questioning bythe members, told the gramsabha that no register is beingmaintained of any plastic wastecollected in the village.

Gram sabha member RudolfBarreto also questioned theSarpanch over the appointmentof a private contactor for dis-posal of waste and demandedto know the Panchayat hadpassed any resolution to appoint

the contractor.Former Sarpanch Benny Fer-

nandes expressed dismay overthe affidavit filed in the HighCourt by the Panchayat. Thegram sabha demanded to knowfrom the Sarpanch as to whohad opposed identification ofgarbage disposal sites in the vil-lage as stated in the affidavit.

The gram sabha membersdrew attention of the Sarpanchto the resolution passed by themeeting dated October 2007identifying a site in the villagefor waste disposal.

Meanwhile, the gram sabhamembers asked host of ques-tions on the audit report andthe failure by the Panchayat torecover revenue on variousheads.

After discussions the gramsabha resolved to recover therevenue from the salary of thePanchayat members.

The inaction against illegal-ities including a builder, alsofigured during the meeting.While the Sarpanch said thatthe panchayat would seek legaladvice before initiating actionagainst a builder, the gramsabha members said that legalaction would further delay thematter. The gram sabha alsoadopted a resolution demand-ing change in the lawyer rep-resenting the Panchayat.

The Sarpanch later adjournedthe meeting to July 11, even asthe gram sabha members de-manded that the meeting be ad-journed to next Sunday.

Benaulim sarpanch grilled over garbage disposal sites

Benaulim gram sabha members during discussions on garbage disposal at todays meeting.Photo by Santosh Mirajkar

HERALD REPORTERVASCO, JUNE 20

Around 112 passengers and six crew members on board the Go-Air Mumbai-Goa-Mumbai flight had some anxious moments, afterthe aircraft developed technical snag while landing at Dabolimairport on Sunday at 6.45 am.

The flight with 112 passengers and six crew members landedat Dabolim airport, after the pilot informed the Air Traffic Controller(ATC) about the snag he might encounter in the front landing gearwheels while landing, said sources at the airport.

However, after assessing the snag, the pilot assured the ATCthat he could safely land the aircraft, for which the ATC agreedand allowed the pilot to make a landing.

Sources further informed that the pilot had failed to reset themanual switch in the cockpit, due to which the snag indicated inthe cockpit, thereby creating panic among the crew.

When the flight took off in Mumbai, the pilot had failed toreset the manual switch, due to the snag was indicated in thecockpit, added sources.

Not taking a risk after landing, the pilot summoned the towingtractor to take the aircraft to the parking bay, but the tractorcould not be utilized as the flight engineer immediately pointedout that the pilot had failed to reset the switch and asked thepilot to take the aircraft on its own to the parking bay.

Later, the flight flew back to Mumbai safely for it return journeywithin an hour after the engineer cleared the flight stating that itwas a small error of not resetting the manual switch.

Technical snag gives 112 air passengersanxious moments

KEEPING THE TRADITION ALIVE! With the onset of monsoons, a farmer ploughs a field at Santa Cruz on Saturday maintaining the age-oldtradition inherited from his forefathers. Photo by Rozario Estibeiro

Corlim Forumchalks out

various activities HERALD CORRESPONDENT

OLD GOA, JUNE 20

Members of Corlim Citizens Civil and Consumer Forum (CCCCF)on Sunday chalked out various activities in the next one month toput forth their demand of asking the government to scrap wideningof the national highway passing through Corlim.

The Forum at the public meeting at the Monfort Hall at Molar-Corlim on Sunday has decided to submit a copy of its memorandumto PWD Minister Churchill Alemao, North Goa MP Shripad Naikand South Goa MP Francisco Sardinha to look into their griev-ances.

At the meeting, which was attended by the residents of Corlim,the Forum has decided to lead a delegation to PWD MinisterChurchill Alemao in his office at the Secretariat on Monday toapprise him about the grievances of the residents of Corlim.

The Forum has also decided to convene a public meeting atCorlim panchayat hall on June 27 at 9.45 am inviting local MLAPandurang Madkaikar, North Goa MP Shripad Naik, concerned ZPmembers and all the panchas from nearby panchayats along withthe locals to apprise about the impact of national highway, whichwould be seen in the years to come.

The Forum has also decided to organize a chain rally on July 4,which will start from the Konkan Railway Bridge at Old Goa andculminate at the Banastarim Bridge. If the demands are still notmet by the government, then the Forum has decided to hold aprotest march at the State assembly on July 19.

Speaking to Herald, CCCCF Secretary Baptist Pereira said: Weare objecting because NH4 national highway will pass throughour Corlim village. We ask for diversion, as we do not need thispresent highway to be altered into a national highway.

We have decided to make an appeal to the National HighwayAuthority of India to do a resurvey and re-align the national high-way, he said.

Our movement will continue till the State government decidesto scrap the widening of NH4 national highway, said Pereira.

It may be recalled that CCCCF members had raised fears overthe likely demolition of over 40 houses along the highway inCorlim, with the Central governments plan to widen the NH4highway, which passes through Corlim.

The CCCCF members in order to save the houses from demolitionhad suggested the diversion of the highway through fields ofCarambolim and Corlim, connecting to the highway at the Banas-tarim Bridge.

NH WIDENING

Cops take custody of girl

HERALD REPORTERMARGAO, JUNE 20

The police on Sunday took intotheir custody a six-year-old girl,believed to be from Karnataka,after she was found in theGandhi market.

The girl was later handed overto a city-based NGO. Sourcesin the know said the minorgirl, speaking in Kannada, wasfound in the Gandhi Market.She could not explain how shehad landed in the market andthe whereabouts of her par-ents. Given that she hails fromthe labour class, the police tookthe girl across the city, but couldnot trace the parents.

HERALD REPORTERMARGAO, JUNE 20

The Maina Curtorim police have arrested two persons, bothnatives of Jharkhand, for an attempt to commit house burglaryat Chandor on Sunday morning.

The police said the duo Andrew and Mahavir were seeninside the compound of a closed house.

Their movements were spotted by neighbours and they werecaught by the residents, before being handed over to the po-lice.

The Maina Curtorim police later arrested the duo for theabortive attempt to commit house burglary. Further investiga-tions are on.

Corlim Citizens Civil and Consumer Forum Secretary Baptist Pereira interact with the residents fromCorlim during a meeting in Corlim. Photo by Kanzil Rodrigues

HERALD CORRESPONDENTCANACONA, JUNE 20

PWD Minister Churchill Alemaoon Sunday morning inauguratedRs 60.14 lakh worth 15 mtrshigh overhead water reservoirat Gowal-Khola and releasedabout 100 free water connec-tions to individual houses inKhola.

Alemao said the tank willservice 1,000 households in thearea, even though the presentdemand is a meager 152 con-nections, including the 100 freewater connections providedunder tribal sub plan of Cana-cona constituency.

Inaugurating the tank in theST-dominated area of Khola,Alemao said: It is the ST com-munity which dressed-up andtook our State forward and Iam of the opinion that thiscommunity deserves the fruitsby way of getting most of thebenefits.

Earlier, Quepem MLA BabuKavlekar lauded Alemao sayingmost developments taking place

in the State are mainly due tothe positive outlook of PWDminister and demanded that asuitable playground and a com-munity hall is the need of thehour in this part of village area.

Alemao also declared that thegovernment is taking up twovillages on trial basis for con-sidering all the NREG cardhold-e r s a s BPL f ami l i e s andaccordingly extend all BPL facil-ities to all these families.

Alemao declared Rs 1,000 toa student of Gowal GovernmentHigh School, who secured firstclass and Rs 500 each to all otherstudents, who passed out fromthat school netting 100% passpercentage.

He congratulated SchoolHeadmistress Celina and otherteaching staff for molding thestudents correctly.

Responding to demands ofQuepem MLA, Alemao also de-clared that a playing ground anda hall will be constructed inGowal Khola.

Canacona MLA Vijay Poikhot

and Khola ZP member KrishnaVelip, besides many panch mem-bers were not present on theoccasion.

Khola Sarpanch Archana Velip,Gowal Panch and DeputySarpanch Ujwala Velip, Betul-Naqueri Sarpanch WillunaDSilva, PWD (water supply) Ex-ecutive Engineer Dhond, Cana-cona As s i s t an t Eng inee rVelingkar, JE Prakash Bhanglewere present among several oth-ers present on the occasion.

Interestingly, many apprehen-sive residents left the place afterit was vehemently declared thatthe newly constructed overheadtank will be used exclusively forlocal residents and not for anycommercial players.

Speaking to scribes, KholaBachao Abhiyan President Pre-copio Fernandes said: Whereare 1,000 households in thearea, besides with CRZ stronglyagainst new constructions, it isunlikely that even in future 1,000residences will come up in thelocality.

Overhead water reservoir inaugurated at Khola

Items stolen CALANGUTE, JUNE 20 (HC) --

Burglars stole items worth Rs8,800 from the WAFA Founda-tion Trust Teaching Institutionat Saligao on Saturday.

According to reports, the bur-glars broke into the institute,run by Reemah Nweilaty, anddecamped with two gas cylin-ders, a mobile handset and acooking range, all worth Rs8,800.

Calangute PSI Gaurish Parabis investigating the case.

Jharkhand duo heldfor burglary bid at

Chandor

PWD Minister Churchill Alemao inaugurates Rs 60.14 lakh overheadwater reservoir at Gowal Khola. Photo by Kathy Pereira

pg2:Layout 1 6/21/2010 12:36 AM Page 1

GOA, MONDAY, 21 JUNE, 2010

GOAHERALD

Pg3

HERALD CORRESPONDENT

CANACONA, JUNE 20

Parishioners, opposing handing over ofCabo-de-Rama fort to a central agency, re-ceived further boost, as Quepem MLA toojoined the chorus denouncing the govern-ments move.I am with the people and will shortly meetChief Minister Digambar Kamat requestinghim not to accept the INTACH proposal tohandover Cabo-De-Rama fort to them,Quepem MLA Babu Kavlekar told Herald.When reminded that Cabo-de-Rama Fort isalready in government possession by wayof 1984 gazette publication and legally hasno problem to handover the fort to anyagency the government may deem fit,Kavlekar retorted saying: A working churchexists in the area and government at the bestshould not disturb present arrangement.It should not be handed over to a thirdagency, as a religious structure which devo-tees regularly visits, the church existing inits precincts, so the best way is to keep itremain that way, he said.It may be recalled that Cabo-de-Rama parish-

ioners and Khola residents have raised analarm over governments reported move tohandover Cabo-de-Rama fort to INTACH, acentral agency, to undertake restoration,renovation, re-erection and reconstructionof the fort and to put it in adaptive reuse.When PWD Minister Churchill Alemao wasasked to comment on the issue, Alemaoremained elusive, but added cautiously:Since people have objections, the govern-ment may have to do re-think on the issue.Alemao asked the people, who met him onthe matter after inauguration of an overheadwater reservoir at Gowal, neighboring Cabo-de-Rama, to meet the chief minister on theissue.When contacted, Khanaguinim Parish PriestFr Saluzinho, who also looks after the Cabo-de-Rama parish, said: We will be supportingthe parishioners struggle to retain the churchfor local residents posterity and we are alsoassured of support by Bishops house on thematter.By a government gazette published in1984, the entire fort is now a governmentproperty, as none at that time filed any ob-

jections within 3 months, said Fr Saluz-inho.My predecessors in the past have takenup cudgels with the government authoritiesincluding Governor to handover at least10% of this fort area having our religioushouse to church authorities, but nonehelped us, saying the matter is already set-tled by way of government gazette publi-cation in 1984, said Fr Saluzinho.Legally, we may not have strong base, butparishioners are strongly committed to havethis church for the posterity of future gen-erations, which sentiment, present day gov-ernment should honour, Fr Saluzinho toldHerald.KBA President Precopio Fernandes said thechurch is important not only to Christians,but several other belief s residents of neigh-bouring Gowal, Kurdi and even beyondcomes to this church to pray and requestfavours.Previously, this church used to serviceChristian faiths of Betul and Khanaguinim,who now their own parishes, said Fernan-des.

Kavlekar backs parishioners, denounces govts move

Cabo de Rama fort and St Anthonys Church inside the fort, bone of contention between government and parishioners. Photos by Kathy Pereira

CABO-DE-RAMA FORT HANDOVER

HERALD REPORTER

PANJIM, JUNE 20

Even as the fate of anticipatorybail petitions filed by formertour i sm min i s te r Mickk yPacheco and his close aide Lyn-don Monteiro would be decidedby the High Court tomorrow,the crime branch today quizzedPachecos close friend from Be-naulim.

A businessman, who owns arestaurant and a resort in SouthGoa coastal belt, was questionedover the whereabouts of formerminister.

Crime branch officials con-firming the interrogation re-fused to name the businessman,who is Pachecos political sup-porter.

Sources stated that police hadalso sent teams to residence ofNotary Joey Rodrigues, who hadnotarized the affidavit sworn inby Pacheco before the highcourt.

The crime branch which hassought custodial interrogationof Pacheco and Monteiro haskept its hopes on the high courtorder. They hope that duo willsurrender, if their anticipatorybail is rejected.

Earlier last week, High courtjudge N A Britto had recused

Mickkys close friend quizzed

himself from hearing the case.The case is now transferred toJustice A S Oak, who will hear iton Monday at 4.30 p.m.

Pacheco is in trouble afterdeath of Nadia Torrado, who al-legedly consumed poison anddied on May 30.

Crime Branch which is inves-tigating the case had heldPacheco responsible for herdeath while his OSD, Monteiro,has been accused of destroyingevidence.

Assembly sessionHERALD NEWS DESK

PANJIM, JUNE 20

Governor Dr Shivinder SinghSidhu has summoned the GoaLegislative Assembly, to meet atAssembly Hall on July 19 at 11.30am.

HERALD CORRESPONDENT

VALPOI, JUNE 20

To reduce chances of floods in some villages in Sattari taluka, thewater resources department (WRD) has commenced the work ofremoving plates of Bhandara at Ganjem.

It may be recalled that WRD had constructed the bandara inriver Mhadai at Ganjem few years ago under Central Governmentscheme Pani Adva Pani Jeerva. The bandara is located near rawwater pumping station for Opa water works, Ganjem.

According to sources in WRD, water from Ganjem bandara isused at Opa water treatment plant.

WRD officials Arvind Salelkar, Arun Naik, Promod Badami andShailesh Pokle are guiding the workers in removing the plates.

Sources informed that the work will continue for some moredays. Meanwhile, villagers from Guleli, Dhamshe, Padeli, Birondeand Kankeri have urged WRD to complete the work of removingthe plates soon to minimize chances of floods due to heavy rainsin Sattari.

Plates being removed from the bhandara at Ganjem-Valpoi. Photo by Ashraf Khan

Work to remove Bhandara plates begins at Ganjem

HERALD CORRESPONDENT

BICHOLIM, JUNE 20

Sanquelim Municipal Councils (SMC) contractlabourers on Sunday resolved to intensify the ag-itation and formed a committee to put forwardtheir demand of regularization.

It may be recalled that about 34 contractworkers of SMC had resorted to a days strikeon June 8 in protest against governments ap-athy to consider their demands. They resortedto the strike after Chief Minister DigambarKamat failed to act upon the assurance givento the workers.

Following the agitation, the chief minister onceagain promised that he would regularize theworkers within 15 days. Since even after 15 days,nothing fruitful came out, the workers on Sundayconvened a meeting and formed a committee tointensify their agitation.

According to sources, about 12 workers whowere appointed in 1996 and later are yet to beregularised.

After Sanquelim panchayat was converted intomunicipality, about three clerks and a market in-spector was regularized, while another 12 workerswere just given assurance, SMC driver Manohar

Kamat told Herald.The workers meeting was held in Samaj Mandir

hall, Sanquelim. Indian National Trade Union Con-gress (INTUC) President V V P Nair, General Sec-retary Adv G S Kubal and Women Representativeof Gomantak Municipal Workers Union MinalVaigankar were present for the meeting.

In his speech, Nair informed the workers aboutvarious benefits that the municipal workers shouldget as per the amendments. He also expressedfull support in the workers struggle.

INTUC General Secretary Adv Kubal said in anymunicipal council, the workers are most impor-tant. The workers are entitled for the benefit ofmedical, children education, safety and wages.What is most important in this struggle is theunity, he said.

Later, a committee was formed with ShivanandHosmani as its president. Other members electedare Manohar Kamat (general secretary), JyotiKanekar (treasurer), Ashok Unchamani and oth-ers.

It was also decided to forward a memorandumto the Labour Commission, chief minister andothers. The workers also expressed their opinionon the occasion.

SMC contract labourers to intensify agitation

HERALD REPORTER

PANJIM, JUNE 20

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) thinktank today decided to work outa comprehensive roadmap eye-ing for 2012 Goa polls.

In next 15 days, we will decidethe roadmap for next elections,BJP President Laxmikant Parsekartold reporters today afternoon.

The state executive commit-tee which met today decided tocome out with a plan of reachingto a maximum number of elec-

torate, including minorities. Congress has pictured us as

an anti-minority party. But recentlythe perception of these commu-nities has changed. There aremembers of minorities, who havetaken up membership with BJP.By 2012 polls we will cover theentire minority section, Parsekarsaid. Parsekar believes that theanti-government sentiments,prevailing in the state wouldwork in favour of the BJP.

When asked, president said

that BJP will be more aggressivein the coming days. In the com-ing assembly session (July) wewill have an opportunity of ex-posing the State Governmenton the floor of the House fornearly 15 days, Parsekar said.

He said that during 15-daylong session, 70 to 80 ques-tions would be raised anddebated, which means thatthe state government wouldbe exposed at all these in-stances.

BJP to work out roadmap for 2012 polls

pg3:Layout 1 6/20/2010 11:49 PM Page 1

GOAGOA, MONDAY, 21 JUNE, 2010

HERALD

Pg 4

HERALD CORRESPONDENT

PORVORIM, JUNE 20

The tender may have been approved by thePWD five months ago, but the governmentis yet to issue the work order for the ex-tension of Malim Jetty on the western sideby 50 metres.

Unhappy over the inordinate delay,trawler owners met in Betim a few daysago and have decided to launch an agitationif the work order is not released immedi-ately.

The Mandovi Fishermen Marketing So-ciety Ltd. (MFMSL) at Betim had demandedthat the Malim Jetty may be extended byan additional 100 metres as the existing120-metre long jetty cannot accommodateall the trawlers.

The government had agreed to extend

the Malim Jetty by 50 metres on the westernside and PWD accordingly had invited ten-ders for the project.

The PWD had even shortlisted the con-tractor but since the past five months thePWD is yet to issue the work order to thecontractor, despite repeated requests byMFMSL.

When contacted, MFMSL ChairmanMenino Afonso said they had met Ministerfor Fisheries Department Joaquim Alemaoand PWD officials several times, requestingthem to expedite the work.

The minister has assured us that he willdo the needful. At present, 315 trawlersare operating from the Malim Jetty and inthe next season, 25 additional trawlerswhich are 64 feet in length will join thejetty, said Afonso.

Trawler owners are blaming us for nothaving taken the matter seriously with thegovernment.

Meanwhile, Afonso informed that thegovernment has agreed to pay compensa-tion of Rs 1 lakh to the families of fishermenwho lost their lives in the storms last year.

However, the government has so far re-leased only Rs 50,000 as compensation inthis connection. Four trawler owners losttheir trawlers and purse seine nets duringthe last season and sustained loss of aroundRs 4 crore, but the government did not payany compensation to them.

If the government does not take interestin the welfare of the fishermen and thetrawler owners, it may have an adverseaffect on fishing activities in the State,warned Afonso.

The side of the Malim Jetty to be extended by 50 meters. Photo by Anil Shankhwalker

Govt yet to issue work order for Malim Jetty extension

Trawler owners to launch agitation

SHORT TAKES

UPCOMING EVENTS

Personality development at PanjimPANJIM (HND): Personality Development and Mind Controlcourse will be organised on June 29, from 10 am to 11 am, atInstitute of Personality Development, Pinto Chambers, BlockA, 2nd floor and conducted by Prof Agnel Crasto, Director ofthe Institute of Personality Development, Panjim. The courseincludes voice culture, communication skills, public speaking,interviews techniques, hospitality, human relationship, con-centration and assertiveness training. The duration is of 5 daysonly. Those interested may contact Prof Agnel Crasto on tele-phone number 2435838 and mobile 9420818302.

Ebony and Ivorys musical concert

PANJIM (HND): Lindas Ebony and Ivory Academy held its fourthannual concert and prize distribution at Grace Church Hall, Margaorecently. The students of the academy put up a breathtaking andcolorful musical extravaganza of dances, song and individual per-formances on the piano. Over 40 students participated in theconcert.

Mayor of Margao, Savio Coutinho was the chief guest. He de-scribed the show as one of the best he had ever witnessed in Goa.The guest of honour, Fr Glen DSilva, sfx, Director of Pilar MusicSociety, while also full of plaudits, recalled Lindas humble journeyto the pinnacle of music success as a music teacher, director andchoreographer.

Seminar on Robotics organised

MARCEL (HC): Fourth year Electronics and Tele-communicationstudents from Goa Engineering College (GEC), Farmagudi, con-ducted a seminar for the students of St Marys High School,Ponda, on Robotics. On the occasion, students were informedabout robotics, basic working and formation of robots. Live demoof a robot developed by GEC students was also conducted. Thisis excellent and I must thank the GEC team headed by Pranav,who enabled us to know about robots and its working. Roboticsalways been a fantasy to us, but now we know what it reallymeans, said Ashish Nair, student of St Marys High School, Ponda.According to GEC student Pranav Pai Vernekar, his group hastaken the initiative to spread the knowledge of robotics to thestudents. He said they will continue conducting such programmein school and colleges.

Robotics is a fast-developing field and we thought school andcollege students should be aware of it, said Vernekar. As weknow that computer technology is considered most advancedtoday, but within 20 years the robotic field will be the mostadvanced field. According to us, the students from schools shouldbe given knowledge of robotics and this will definitely help themin the long run. Even our country can benefit from it, said Vernekar.Group members include Amol, Vaibhav Sathe and Upesh. Thegroup as part of their project work has developed a web-based in-terface from where the commands given to a robot can be trans-mitted over the Internet. A demonstration of their project wasalso conducted. Members have requested schools and colleges,who wish to have robotics seminar in their institute, to contactthem at GEC, Farmagudi-Ponda.

Students of Ebony and Ivory Academy at the annual concert atGrace Church Hall, Margao.

Students attending the seminar on robotics at Ponda. Photo by Amresh Parab

HERALD NEWS DESK

PANJIM, JUNE 20

Minister for Civil Supplies JosePhilip DSouza has expressed sat-isfaction with the deliberationson consumer protection andstressed the need to strengthenthe consumer protection move-ment by active participation ofconsumers and consumerfriendly initiative by the con-cerned authorities in the State.

Jose Philip was speaking atthe meeting of Goa State Con-sumer Protection Council organ-ised in the Conference Hall,Secretariat, Porvorim, on Friday.

The meeting was attended bythe Acting Chief Secretary,Narendra Kumar, the Secretary,Civil Supplies, D C Sahoo, Rep-resentatives of Consumer Pro-tection Council and seniorgovernment officers.

During the course of delibera-tion at the meeting, the Civil Sup-plies Minister assured to providefull support for creating a publicawareness and related other ac-tivities for the benefits of con-sumers particularly in rural areas.

The issues discussed thread-bare included water and powersupply problem almost all overGoa, parking charges in all KTC

bus stands areas, improvementof Goa dairy milk distributionsystem, setting up of StateRoad Safety Council (SRSC), foodand drug issue, protection offlat/apartment owners issue,availability of updating of citizencharter of ah departments, andrelated other matters.

Need to strengthenconsumer protectionmovement stressed

Reduce tariff

of Goa Niwas,

says Adv BhosleHERALD NEWS DESK

PANJIM, JUNE 20

General Secretary of NCP, AdvAvinash Bhosle has urged theGovernment of Goa to reducethe tariff of Goa Niwas and GoaSadan in New Delhi from Rs1500 to Rs 500. State guesthouses are meant to give resi-dential facilities at a reasonablerate to the people of their Statewho visit the capital and there-fore the increase in rates is notjustified.

Adv Bhosle also urged the gov-ernment not to increase the li-cence fees by 100% as proposedin the budget as it directly affectsthe Aam admi, however theamount of fines may be double.

HERALD NEWS DESK

PANJIM, JUNE 20

Eminent artists Unnati Singhand Salvador Fernandes in as-sociation with Armando Gon-sa l ve s o f He r i t age J azz ,organised an art workshop withunderprivileged children fromthe St Inez bundh, at GonsalvesMansion in Campal, which cul-minated with an exhibition ofart works of the works producedby these kids as well as withcontemporary paintings fromthese senior artists. The exhi-bition will be on till June 30from 11 am to 5.30 pm.

RIMC admission test in December

HERALD NEWS DESK

PANJIM, JUNE 20

The next RIMC entrance examination for admission to the RashtriyaIndian Military College (RIMC), Dehradun (UA) for July 2011 termwill be conducted at scheduled centres on first Wednesday andsecond Thursday of December, 2010.

Only boys are eligible to apply for the admission to the RIMC,Dehradun. Candidates appearing for the above test should notbe less than 11 years in age but should not have attained theage of 13 years as on 1 July, 2011 i.e. they should not be bornearlier than July 2, 1998 and not later than January 1, 2000.They should either be studying in class VIIth or passed classVIIth from any recognized school at the time of admission tothe RIMC.

The examination in English will be conducted on December 1(10 am to 12 noon), Mathematics (2 pm to 3.30 pm) and generalknowledge paper on December 2 (10 am to 11 am). The Mathematicsand general knowledge papers may be answered either in Hindior English. The examination will be held simultaneously for allthe candidates.

Minimum pass marks in each paper including interview will be50% and if the candidates fails to secure 50% marks in any paper,he will be declared ineligible for admission. The selection of thecandidates will be purely on merit.

Copies of the prospectus with application forms and set of oldquestion papers can be obtained from the Commandant, RIMC,Dehradun (UK) on payment of Rs 250 through demand draft infavour of Commandant, RIMC. These should be dispatched by reg-istered post or courier only.

Locally printed/Xeroxed and without the Hologram (seal), formswill be rejected. Application forms duly completed in duplicateon prescribed forms accompanied by a bank draft, payable atState Bank of India, Tel Bhavan branch (bank code no 01576),Dehradun only will be accepted, for Rs 50 (Rs 5 in case of SC/STcandidates) in favour of Commandant RIMC, Dehradun, must besent to the Asstt Director of Education, Panjim on or before Sep-tember 30.

Application forms must be sent to the respective State govern-ments and not to the Rashtriya Indian Military College, Dehradun.

Art exhibition at Gonsalves Mansion

HERALD CORRESPONDENT

CANACONA, JUNE 20

With Canacona receiving goodrainfall since the last many days,few rivulets, which have gonedry past February-March, havebecome active from Wednesdaynight with water sprouting fromnatural spring sources otherthen normal rainwater.

According to sources, onlyfew of the rivulets got runningtill date, while many well-knownsprings are yet to break open,as delayed rains are yet to hithard enough in the mountainousregions so far.

Delay in activation of naturalstreams could be related to thehottest summer witnessed dur-ing the year warming the landeven past the first week of June,informed sources.

Barring three major talukarivers at Galgibaga, Talpona andSaleri and a couple of tributariesat Agonda and Devabhag-Palolem displaying water, al-most all other water bodiesincluding various lakes andponds, besides several tributar-ies running in the taluka are to-tally dried-up.

Environmentalist Budhu Ma-hale said it may take another 8-10 days of heavy rainfall to

sprout most other springs so asto bring back the remainingwater bodies active and aliveand bring all the rivers in flowingmode.

One land part of Chapolireservoir had even developedcracks in its once water storagearea, displaying acute chagrinof earth-warming disaster takingits toll amid one of the hottestsummer in recent years.

The Chapoli dam reservoirwas tottering at the barest min-imum water storage of just28.33 RL (reduced level) till June15, as the releasing depth ofwater at dams releasing pointstood at less than 3 mtrs inheight, informed sources.

It was only past June 16 thatthe dams reservoir began toshow improvements, as rainswas hitting hard. Finally, thewater began to add to the reser-voir capacity and became richerby 0.28 RL as on Friday after-noon with the water capacitypresently standing at 28.61 RL.

Rains provided only intermit-tent respite on Friday, as Cana-cona recorded about 35 mm ofrainfall at 6 pm, even as seasonalrainfall has touched 290 mm,sources from taluka observatoryinformed.

These painting lessons haveprovided full liberty to the chil-dren to choose their favoritestyle and paint down their vividimaginations. It was definitelya gleaming opportunity for artmaking and creative expressionin order to build their confi-dence, self-esteem, and criticalthinking skills.

Unnati Singh and SalvadorFernandes appeal not to missthe works of the underprivilegedchildren now camouflage thelovely verandah of the GonsalvesMansion into a vivacious artgallery of the contemporary cre-ations. The artists are keen ontaking this highly successful ex-periment to all the corners ofthe State, and any schools/or-ganisations interested in makinguse of their services as well asthe services of Heritage Jazz inmusic and art, may please visitwww.heritagejazz.com andwrite to Armando Gonsalves.

A flowing rivulet with source from natural springs at Dumane-Cana-cona. Photo by Kathy Pereira

Rains resurrect dry rivulets in Canacona

Bus rams into Ponda hillock; 6 escape with minor injuries

HERALD CORRESPONDENT

MARCEL, JUNE 20

Six persons, including a bus driver,escaped with minor injuries, aftera passenger bus rammed into ahillock near Opa Water TreatmentPlant, Opa-Ponda, on Thursday atabout 6.45 pm.

According to reports, the ac-cident occurred when the busdriver lost control over the busand rammed against the hillock.The bus (GA-01-W-4234) was pro-ceeding from Ponda towards Opa.

Bus driver Shanu Gaonkar, whosustained leg injuries, was shiftedto ID Hospital, Ponda, while thefive other passengers were dis-charged after administering firstaid at ID Hospital. Ponda policeis investigating the case.

Valpoi students yet to receive

text booksHERALD CORRESPONDENT

VALPOI, JUNE 20

Although the new academic yearcommenced on June 7, studentsin Valpoi are yet to receive thetext books.

Some parents complainedthat their children are forced togo to school without textbooksalthough two weeks are aboutto be completed since theschools re-opened.

According to sources fromsome schools in Valpoi, only stu-dents of Std 7 received almostall the books. Students of Std6 got only one text book, Maths,while students of Std 8 got onlyScience textbook and are wait-ing to get other books, in-formed sources.

Interestingly, the students ofStd 5 did not get a single textbook. Some parents of Govern-ment primary schools (Urdumedium) have complained thattheir children are yet to receiveUrdu text books.

Parents have urged the Edu-cation Department to makeavailable all the text books soonso that their children do not suf-fer in the first mid-term test tobe conducted in the first weekof August.

HERALD CORRESPONDENT

PORVORIM, JUNE 20

Environment Officer from De-partment of Science and Tech-nology Sujitkumar Dongre saidplastic is non-biodegradable ma-terial and remains in the envi-ronment for several yearswithout degrading.

Dongre was speaking as thechief guest at the programmeorganized during the plastic col-lection drive conducted by StateCouncil of Educational Researchand Training (SCERT), Porvorim,in collaboration with the De-partment of Science and Tech-no logy, Sa l i gao a t D IET,Porvorim.

Plastic waste clogs the drainsand thus hit sewage system. Theplastic waste which is dumpedinto rivers, streams and seascontaminate water, soil and ma-rine life and also the air webreathe, said Dongre.

Chocked drains provide ex-cellent breeding ground formosquitoes, besides causingflooding during the monsoons.Plastic thus causes seriousdamage to the environment.So the only way to reduce haz-

ards of plastic is to reduce theuse of plastic, informed Don-gre.

Plastic plays the role of villainright from the stage of its pro-duction. The major chemicalsthat go into the making of plas-

tics are highly toxic and poseserious threat to living beingsof all species on earth, addedDongre.

When burnt plastic releasesa host of chemicals into the air,besides hitting hard the eco-

system, some chemicals in plas-tic can cause array of maladiesranging from birth defects tocancer, damage nervous systemand also adversely affect bloodand kidneys of human beings,he said.

Dongre stated that plasticonce thrown in the open be-comes a major environmentalproblem. We need to makean effort to reduce or ratherstop usage of plastic carrybags and instead use clothbags whenever we go for mar-keting. Students can play avital role in the campaign ofplastic eradication, said Don-gre.

In his speech, District Insti-tute and Education and Train-ing V ice Principal GovindHawaldar advised the studentsto avoid the usage of plasticcarry bags and impressed uponthe illiterate people about theill-effects of plastic and how itcauses damage to the environ-ment.

The students should makethis as mission and strive tomaintain environment clean inthe interest of mankind, addedHawaldar.

Students from schools in Por-vorim participated in the plasticcollection drive. Programme Co-ordinator Maria de Fatima Cruzof SCERT proposed the vote ofthanks.

Meet deliberates on ill-effects of plastic on environment

Environment Officer Sujitkumar Dongre speaks on ill-effects of plastic. Photo by Anil Shankhwalker

Road mishap, tree uprooting

reported at VascoHERALD REPORTER

VASCO, JUNE 20

Vasco traffic police and Vasco firebrigade personnel were kept ontheir toes on Thursday morning,after two incidents of road mishapand tree falling occurred, blockingthe traffic along the NH17A andSwatantrapath in Vasco.

In the first incident, driversof two vehicles escaped withminor injuries in a head-on col-lision between a tempo andtruck on Chicalim slope onThursday morning, blocking thetraffic along the main road lead-ing to Vasco.

Traffic police had to leave thetraffic one-way till both the ve-hicles were removed from theaccident after four hours.

However, by the time trafficpolice could clear the vehiclesat Chicalim slope, an old Ashokatree came crashing down on theSwatantrapath road, blockingentire one-way traffic.

The fire personnel swiftlycleared the road within an hour,while Vasco traffic police PIDharmesh Angle monitored thetraffic along Swatantrapath road.

Local councillor KrishnaSalkar, who along with SouthGoa BJP Vice President DigambarAmokar present at the site, in-formed that no one was presenton the road when the tree camecrashing down.

REGIONGOA, MONDAY, 21 JUNE, 2010

HERALD Pg 5

HERALD CORRESPONDENT

BELGAUM, JUNE 20

Belgaum will now have moreadept arrangements as far asthe control of law and orderand police assistance is con-cerned.

The city has become one ofthe few selected cities in Kar-nataka for getting the servicesof special vehicles to assist thepolice in controlling crime andserve the citizens better.

Superintendent of PoliceSonia Narang flagged off the ve-hicles on Wednesday pressingthem into the service of the peo-ple at a simple ceremony thatwas held in the premises of theSP office.

These special vehiclesnamed as Cheetah, will beequipped with a PSI/ASI, a policeconstable and will be well armedto offer appropriate police as-sistance, she told reporters.

The vehicles will be also firstaid and communications gadg-ets to assist the police, shesaid.

These vehicles have beenstrategically located at differentvantage points in Belgaum cityand will be at service round theclock. Apart from preventingcrime, assisting in accidents,natural calamity these vehicleswill be also keeping an eye onthe suspicious persons.

Controlling violence will

now be easy for the Belgaumpolice with the arrival of Chee-tah, said SP Sonia. The vehicleswill act swiftly on the informa-tion from police control room,public and the police station ofthat area.

Additional SP Umesh Pangamand other senior police officialswere present on the occasion.

SP Sonia Narang flags off Cheetah at Belgaum in the presence ofAdditional SP Umesh Pangam, DySP G M Desur, Shataraju andother officials.

Special vehicles to assist patrolling in Belgaum

HERALD CORRESPONDENT

NEW DELHI, JUNE 20

The CBI's Mumbai branch on Sat-urday trapped Major DipendraBhushan taking bribe from anewly selected jawan for clear-ance of the medical examination.

A CBI spokesman here saidMajor Bhushan is a medical of-ficer of the Army and posted atthe recruitment office at Colabain Mumbai. He demanded Rs50,000 from the jawan to clearhim medically.

The major and his driverBharat Oram were caught red-handed while accepting part ofthe bribe from the complainant.The driver is a civilian.

The complainant who hadbeen selected as a soldier (tech-nical) was asked to make partpayment of Rs 10,000 when hemet the officer Saturday eveningnear CST Railway station.

The major was caught red-handed near Bombay Gymkhanawhen his driver Oram got downfrom the vehicle to collectmoney. The CBI had independ-ent witnesses to trap the officer.Search of the driver yielded an-other Rs 9500, besides thetainted amount of Rs 10,000.

The spokesman said themajor and his driver brokedown, confessing that Rs 9500were the bribe received by themfrom another candidate to passhim in the medical exam. Bothconfessed to have taken illegalgratification from several can-didates to get them passed inthe medical examination for thepost of soldiers (technical) andsoldiers (general duty).

Searches are on at the officeof the major and the residentialpremises of both the major andthe driver, the spokesman added.

PTI

MUMBAI, JUNE 20

After failed attempts by seniorShiv Sena leaders to bring to-gether Sena executive chief Ud-dhav Thacke ray and h i sestranged cousin and MNS chiefRaj, local Sena activists havetaken initiative for that.

The initiative called 'MaziChalval Mi Maharashtracha' (MyMovement,I Belong To Maha-rashtra) led by a senior ShivSainik from Worli in CentralMumbai, Satish Walunj and sixothers would launch 'ThackerayJodo' campaign here on Monday

to bring the cousins togetherfor betterment of Marathi peo-ple.

"Marathi votes were dividedbetween Sena and MNS whichis paving way to outsiders torule us. If this continues Maha-rashtra will not have any future,"Walunj told PTI.

The campaign is purely onthe basis of public support andthere is no involvement of anybig political leader, he said.

"We want, the cousins shouldlisten to the public opinion be-cause they are the voters andshould respect them," Walunj

Thackeray Jodo campaign to be launched todaysaid.

The sainiks also want Uddhavand Raj together win the 2012BMC elections else Congress-NCP would come in power.

Asked if he has spoken to anyof the cousins on the issue per-sonally, he said no. "I have not

spoken personally to them butwritten letters to Sena chief Bal-saheb Thackeray and Raj aboutlaunching the campaign," Walunjsaid.

Mumbai army officer, driver held taking bribe

HERALD CORRESPONDENT

BELGAUM, JUNE 20

Politicians and administratorsof Belgaum might boast of tak-ing the city to new heights ofprogress, but there is one area,hardly a few metres from thecity, where residents have beendeprived of basic amenitiessince the last two decades.

The misery of residents of Ma-halaxminagar and surroundingareas near Laxmi Tek, here, havebeen deprived of basic amenitieslike proper supply of water, elec-tricity and proper approach roadsince the last 20 years.

The irate residents here arenow up in arms and are planninga strong agitation to catch theattention of the officials andpeoples representatives to-wards the problems faced bythem.

The condition of the main ap-proach road to Mahalaxminagarwhich is already in a dilapidatedcondition has further deterio-rated due to heavy rains sincelast week.

Few patches of the approachroad have gone so bad that ithas become difficult for the res-idents to travel to others areas.

School and college students,women and elders also face dif-ficulties while negotiating withthe road.

The road has become soslushy that people riding bicyclesand motor cycles frequently slipon this road and sustain minorto major injuries. The conditionsbecome worse due to absenceof street lights along the road.

Despite requests to theBenkanhalli gram panchayat, theauthorities have turned blindeye to the road leaving the largenumber of residents of the lay-

out at the mercy of the mostawful conditions.

Since last couple of months,the residents have been receiv-ing assurances from the govern-ment authorities and electedrepresentatives. District inCharge minister Basavraj Bom-mais through a letter has re-cently directed officials to takenecessary measures to providebasic amenities to the residents.To the shock of the people, noofficial has turned up to the lay-out, despite the ministers or-ders.

Mahalaxminagar deprived ofbasic amenities since 2 decades!

The slushy approach road to Mahalaxminagar in Belgaum.

Poor selling daughters to flesh trade agents: BJP

HERALD CORRESPONDENT

BELGAUM, JUNE 20

Belgaum District BharatiyaJanata Party womens wing hasalleged that poor villagers dueto their intense poverty are sell-ing their young daughters tothe agents engaged in fleshtrade.

The members of the wing,who have submitted a memo-randum to Superintendent ofPolice Sonia Narang, have com-plained about the rise in missinggirls cases in and around Bel-gaum.

In a memorandum submittedto the SP, the women leadershave alleged that some peoplefrom Rajasthan with the involve-ment of some local people forcepoor villagers to sell their youngdaughters under the guise ofgetting them married with richpersons.

The women have urged thepolice department to identifysuch anti-social elements in thesociety and take stringent actionagainst them.

Belgaum socialworker

Saudagargoes missing

HERALD CORRESPONDENT

BELGAUM, JUNE 20

Abdul SalamS a u d a g a r(68), a socialworker fromhere who lefthome onJune 5 afterthe suddendemise of hiswife, is stillmissing.

Soudagar is the founder andowner of the popular HotelNiyaz, opposite bus stand here.

Apart from being a successfulbusinessman, he is also involvedin the local educational institu-tions and associated with vari-ous social organisations hereand has rendered help to theneedy in all possible ways.

He has an excellent rapportwith a large number of peoplein Goa too. Family members ofSoudagar are in distress and havefiled a missing complaint at theMarket Police Station here.

The public is requested tocontac t mob i l e Ph :09880000370 and 09880000371in case of any information aboutSoudagar.

HERALD CORRESPONDENT

BELGAUM, JUNE 20

Belgaum ZP may have won accolades fromPrime Minister Manmohan Singh for effec-tive implementation of National Rural Em-ployment Guarantee Scheme (NREGS), butlittle did it knew about the drawbacks inthe scheme that left hundreds of poor peo-ple unemployed.

It may be recalled that former ZP CEOand present Belgaum Deputy Commis-sioner Dr Ekroop Caur had proudly receivedthe award from the Prime Minister in Feb-ruary.

It was observed at many places that theproject has failed miserably to provide em-ployment to the poor in many villages.

The purposeful lethargy of the authoritiesto oversee the sincere implementation ofthe projects under the scheme has attrib-uted to the failure in guaranteeing the em-ployment to the needy.

It is observed that many of the projectstaken up under the scheme are incomplete,mainly due to the rampant corruption.

In once such incident that has raised sev-eral questions over implementation of theproject, villagers of Mekalmardi in Belgaum

district have filed a complaint withLokayukta, alleging corruption in the im-plementation of the scheme.

Mahantesh Hiremath and Basavraj Hos-mani of Mekalmardi said: The GramPanchayat records show that about Rs70-80 lakh has been spent on the drainwork in the village which is far from thetruth.

Many labourers have not been paid asingle rupee even after working for manydays. Since March this year, no works havebeen either decided upon or taken up bythe panchayat, the villagers alleged.

NREGS fails to provide employment in Belgaum!

Kareena to play

a sex-worker in

'Heera Mandi'AGENCIES

MUMBAI, JUNE 20

Kareena to play a sex-workerin `Heera Mandi`KareenaKapoor and San jay Lee laBhansali will finally be work-ing together on Sanjay's nextfilm after Guzaarish. The twohad been hoping to work to-gether for a long time buttheir plans fell through everytime. Once Kareena returnsfrom shooting for Agent Vinodin Morocco, the two will meetand finalise their project to-gether.

Kareena and Sanjay weresupposed to work on a film onMahatma Gandhi's son afterDevdas, but circumstancesforced Sanjay to shelve the film.

They then planned BajiraoMastain with Salman Khan, butthat had to be scrapped afterKareena and Salman's Kyon Kiflopped.

Then Sanjay got busy withBlack and Kareena could notbe a part of it as her sisterKarisma and Black's male leadAmitabh Bachchan's son Ab-hishek had just broken theirengagement. But now, it seemsthe two will finally get to-gether.

GOA, MONDAY JUNE 21, 2010

HERALD

Pg7INDIA

Devotees performing pooja at Khirbhawani temple at Tulmulla in Jammu & Kashmir during the annual Mela Khirbhawanion Saturday.

PTI

NEW DELHI, JUNE 20

New safety rules have been put in place for VIPoperation of planes and helicopters to avoidmishaps like the one which killed former AndhraPradesh Chief Minister YSR Reddy.

The rules, framed by the Direc-torate General of Civil Aviation(DGCA), encompass all aspects offlight operations -- from acquisitionof aircraft, employment of crewand engineers to definition of VIPs.

The new rule says that a VIPflight would mean having amongstthe passengers any one of the eightcategories of dignitaries.

The categories include the LokSabha Speaker, Rajya Sabha DeputyChairperson, Cabinet Ministers,Chief Justice of India, Governors,Chief Ministers, State Cabinet Min-isters and the SPG protectees whoenjoy 'Z-plus' category security.

The President, the Vice Presidentand the Prime Minister travel onIAF aircraft as a rule.

While no flight would be allowed to be operatedwhen "weather conditions are not conducive tosafe operations", every VIP flight would be oper-ated with "a multiple crew composition", the CivilAviation Requirement says.

Stringent conditions have been laid down forthe pilots of planes and helicopters.

A Pilot-in-Command (PIC) should either have aCommercial Pilot License (CPL) or an Airline Trans-port Pilots License (ATPL) with at least 3,000 hoursof flying experience, of which 2,000 hours shouldbe as a PIC on the type of aircraft to be flown. Heor she should also have a minimum of 50 hours

of night flying experience.For helicopter pilots, the com-

mander should possess similar li-censes, with 2,000 hours of flyingexperience including 500 hours asPIC on the same aircraft type. Theyshould also have at least 10 hoursof night flying experience.

In order to regulate flight oper-ations of state governments andPSUs, many of which have a fleetof planes or choppers, the DGCAhas specified rules for recruitmentof pilots, crew and engineers andalso their training programmes.

Similar rules have also been laiddown for aircraft maintenance andrepairs, besides other airworthi-ness requirements.

The aircraft should be fitted with all suitableequipments needed for instrument flying and pi-lots should hold valid instrument ratings, therule stresses.

The aviation departments of state governmentsor aviation divisions of PSUs would have to applyto the DGCA for undertaking aircraft operationswith a fee of Rs one lakh.

New safety rules for VIP use of planes, copters

The rules, framedby the DirectorateGeneral of CivilAviation (DGCA),encompass allaspects of flightoperations -- fromacquisition ofaircraft,employment ofcrew andengineers todefinition of VIPs.

PTI

NEW DELHI, JUNE 20

Delhi University has earned thedubious distinction of being thecountry's only violator of ra-dioactive waste disposal norms,according to the Atomic EnergyRegulatory Board.

The AERB which is responsi-ble for regulating and monitor-ing the safety of nuclear facilitiesand materials said that morethan 800 organisations had ap-proached it in last five years fordecommissioning nuclear ma-terial.

"There are no reported casesof disposal of radioactive ma-terial violating the 'Atomic En-ergy (safe disposal of radioactivewaste) Rules, 1987,' except theGamma Cell which was auc-tioned by Delhi University," theAERB said in an RTI reply to ap-plicant Abhishek Shukla who

sought the details of such vio-lators.

The infamous episode of auc-tioning the radioactive materialsurfaced in April this year wheneight scrap dealers working inDelhi's sprawling Mayapuri scrapmarket suffered radiation expo-sure.

One person lost his life whileremaining seven were in seriouscondition because of bone mar-row damage resulting from ra-dioactive radiation emitted bycobalt pencils of the gamma cell,auctioned by the University.

The Board cited security con-cerns to withold the names oforganisations decommissioningnuclear material from their fa-cilities.

It, however, said in most ofthe cases seeking disposal ofradioactive waste, the AERB hadtaken action within seven days

and issued export permissionfor imported sources.

"For sources to be disposedof at the authorized waste man-agement agency in the country,AERB takes about one month'stime to issue disposal permis-sion since the concurrence fromthe waste management agencyis to be obtained first," AERBSecretary Om Pal Singh said.

According to rules laid downfor the disposal of nuclearwaste, the user has to providedetails of the material to be dis-posed of locally (in India) or tobe exported (to original supplierabroad).

These details are forwardedto the authorised waste man-agement agency for its concur-rence and only after that doesthe Board permit the user totransport the material to theagency.

DU country's only radioactive polluter

PTI

NEW DELHI, JUNE 20

Prime Minister Manmohan Singhis expected to announce the de-cision on signing a memoran-dum of understanding on Gangariver basin management planbetween the government and aconsortium of IITs during hisvisit to the IIT-Kanpur on July3.

Singh has been invited to at-tend as the chief guest the an-nual convocation of the premierinstitute, which is celebratingits golden jubilee this year.

"Prime Minister will visit theinstitute on July 3. One of themajor announcements on theday will be about the signingof the pact for Ganga cleaningplan between the Centre andthe IIT-consortium," IIT-Kanpurdirector Sanjay G Dhande toldPTI.

He said that the actual signingwill happen a few days later inNew Delhi between the Envi-ronment Ministry and the IIT-consortium which comprises theseven leading IITs -- Kharagpur,Madras, Roorkee, Guwahati,

Delhi, Kanpur and Mumbai.They will be pooling in their

talent to prepare a Rs 18-crorecomprehensive basin manage-ment plan for revival of theGanga under the National GangaRiver Basin Authority (NGRBA),which is headed by the PrimeMinister and includes chief min-isters of the states throughwhich the river flows.

The plan, which will outlinecomprehensive measures forrestoration of the Ganga withregard to the issue of competingwater uses in the river basin,

will be completed within 12-18months.

Dhande said unlike the pre-vious Ganga action plan whichfocused mainly on water, thistime concentration will be onthe entire basin and how to en-sure quality and quantity flowin the river.

Pinning hopes on the IITsbrain to revive the holy river,Environment Minister JairamRamesh had recently said, "I ex-pect that the project will buildhuman resources in this area inthe IITs. The next generation of

water resources experts shouldbe developed through this proj-ect.

"That is why I preferred goingto the IIT consortium rather thanto a consulting company, whichwas the original plan," Rameshsaid.

Once the IITs do their job,the implementation of the planwill have to be done under theNRGBA, whose mandate amongother things is to ensure pre-vention of entry of untreatedsewage in the river by the year2020.

The work would broadly beundertaken by many thematicgroups, each involving varioustasks such as preparation ofgeo-spatial database manage-ment, water resources engineer-ing, fluvial geomorphology(effective stream channel man-agement) and socio-cultural as-pects.

Capacity building and publicparticipation, maintenance andrestoration of Ganga system andimprovement of its ecologicalhealth will be the other majorarea of focus, Dhande said.

PM may decide on Ganga MoU soonThe PM will visitIIT-Kanpur onJuly 3. One of themajorannouncementswill be about thesigning of thepact for Gangacleaning betweenthe Centre andthe IIT-consortium

Scheme to boost Waqf

boardsPTI

NEW DELHI, JUNE 20

In a bid to check rampant en-croachment of Waqf properties,the Centre has launched ascheme to strengthen all of itsstate boards in the country.

The move comes a little morethan a month after the UPA gov-ernment passed a bill to amend theWaqf Act, 1995, on May 7 in the LS.

As the amended waqf Act pro-vides for penal provisions aswell to prevent encroachmentof properties owned by it, thefocus of the new scheme wouldbe to impart training and tech-nology to the boards so thatthey can work in the changedscenario, sources in the MinorityAffairs Ministry said.

The government has sanc-tioned Rs 7 crore for the currentfinancial year for the scheme.Fifteen Waqf boards will benefitfrom the scheme, which will alsobe extended to remaining 14state boards later on.

Youths related to ultras denied passports in J-K

PTI

SRINAGAR, JUNE 20

Procedures for issue of passportsmay have been eased elsewherebut youths in Jammu and Kashmir,said to be relatives of militants,do not get their travel document.

Many of them claim they aredenied passport but are not in-formed about it formally.

The state government, whichintervened in the matter, claimsthat passport of relatives of mil-itants are being issued but theirkin complain that they are stilldenied the 'right to travel'.

Police refutes these claimsand say the process is on.

'Campaign for Right to Travel',a group formed by Kashmiriswho have been denied pass-ports, allege that the govern-ment has blacklisted more than60,000 people from receivingpassports on the basis of intel-ligence reports that they couldpose a security risk.

Longest day of the year

todayPTI

NEW DELHI, JUNE 20

Tomorrow is the longest day ofthe year and some school stu-dents plan to visit the nearly300-year-old observatory JantarMantar to conduct astronomicalexperiments.

Science Popularisation Associ-ation of Communicators and Ed-ucators (SPACE) is organising a'Khagol Mela' (Astronomical Fare)at the eighteenth century monu-ment to educate people aboutthe summer solstice, when theearth's axis tilts towards the sun.

Jantar Mantar, in the heart ofthe city, was built in 1724 byMaharaja Jai Singh II of Jaipur.

Solstice, a term derived fromLatin words sol, meaning sun,and sistere, which means tostand still, is an astronomicalevent which occurs twice a year,when the tilt of the earth's axisis most inclined towards or awayfrom the sun, SPACE PresidentC B Devgun told PTI.

This causes the sun's apparentposition in the sky to reach itsnorthernmost or southernmostextreme, so the Northern Hemi-sphere points directly towardsthe sun while the SouthernHemisphere points directly op-posite the sun, he said.

The issue dominating the headlines is theBhopal tragedy, and how and why UnionCarbide Chairman Warren Anderson got

away. But the fact is that the health consequencesof exposure to the poisonous Methyl Isocyanate(MIC) gas were and continue to be grosslyunderestimated.

It not only caused immediate fatalities, buthas continued to do so over the years, often inthe most excruciatingly painful manner, with con-sequences for future generations as well. Thisnew evidence should have been collated and usedto revisit and reassess the compensation.

Instead, we have permitted the culprits to takerefuge behind the fact that Union Carbide wastaken over by Dow Chemical, which claims tohave acquired only assets and not liabilities. Doesthis have any legal basis? Has no one heard ofvicarious corporate liability? Or is this yet anotherexample of our governments generosity?

We are now the laughing stock of the worldbecause we let our people get trampled uponlike this. If our own laws were inadequate, as hasbeen alleged in some quarters, why was no amend-ment tabled and passed in the Lok Sabha, or anordinance promulgated? The truth is that ourlaw makers were caught with their pants down;totally out of their uneducated depths. This ex-plains the shocking reality that even today, thesite remains contaminated.

At the same time, we have the ridiculous spec-tacle of the countrys Law Minister attacking hisown judiciary for a verdict issued by the SupremeCourt way back in 1996. If an attack was calledfor it should have come in 1996, for the sloppymanner in which the Central Bureau of Investi-gation (CBI) investigated the case after they tookit over from the Hanumanganj Police Station in1984. But was the CBIs sloppiness a result of in-efficiency or was it politically appropriate at thetime? What possessed the government to settlefor such a paltry compensation for the worldsworst industrial disaster?

The text of the Supreme Court order suggeststhat the case was presented such that the learnedjudges could do little else. The assessment ofthe medical fallout of the leak the crucial issue was totally inadequate. The justification forchanging the charge from Section 304-A (deathby negligence) to Section 304 II (culpable homicidenot amounting to murder) was poorly presented,

in spite of clear evidence in Union Carbides owninternal assessments that there was a danger of a leak.

As for getting Anderson back, we have as muchchance as a snowball in hell. Apart from the age-related sympathy factor, the US government inits usual hypocritical manner will politely tell usto take a walk. Or they might get truly imaginativeand suggest we get the required funds from allthose billions our politicians and businessmenhave stashed away in Swiss banks!

B S Raghavans article in Business Line titledA riddle, wrapped in a mystery, inside an enigmamakes intriguing reading. Anderson was givenVIP treatment and permitted to leave the countryon 7 December 1984. A man named Adil Shahriyarwas granted a US presidential pardon as a good-will gesture for reasons of state on 11 June1985. Shahriyar had been sentenced in 1982 to35 years hard labour in the US for drug trafficking,illegal possession of fire arms, transporting armsacross state borders and attempting to blow upa ship. His appeal was turned down in the USCourt of Appeals because the evidence presentedsupports the verdicts. Adil happens to be theson of Muhammad Yunus, who was very closely

linked to the Indira Gandhi family, and a mentorto both Sanjay and Rajiv Gandhi!

More recently, there was an uproar in the UKbecause 340 million of aid to India for the SarvaShiksha Abhiyan had either been misused or dis-appeared. Misuse included purchase of cars, tel-evision sets, luxury beds and even funding theproduction of a film! The news was not the resultof an undercover operation; it simply quoted thereport of the Comptroller and Auditor Generalof India (CAG). Why the deafening silence in India,both from the treasury benches and the opposi-tion? This implies either total ignorance of theimplications, or that everyone has a finger in the pie.

The local papers have been full of Nadia Tor-rados death. What I find disturbing is that writerafter writer, even some very reputable ones, choseto go into her background, missing the wood forthe trees. There are two essential facts: first, shedied of Ratol poisoning. Second, she had ante-mortem bruises on her body. These should haveprompted the investigating authorities to swinginto action. Instead, we witnessed the silly spec-tacle of the alleged perpetrators residence beingraided and a computer seized more than two

weeks after the incident; enough time to evenchange the hard disc.

The problem is that every time a young womandies a violent death in mysterious circumstances,the first thing we look into is the victims character.This happened in the Scarlet Keeling case, theNadia case and even when the perpetrator hadbeen arrested, in the Margao stabbing case. Ourauthorities seem to take perverse delight in muckraking, forgetting that the victim was a humanbeing who had as much of a right to life as youor me. I simply cannot understand when the self-confessed murderer is in custody, what purposeis served in publicising how many affairs thevictim may or may not have had?

Good governance is a cohesive effort betweenthe legislature, the executive and the judiciary,with the press and media keeping a watchful eye.Someone said: A good politician is as unthinkableas an honest burglar. Unfortunately, our politi-cians have taken the executive down with theminto the cesspool. That leaves the judiciary andthe media. Already, we have seen cracks appearingin the judiciary. Senior judges are at each othersthroats in the public domain. Occupants of thehighest judicial chair in the country refuse to fol-low simple norms like declaring their assets, untilpublic outrage forces the issue.

This leaves only the Fourth Estate like theFourth Horseman to pull us out of the morass.I will never forget my sense of pride at seeing ablank editorial in Indian Express in the era ofcensorship during the Emergency, in 1975. It iscommendable that this spirit of defiance for free-dom continues. But alas, even that is under threat,with corporate houses controlling newspapersand people like Ram Jethmalani declaring on TVthat he is starting his own newspaper becausehe is not satisfied with media reporting (just be-fore he walked out of Karan Thapars interview).

My concern is that in situations like this, thingsgenerally tend to get much worse. History hasshown that events move in one of two directions.Either a star is born in the form of a leader wholifts society out of the depths of despair, or amadman like Hitler or Bin Laden, arrives on thescene. We know the reign of terror that both un-leashed. Only time will tell which direction we take.

(The writer is a member of the National Exec-utive Committee of the Voluntary Health Associ-ation of India - VHAI)

Sonsodo spic and spanValmiki Faleiro, Margao

On 18 June, Goa Revolution Day, on my wayto senior friend Rafael Viegas residence atCurtorim, I passed by the stinkyard calledSonsodo. What I saw was another Revolu-tion. Never before had Sonsodo sportedsuch a spic-and-span sight. Both AvdhutTimblo and his project manager in Margao,Eng Shridhar Kamat, deserve congratula-tions. Hope their technical collaboratorsfrom Delhi will also do a neat job and ridMargao of one of its long-standingheadaches.

The Sonsodo story bears a message: itpays to trust and entrust responsibility toproven locals, rather than fly-by-night out-station operators. In that vein, if the RiverPrincess is to be safely removed, the jobneeds to be entrusted to the Madgavkars,who have an outstanding track record onsome of the worlds most challenging salvageoperations.

Many will remember how the Madgavkarsbrought out the huge monolithic Buddhastatue that had sunk to the depths of Hy-derabad-Secunderabads Husain SagarLake.

Fight highway expansionFrancis Braganza, Verna

Hats off to Leader of the OppositionManohar Parrikar for taking up the issue ofland acquisition for the expansion of Na-tional Highway 17 in right earnest. Thisissue is a litmus test for our politicians tofind out whether they are for or againstGoa and Goans. The Kerala government isto be complimented for taking up cudgelson behalf of their people and directing theNHAI to keep the highway width to only 35metres.

Land is a scarce commodity in Goa andthe highway should be only four-lane, meas-uring a maximum of 30 metres. Or else, letus keep the present highway as a state high-way and build a new highway through thefields, where the crossroads would be fewerand the cost will be less.

Rebellion DayCedrick Fernandes, Margao

Our freedom fighters need to inform usabout who created the infrastructure of aradio station, airport, railways, roads, port,healthcare and education and, more impor-tant, law and order and human values? Was

it not Portugal? Our government is not decisive on gotra

marriages and honour killings. Whobanned Sati? Was it not the colonial rulers?

Today, we have highly qualified peoplein and out of politics. Who imparted moderneducation and healthcare to their forebears?Freedom fighters were saying: Be Indian,buy Indian. Many of their children are study-ing and working outside India; why?

Not everything about colonial rule wasbad. They should not look at things purelyin black and white.

Another election card? Praxy Fernandes, Sanquelim

I cannot understand why, when a properelection card with my photo on it was al-ready issued to me in 2004, I have nowbeen given a form at my residence withspelling mistakes in my name and my sur-name jumbled up, with a request to submittwo photographs and Form 8 for makingthe relevant corrections, so that a new cardcan be issued. What happens to the correctlyissued existing card?

How many times is this exercise of issuing

election cards going to be conducted? Whomanipulates the records, which have to becorrectly maintained? It looks like such jobsa re de l i be ra te l y re - t endered tocontractors/suppliers, so public money canbe siphoned.

Malgonkars lamentP K Pal, Panaji

Manohar Malgonkar, the well known Englishwriter who died on 15 June at Jagalbet, aremote villager in Karnataka near Londa,praised the Goa government in his book,written 30 years back, saying: Unlike someothers [Goa] does not permit normal forestdepartmental operations in its sanctuaries;the welfare of animals takes precedenceover the need to exploit forest produce.

And how disappointed he must have feltmore recently, when he came to know thepresent state of affairs in Goa and said:Today, the mining industry has destroyedthe greenery of Goas rich forests; haschoked its rivers and has polluted the freshair. The present government is not seriousabout protecting Goas nat