16
O HERALD O The Voice of Goa — Since 1900 Business: PetroMin rules out diesel price decontrol Pg 13 Sports: Djokovic strips Fedex of last Slam title Pg 16 IN BRIEF Carry on with your 'Flag Yatra' sir! Due to the security reasons, you will have to do it on a tread- mill. Visit us at:www.oheraldo.in panjim, friday, january 28, 2011 postal reg. no. Goa 101 priCE rs. 3.00 (air Surcharge rs 2.00) pages 16+4 HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, JAN 27 In a significant decision, the State government has finally ter- minated the controversial con- tract signed with M/s Shimnit Utsch Private Limited for instal- lation of high security registra- tion plates (HSRP) in Goa. The termination notice served to the company on Jan- uary 25 comes after intense scrutiny by the advocate general over the show cause notice reply filed by the company. The government on Novem- ber 2, 2010 had issued a show cause notice to the company asking ‘why the concession agreement signed on February 29, 2008 should not be can- celled’. Accordingly, the reply was filed within a fortnight, which was later forwarded to the advocate general for scrutiny. Director of Transport Arun Desai said that the contract with Shimnit Utsch has been termi- nated taking into account all ir- regularities pointed out by the government-appointed Srivas- tava Committee. “Several issues were sighted by the committee. The company had failed to provide a necessary reply to the show cause notice,” he said. The termination notice men- tions that the company has car- ried out some changes in its board of directors (BoDs) with- out intimating the State gov- ernment. “As per Union Transport Ministry rules, any changes in the agreement should be intimated to the gov- ernment,” the notice read. The director said that on Sep- tember 26, 2005 when bids were supplied by the company, neither Nitin Shah nor Rushank Shah were directors of the com- pany. However, it was noticed that the joint venture was signed between a German partner and Nitin Shah. “As a joint venture does not exist, a joint venture agreement in this case is broken,” he said. “Our contention is that the company did not even qualify for bidding,” the notice reads. The government in its notice has also stated that the company in its financial bidding had fig- ured that a premium of 48 per cent would be charged on plates. “The company had altered few entries in the agreement using a pencil. The committee had said that these changes were made after the agreement was signed,” the notice men- tions. It also says that Supreme Court in May, 2010, had given judgment in a case against Shimnit Utsch wherein the apex court had said that the rates quoted by the company could be scaled down using Indian technology to Rs 469. The notice also cites public interest as one of the reasons to issue the show cause. Govt terminates deal with Shimit PTI NEW DELHI, JAN 27 Embarrassed by developments in the CVC case in the Supreme Court today, the government appears to be veering round to the view that controversial P J Thomas should voluntarily re- sign from the post of CVC. Law Minister M Veerappa Moily met Prime Minister Man- mohan Singh today hours after the Supreme Court was told by Attorney General G E Vahanvati that the committee which se- lected Thomas was not aware of charges against him in the two-decade-old palmolein oil import case. Later Vahanvati clarified that, “It was never stated by me that this matter pertaining to pal- molein oil case was not dis- cussed by the members of the committee (headed by the prime minister).” Officials said the meeting be- tween Moily and the prime min- ister did not relate to the issue of CVC. Highly placed sources in the government said that given the turn of events and controversies surrounding Thomas, it would be better if he voluntarily stepped down from his office, to which he was appointed on September 7 last year, to avoid a situation in which the apex court might pass strictures or even strike down his appoint- ment. The other course, the sources said, would be to initiate the process of his removal through presidential reference. The government came under sharp attack from the opposition after the AG’s statement before the Supreme Court. It had earlier appeared to have tied itself in knots in the Supreme Court on the appoint- ment of P J Thomas as CVC when it said a corruption case against him was not placed be- fore the three-member panel headed by Prime Minister Man- mohan Singh, a claim contested by BJP which termed it as “un- truth”. “It was not before the com- mittee. The material pertaining to the sanction for prosecution under section 120B of the Indian Penal Code was not before the committee. The bio-data did not reflect this aspect before the committee,” Attorney General G E Vahanvati said. PTI NEW DELHI, JAN 27 Expressing concern that the black money stashed in banks abroad might have originated from arms deals, drug traffick- ing and smuggling, the Supreme Court today asked the government as to what action it had taken against individuals and firms having foreign ac- counts. A bench headed by Justice B Sudarshan Reddy directed the government to file its response by Thursday next. The court also sought replies from the government, Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and Chief Vigilance Commissioner (CVC) on a petition seeking direction to the government to ratify the United Nations convention on corruption which would facili- tate it in bringing back black money from foreign banks. Asking the government not to restrict its probe only to the tax evasion aspect, the bench told the government to go after the sources of black money. “We want to know what steps you have taken against the peo- ple who have accumulated so much money in foreign banks. What are the sources of the money,” the bench asked. “These are people in the country who are amenable to the law. What action have you taken against them when you came to know that they have stashed money in foreign banks? “What are the sources of the money? Where has the money come from? It might be because of arms deals, smuggling, nar- cotics, drug trafficking or some- thing else. These are more serious issues, when you know the name, what action you have taken?,” the bench asked. Senior Advocate Anil Divan, appearing for petitioner and for- mer Union Law Minister Ram Jethmalani, accused the govern- ment of not being serious on the issue, saying that Pune- based businessman Hasan Ali, facing a probe for stashing money to the tune of Rs 36,000 crore in UBS Bank in Swiss bank, has fled the country. Find sources of black money, SC tells govt ‘CVC should quit on his own’ NCP must still wait and watch HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, JAN 27 It still’s a game of wait and watch for the Nationalist Con- gress Party (NCP) in Goa and it will able to make its next move only after return of their national General Secretary Praful Patel from London by this weekend. NCP State Chief Surendra Sirsat speaking to Herald on Thursday evening , said he has kept abreast Party President Sharad Pawar of happenings in the State. The future course of action will depend on the outcome of meeting between NCP general secretary and All India Congress Committee (AICC) Political Sec- retary, Ahmed Patel. The NCP official was in dia- logue with the Congress secre- tary about their demand to induct Benaulim legislator Mickky Pacheco into cabinet and the talks will resume after Pra- ful’s return. he said. The talks were temporarily suspended on request of the Congress party which wanted some time to resolve conflict in its State unit. Public Works Department Minister Churchill Alemao supported by nine Congress legislators had threatened to withdraw sup- port from the government, if former Tourism Minister Pacheco was inducted into the cabinet. Sirsat, however, said their main demand , to induct Pacheco into the cabinet by dropping Jose Philip D’Souza who is a revenue minister in Kamat-led government, still stands. Pranab calls for all-party meet on Feb 8 PTI NEW DELHI, JAN 27 Finance Minister and leader of the House in Lok Sabha Pranab Mukherjee has convened a meeting of leaders of political parties on February 8 in an ap- parent bid to break the deadlock in parliament. The meeting has been convened over lunch for “mutual consulta- tions” over the budget session of parliament, sources said. With the winter session of Par- liament washed out over the op- position demand for a JPC probe into the 2G scam, the govern- ment apparently wants to sort out issues to ensure smooth func- tioning of the parliament. American kills two in Lahore An employee of the United States consulate in this east- ern Pakistani city shot and killed two men in a busy com- mercial area while another man died in a road accident involving a speeding car driven by the American’s asso- ciate today, police said. – (PTI) Disaster averted A possible air disaster was averted as 98 boxes containing hydrochloric acid, declared globally as ‘dangerous goods’, were off-loaded from a passen- ger plane here before take-off after one of them fell on the tarmac while being loaded, generating strong fumes, offi- cials said today. -- (PTI) Goa’s Heartbeat: TV challenging, in no rush for films – Urmila Pg 4 (Continued on page 10)

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  • OHERALDOThe Voice of Goa Since 1900

    Business: PetroMin rules out

    diesel price decontrol Pg 13Sports: Djokovic strips Fedex

    of last Slam title Pg 16

    IN BRIEF

    Carry on with your 'Flag Yatra'sir! Due to the security reasons,you will have to do it on a tread-mill.

    Visit us at:www.oheraldo.in panjim, friday, january 28, 2011 postal reg. no. Goa 101 priCE rs. 3.00 (air Surcharge rs 2.00) pages 16+4

    HERALD REPORTER

    PANJIM, JAN 27

    In a significant decision, theState government has finally ter-minated the controversial con-tract signed with M/s ShimnitUtsch Private Limited for instal-lation of high security registra-tion plates (HSRP) in Goa.

    The terminat ion noticeserved to the company on Jan-uary 25 comes after intensescrutiny by the advocate generalover the show cause notice replyfiled by the company.

    The government on Novem-ber 2, 2010 had issued a showcause notice to the companyasking why the concessionagreement signed on February29, 2008 should not be can-celled. Accordingly, the reply

    was filed within a fortnight,which was later forwarded tothe advocate genera l forscrutiny.

    Director of Transport ArunDesai said that the contract withShimnit Utsch has been termi-nated taking into account all ir-regularities pointed out by thegovernment-appointed Srivas-tava Committee.

    Several issues were sightedby the committee. The companyhad failed to provide a necessaryreply to the show cause notice,he said.

    The termination notice men-tions that the company has car-ried out some changes in itsboard of directors (BoDs) with-out intimating the State gov-ernment. As per Union

    Transport Ministry rules, anychanges in the agreementshould be intimated to the gov-ernment, the notice read.

    The director said that on Sep-tember 26, 2005 when bidswere supplied by the company,neither Nitin Shah nor RushankShah were directors of the com-pany. However, it was noticedthat the joint venture was signedbetween a German partner andNitin Shah.

    As a joint venture does notexist, a joint venture agreementin this case is broken, he said.

    Our contention is that thecompany did not even qualifyfor bidding, the notice reads.

    The government in its noticehas also stated that the companyin its financial bidding had fig-

    ured that a premium of 48 percent would be charged onplates.

    The company had alteredfew entries in the agreementusing a pencil. The committeehad said that these changeswere made after the agreementwas signed, the notice men-tions.

    It also says that SupremeCourt in May, 2010, had givenjudgment in a case againstShimnit Utsch wherein the apexcourt had said that the ratesquoted by the company couldbe scaled down using Indiantechnology to Rs 469.

    The notice also cites publicinterest as one of the reasonsto issue the show cause.

    Govt terminates deal with Shimit

    PTI

    NEW DELHI, JAN 27

    Embarrassed by developmentsin the CVC case in the SupremeCourt today, the governmentappears to be veering round tothe view that controversial P JThomas should voluntarily re-sign from the post of CVC.

    Law Minister M VeerappaMoily met Prime Minister Man-mohan Singh today hours afterthe Supreme Court was told byAttorney General G E Vahanvatithat the committee which se-lected Thomas was not awareof charges against him in thetwo-decade-old palmolein oilimport case.

    Later Vahanvati clarified that,It was never stated by me thatthis matter pertaining to pal-molein oil case was not dis-cussed by the members of thecommittee (headed by the primeminister).

    Officials said the meeting be-tween Moily and the prime min-ister did not relate to the issue

    of CVC.Highly placed sources in the

    government said that given theturn of events and controversiessurrounding Thomas, it wouldbe better if he voluntarilystepped down from his office,to which he was appointed onSeptember 7 last year, to avoida situation in which the apexcourt might pass strictures oreven strike down his appoint-ment.

    The other course, the sourcessaid, would be to initiate theprocess of his removal throughpresidential reference.

    The government came undersharp attack from the oppositionafter the AGs statement beforethe Supreme Court.

    It had earlier appeared tohave tied itself in knots in theSupreme Court on the appoint-ment of P J Thomas as CVCwhen it said a corruption caseagainst him was not placed be-fore the three-member panelheaded by Prime Minister Man-mohan Singh, a claim contestedby BJP which termed it as un-truth.

    It was not before the com-mittee. The material pertainingto the sanction for prosecutionunder section 120B of the IndianPenal Code was not before thecommittee. The bio-data did notreflect this aspect before thecommittee, Attorney GeneralG E Vahanvati said.

    PTI

    NEW DELHI, JAN 27

    Expressing concern that theblack money stashed in banksabroad might have originatedfrom arms deals, drug traffick-i n g a n d s m u g g l i n g , t h eSupreme Court today asked thegovernment as to what actionit had taken against individualsand firms having foreign ac-counts.

    A bench headed by Justice BSudarshan Reddy directed thegovernment to file its responseby Thursday next.

    The court also sought repliesfrom the government, ReserveBank of India (RBI) and ChiefVigilance Commissioner (CVC)on a petition seeking direction

    to the government to ratify theUnited Nations convention oncorruption which would facili-tate it in bringing back blackmoney from foreign banks.

    Asking the government notto restrict its probe only to thetax evasion aspect, the benchtold the government to go afterthe sources of black money.

    We want to know what stepsyou have taken against the peo-ple who have accumulated somuch money in foreign banks.What are the sources of themoney, the bench asked.

    These are people in thecountry who are amenable tothe law. What action have youtaken against them when youcame to know that they have

    stashed money in foreign banks?What are the sources of the

    money? Where has the moneycome from? It might be becauseof arms deals, smuggling, nar-cotics, drug trafficking or some-thing else. These are moreserious issues, when you knowthe name, what action you havetaken?, the bench asked.

    Senior Advocate Anil Divan,appearing for petitioner and for-mer Union Law Minister RamJethmalani, accused the govern-ment of not being serious onthe issue, saying that Pune-based businessman Hasan Ali,facing a probe for stashingmoney to the tune of Rs 36,000crore in UBS Bank in Swiss bank,has fled the country.

    Find sources of black money, SC tells govt

    CVC shouldquit on his own

    NCP muststill wait

    and watchHERALD REPORTER

    PANJIM, JAN 27

    It stills a game of wait andwatch for the Nationalist Con-gress Party (NCP) in Goa and itwill able to make its nextmove only after return oftheir national General SecretaryPraful Patel from London bythis weekend.

    NCP State Chief SurendraSirsat speaking to Herald onThursday evening , said he haskept abreast Party PresidentSharad Pawar of happeningsin the State.

    The future course of actionwill depend on the outcome ofmeeting between NCP generalsecretary and All India CongressCommittee (AICC) Political Sec-retary, Ahmed Patel.

    The NCP official was in dia-logue with the Congress secre-tary about their demand toinduct Benaulim legislatorMickky Pacheco into cabinet andthe talks will resume after Pra-fuls return. he said.

    The talks were temporarilysuspended on request of theCongress party which wantedsome time to resolve conflictin its State unit. Public WorksDepartment Minister ChurchillAlemao supported by nineCongress legis lators hadthreatened to withdraw sup-port from the government, iffo rmer Tour i sm Min i s te rPacheco was inducted into thecabinet.

    Sirsat, however, said theirmain demand , to inductPacheco into the cabinet bydropping Jose Philip DSouzawho is a revenue minister inKamat-led government, stillstands.

    Pranab calls for all-party

    meet on Feb 8PTI

    NEW DELHI, JAN 27

    Finance Minister and leader ofthe House in Lok Sabha PranabMukherjee has convened ameeting of leaders of politicalparties on February 8 in an ap-parent bid to break the deadlockin parliament.

    The meeting has been convenedover lunch for mutual consulta-tions over the budget session ofparliament, sources said.

    With the winter session of Par-liament washed out over the op-position demand for a JPC probeinto the 2G scam, the govern-ment apparently wants to sortout issues to ensure smooth func-tioning of the parliament.

    American killstwo in Lahore An employee of the UnitedStates consulate in this east-ern Pakistani city shot andkilled two men in a busy com-mercial area while anotherman died in a road accidentinvolving a speeding cardriven by the Americans asso-ciate today, police said. (PTI)

    Disaster averted A possible air disaster wasaverted as 98 boxes containinghydrochloric acid, declaredglobally as dangerous goods,were off-loaded from a passen-ger plane here before take-offafter one of them fell on thetarmac while being loaded,generating strong fumes, offi-cials said today. -- (PTI)

    Goas Heartbeat: TV challenging, in

    no rush for films Urmila Pg 4

    (Continued on page 10)

  • GOAOHERALD

    O

    Pg2GOA, FRIDAY, 28 JANUARY, 2011

    HERALD REPORTER

    VASCO, JAN 27

    Pinning their hopes on the Stategovernment to safeguard theirhouses from demolition, resi-dents of Khariwado-Vasco onThursday demanded that thegovernment should move an or-dinance to save their houses.

    The demand was made in a sol-idarity meeting to show the strengthof Khariwado people, who havebeen served with demolition noticesby Mormugao Municipal Council(MMC) in the wake of High Courtsdecision to demolish 366-oddshanties along the Khariwado coast.

    Councillors, fishermen andlocal residents of Khariwadounanimously urged the govern-ment to safeguard their housesfrom demolition, as the HighCourt has asked MMC to servefinal notices to all the 366houses by February 15.

    It may be stated that the issueof demolition is nothing newfor the residents of Khariwado,

    as they have been battling tosave the jetty and houses alongKhariwado for the last twodecades.

    When Mormugao Port Trust(MPT) filed a writ petition mak-ing Goa Coastal Zone Manage-ment Authority and MMC partyto it, in December, 2010, theHigh Court delivered its verdictin favour of the port authority.

    Addressing the residents dur-ing the meeting, most of thespeakers -- Councillor FiolaRego, Lavina DSouza, PascoalD Souza, former councillorArnold Rego, fisherman SimonPereira, Clement DSouza, Kari-dade Pereira, Roney DSouza andEdwin Pereira felt that there isa need for unity among fisher-men and the affected people.

    Khariwado Councillor LavinaDSouza informed the peoplethat MMC has nothing to do inthe matter, as High Court hasmade council a party in the pe-tition and MMC is just followingthe High Court order.

    We have been kept in thedark about High Courts decisionand not even once this issuewas discussed in the council,said Councillor Fiola Rego.

    With the turnout for the sol-idarity meeting which is beingheld at the door steps of thepeople who have been servedwith demolition notice, will thesame people come for the meet-ing before the chief minister,she asked.

    Councillor Pascaol DSouza,elder brother of Revenue Min-ister Jose Philip, said the portauthority has no right to evac-uate the fishermen. Port cannotdictate its terms since fishermenalong the Khariwado coast havebeen living for centuries, addedDSouza.

    Former president of Goa Fish-ing Boat Owner AssociationRoney DSouza said they havebeen hoping against hope, asthere is a need to appeal againstthe judgement of the High Courton priority basis.

    Khariwado residents demand

    ordinance to save houses Bandh evokes good

    response in CurchoremShops remain closed; trucks, buses stay off the road

    Curchorem bus stand wears a deserted loojk due to bandh on Thursday.

    Photo by Suresh Naik

    HERALD CORRESPONDENT

    CURCHOREM, JAN 27

    The Ganv Rakhon Jagrut iManch's call for a CurchoremBandh on Thursday to protestagainst the proposed four-laneroad from Tilamol to SanguemCourt was successful, as allshops and establishments re-maining closed for the day.

    According to reports, therewas spontaneous response tothe bandh from the people fromall walks of life.

    It was also decided to lead amorcha at the Secreteriat onFebruary 1.

    All the shops and establish-ments remained closed exceptfor banks, pharmacies, post of-fice and petrol pumps. All trucksand buses remained off theroads. People blocked the roadsby parking their cars and two-wheelers on the roads.

    In the morning, hundreds ofpeople gathered near Dr Ambed-kar Chowk. Among those whoaddressed the people wereSanguem MLA Vasudev Gaonkar,former minister Domnic Fernan-des, ZP member Rosario Fernan-des , soc ia l worker SuhasSanvordekar, Nilesh Cabral, ex-sarpanch Nilkant Naik, ex-councillorParesh Bhende, Sanjay Dessai ofConsumer Forum, Shivaji Tilve ofTruck Owners Association, Adv AtreyKakodkar and others.

    Addressing the people, MLAGaonkar accused the State gov-ernment of supporting the mineowners against the welfare ofthe people.

    The bypass road can be con-structed within 6 months, but the

    HERALD CORRESPONDENT

    SANGUEM, JAN 27

    The Bandh call given by GanvRakhon Jagruti Manch had littleimpact in Sanguem.

    Except for public transportsystem, which remained off theroad throughout the day, shopsand establishments in the townarea and neighbouring areasfunctioned as usual. Not a singleshop in the town area remainedclosed for the day.

    Government offices andbanks also functioned as usual.The visitors to the governmentoffices however remained low

    as the villagers from remoteareas could not make it to theoffices for want of transport.

    All the public transport vehi-cles plying from the remoteareas to Sanguem town re-mained off the road, therebykeeping the people stranded atmany places.

    The worst affected wereschool-going students and at-tendance in most of the schoolsremained low. Some students,especially SSC and HSSC stu-dents, had to hire motorcyclesto reach their schools as theywere answering their prelims.

    Has little impact in Sanguem

    government is not serious aboutthe demand of the people for bypassroad, alleged Gaonkar.

    Later the people took out arally which proceeded fromCurhcorem market and stoppednear Curchorem MLA Shyam Sa-tardekars residence. There, thespeakers again spoke againstthe MLA and shouted anti-MLAslogans. People also burnt aneffigy of the MLA. Later, the ag-itators decided to extend whole-hearted support to SuhasSanvordekar, who will go on anindefinite hunger strike fromFebruary 1 in front of CurchoremPolice station.

    Police teams from South Goaas well as a police team fromthe State Reserve Police weresummoned to maintain law andorder.

    DM ordersenforcementin timings of

    mining trucks HERALD REPORTER

    MARGAO, JAN 27

    South Goa district Magistrate,G P Naik on Thursday issuedstrict instructions to the policeand other agencies to enforcestrict monitoring of the timingsvis--vis plying of mining trucksin the Quepem-Curchorem min-ing belt.

    The District Magistrate todaytwo separate meetings, one ofthe mine owners and the mon-itoring agencies and the otherwith a delegation of the resi-dents of Quepem and Cur-chorem in the d i s t r i c tCollectorate here this evening.

    The meeting was called todiscuss the report submitted bythe deputy Collector, Quepemover the failure by the agenciesto strictly abide by the timingsset by the authorities for thetransportation of mining ore.

    The monitoring agencies, in-cluding the police maintainedthat the timings sought to bemodified partially for better im-plementation and to give reliefto the traveling public and mo-torists.

    District police chief, Allan DeSa, DySP Rohidas Patre and DySP,Traffic Gajanan Prabhudessaiwere amongst the police officialswho attended the meeting.

    The police submitted to thedistrict Magistrate that addi-tional 40 policemen was de-ployed for monitoring of themining traffic, but admitted thatthe system sometimes goes hay-wire in times of law and orderproblems.

    HERALD REPORTER

    MARGAO, JAN 27

    Continuing its investigationsinto the sensational headlessbody murder case, the policeon Thursday arrested the ownerof the Maruti Swift vehicle whichwas allegedly used to take awaydeceased Sultan Bellary fromBellary to an unknown destina-tion.

    The vehicle owner Nitin Di-cholkar was placed under arrestand the swift car attached aspart of the investigations. Thepolice had earlier recovered aMaruti van which was allegedlyused by the accused persons totake away Sultan from Benaulim.A scooter has also been at-tached.

    In another development, thepolice raided the general storeat Calconda as part of the probe.

    Maina Curtorim PI SIdhantShirodkar said the Swift vehiclewhich was allegedly used to takeaway deceased Sultan Bellary, anative of Bellary-Karnataka, wasattached by the police from neara Temple at Rumdamol-Davolrimvillage. He said the owner ofthe vehicle was summoned tothe police station today afterwhich the vehicle was attachedfrom the Temple premises.

    The police are interrogatingthe owner as to who was using

    Car owner arrested in headless murder case

    The Maruti Swift vehicle which has been attached by the Maina Cur-torim police on Thursday. Also seen is the Maruti van attached bythe police on Wednesday. Photo by Santosh Mirajkar

    the Swift car and how the vehi-cle landed at Benaulim on thatfateful night.

    Meanwhile, a police team onThursday conducted a search ofthe shop of Govind, who hasbeen arrested by the police inconnection with Sultans mur-der.

    PI Shirodkar informed thatthe search did not unearth anyincriminating material from thepremises, adding that the policequestioned the owner of themissing staff.

    We have conducted theraid after obtaining a searchwarrant. The police are in-vestigating the murder fromall angles. Since it is a sen-sitive matter, the investiga-

    tion is being carried out stepby step, he said, while reit-erating that the police areon the look out for 7-8 per-sons in connection with thecase.

    The brain behind the grue-some murder has been identi-fied. It is jut a matter of timefor the police to arrest the mainaccused, he added.

    Meanwhile, V ivek Naik,who was arrested by the po-lice in connection with themurder on Wednesday, hasbeen remanded to 10 dayspolice custody.

    Accused Govind has also beenremanded to 10 days police forfurther investigations into thecold blooded murder.

    HERALD CORRESPONDENT

    CALANGUTE, JAN 27

    Continuing with its raids, AnjunaPolice on Thursday seized yetcontraband of drugs worth Rs3 lakh from a Nigerian nationalat Anjuna on Thursday morn-ing.

    Ekoemeye Lucky (35) was ar-rested at Baga, while the Activascooter and mobile phone havealso been attached by the po-lice.

    According to Anjuna Police,the seizure includes 10 grammesof Cocaine (Rs 2.50 lakh) and50 grammes of MDMA Powder(Rs 50,000).

    After Anjuna Police was in-formed about the drug deal atCaisua-Anjuna, a trap was laid

    Nigerian held with drugs worth Rs 3 lakh

    Ekoemeye Lucky who was arrested with drugs at Baga. Photo by Sachin Ambadoskar

    for the accused at about 5 am.Anjuna Police team led by PIManjunath Dessai, PSIs VishwajitChodankar and Anant Gaonkarand other staff apprehended

    Lucky, who was in possessionof the illegal drug.

    Lucky has been remanded toseven days judicial custody andinvestigations are in progress.

    Case filed against

    companyHERALD REPORTER

    PANJIM, JAN 27

    A complaint has been filedagainst a Company that a build-ing adjacent to an undergroundconstruction at Patto complexhas developed cracks.

    In a complaint letter to thePanjim town police station, Pres-ident of Patto Centre said thatan underground construction isdamaging the existing structure,adjacent to the constructionsite.

    the building has devel-oped cracks and the com-plainant fears that it will damagethe property and endanger livesof the people, DySP Deu Be-naulikar said.

    Five held by Bicholim

    policeHERALD CORRESPONDENT

    BICHOLIM, JAN 27

    Bicholim Police on Thursday ar-rested five persons from the Bi-cholim market in connectionwith a brawl that left one personinjured on Wednesday night.

    According to Bicholim Police,one Sadik was seriously injuredin a fight at the Bicholim mar-ket.

    Police have arrested Kadar MMulla (Sanquelim), Khadar MGavas (Muslim Wada), KishorPuma Chawhan, Mohan DRathod, both from Bicholim, andSharanappa M Sherul (Bordem).ASI H L Mapari is investigatingthe case.

    HERALD REPORTER

    PANJIM, JAN 27

    Ahead of state legislative assem-bly session, various NGOs havechalked out a protest walk onJanuary 30 demanding passingof Lokayukt Bill, which is essen-tial to curb rampant corruptionin the state.

    Incidentally, the walk is alsopart of nation-wide campaignagainst corruption on the dayof anniversary of MahatmaGandhi.

    Addressing a press conferenceat Kala Academy, activists in-cluding Dr Venkatesh Hegde, DrOscar Rebelo, Kamlesh Bandekarand Arvind Bhatikar today ap-pealed all Goans irrespective ofreligion, caste, creed and socialaffiliation to participate in thismarch and support the move-ment in the state and the restof country against corruption.

    Goa-based activists haveworked out a charter of de-mands which will be pressedduring the march which includespassing of Lokayukt Bill, gov-ernment employment throughGoa Public Service Commission(GPSC) and central vigilanceguidelines to be applicable forGoa vigilance commission.

    The march is a part of na-tionwide agitation against cor-ruption. It has already takenplace in 50 cities of the country,Dr Hegde said.

    The march which will be heldon Sunday will commence from

    Azad Maidan to Miramar circlevia D Bandodkar marg and backto Azad Maidan via 18 June road.

    The march is not directedagainst any individual or politicalparty but expresses peoples de-sire for good governance with-out corruption, he said.

    The NGOs under the bannerIndia Against Corruption hasappealed state government toplace the Lokayukta bill beforethe public and same to bepassed by the state legislativeassembly.

    India against Corruption, Goaunit has already started a sig-nature campaign against cor-ruption across the state whichwill be later submitted to therespective district collectorates.

    The activists will also be for-warding a memorandum to thePresident of India on steps tobe taken to fight corruption inGoa and elsewhere in India.

    Meanwhile, a BJP delegationcalled on Governor Dr S S Sidhuon Thursday and complainedabout host of issues but mainlyabout alleged collapse of ad-ministration, breakdown of lawand order and large scale cor-ruption by the ruling party.

    Opposition Leader ManoharParrikar who addressed a pressconference post meeting withthe Governor alleged that everyminister in the Kamat govern-ment is involved in corruption.We want Governor to reply toissues raised by us during his

    speech in the Assembly, he said. A five-day Session of Goa As-

    sembly begins on January 31. The State government, its

    cabinet and their cronies includ-ing the office bearers of rulingparty are involved in large scalecorruption and are all busy plun-dering the State exchequer,says Opposition Leader in hisletter to the Governor.

    Talking about corruption inthe government, Parrikar said,the government should haveLokyakuta in place at the earli-est. I would file at least onecomplaint of corruption againsteach of the minister, he saidfurther adding that the State of-ficials who are with corrupt min-isters will also not be spared.

    The corruption has toucheda zenith in the State as severalministers and their close asso-ciates have been raided by in-come tax authorities in past fewmonths, he claimed.

    Illegal mining and uncon-trolled deforestation, excisescam, diversion of rice andkerosene from PDS in the black,corruption in allotment of SEZland et al, are some instancescorruption has been mentionedin Parrikars letter.

    Issues that were prominentlyraised in their memorandum in-clude law and order --- risingthefts, police-drug dealer nexus,misuse of power etc. The BJPhas demanded immediate cor-rective steps from Governor.

    NGOs, Parrikar press for Lokayukt Bill

    HERALD REPORTER

    MARGAO, JAN 27

    The Colva panchayat has pushedthe blame on the tourism de-partment for the failure to desiltthe village creek, even as theresno let up in the nuisance andhealth hazard posed to visitorsand tourists to the Colva beachby the sewage waters from thecreek waters.

    Its more than a month sincethe beach played host to a poolof contaminated waters, but nei-ther the Tourism departmentnor other officials have madetheir presence felt at Colva tilldate.

    The local Colva village pan-chayat says that the body hadwritten a letter to the Tourismdepartment last year to identifysuitable land for the disposal ofsilt from the creek.

    Sarpanch Angela Borges in-formed that the Tourism depart-ment has till date not repliedto the panchayat letter, nor hasinitiated action against the ho-tels and eateries against whomnotices were served as per thedirectives of the Goa State Pol-lution Control Board.

    No sooner the panchayat hadreceived the GSPCB report lastyear, a meeting was convenedof concerned agencies to discussthe serious issue. One of theagencies told the panchayat to

    Colva creek continues to stink even as authorities play blame game

    A young boy tries to recover a bottle from the stagnated waters from the colva creek on the beach. Photo by Santosh Mirajkar

    identify suitable land for dis-posal of the silt from the creek.In this connection, the pan-chayat wrote a letter to thetourism department, but theresno sign of any reply till date,Borges said.

    Similarly, the sarpanch saidthe panchayat had issued no-tices to the hotels and directiveswere issued to the establish-

    ments to set up the soak pit andtreatment facility.

    In this connection too, thepanchayat had written a letterto the Tourism department, buttheres no communication fromthe department till date, sheadded.

    A visit to the Colva beach onThursday revealed the worst sce-nario. Contaminated waters

    from the creek formed a poolon the beach, emanating foulodour.

    While local activists have op-posed digging of a trench toconnect the creek to the ArabianSea as mooted by unscrupulouselements, none of the agencieshave so far made their presencefelt at the beach and addressedthe problem.

    Policedeployed at 2 slaughter

    houses HERALD REPORTER

    PANJIM, JAN 27

    Police personnel have been de-ployed at two slaughter housesin Pilar and Santa Cruz after alocal was arrested while trans-porting cattle allegedly forslaughtering purpose.

    Deputy Superintendent of Po-lice Deu Benaulikar told re-porters that Hyder Kamal Sheikhalias Avelino Rebello of Zuariwas caught red-handed withthree oxen in a tempo at Agas-saim.

    The action was taken after acomplaint was filed by AngelaKazi of Panjim Animal WelfareSociety on Wednesday night.She had filed a similar complaintwith the DySP on January 13 aswell.

    Acting prompt, the policeconducted futile raid at differentplaces but managed to crackdown on Sheikh on Thursdayafternoon.

    We were told that residentswere complaining that their cat-tle are missing from their re-spective places and they suspectthat animals are being taken toslaughter houses, he said.

    Agassiam police inquiredwhether Goa Meat Complex wassupplying meat to the twoslaughter houses, to which thelatter confirmed negative. Aninspection was then carried outat Pillar and Santa Cruz.

    HERALD REPORTER

    PANJIM, JAN 27

    Lashing out at people opposingPublic-Private Partnership (PPP)-- he wants to introduce in newdistrict hospital in Mapusa --Health Minister Vishwajit Ranehas said there will be no increasein the cost of services providedat Asilo Hospital even though ifit is run on PPP mode.

    He was speaking at a pressconference on Thursday after-noon and alleged that somehave been spreading a falsepropaganda about the govern-ments intensions of having pri-v a te p l aye r s to he lp rungovernment hospital.

    The government intends toprovide maximum relief andquality service by introducing

    PPP in the new hospital which,he said, will be commissionedby March end.

    He said, integrated model willbe in place by mid-march -- ex-isting staff of the Asilo will con-tinue as also more staff has beensanctioned for the new hospital,allying the fears that new hos-pital will be handed over to aprivate party.

    He said, the model of opera-tion of new hospital will be assame as that of GMC.

    Registration fee applicablefor GMC will be made applicablefor the new hospital, as alsomedicines will be given freethere as in GMC, said Raneadding the government intendsto make it the best hospital ofNorth Goa.

    Vishwajit defends PPP mode for Mapusa hospitalHERALD REPORTER

    PANJIM, JAN 27

    The Health Minister VishwajitRane has assured malaria sur-veillance employees that withina month the process of regular-ization their services will be ini-tiated.

    About 50-60 malaria workerswho have been waiting to beregularized in service for thepast few years, had a protest

    march in the city today.Speaking to agitating malaria

    workers outside Directorate ofhealth services, Rane told themthat he has had spoken to ChiefMinister Digambar Kamat aboutthem and he has given a goahead to create new posts.

    The health minister also as-sured them some relaxation inage will be given if required,and they would be regularizedas new posts are being createdfor a district hospital in Mapusa.

    Health services staff to be regularised Rane told them thathe has had spoken toChief MinisterDigambar Kamat aboutthem and he has givena go ahead to createnew posts.

    The governmentintends to providemaximum relief andquality service byintroducing PPP in thenew hospital which,will be commissionedby March end.

  • GOAOHERALD

    OPg3

    GOA, FRIDAY, 28 JANUARY, 2011

    HERALD REPORTER

    PANJIM, JAN 27

    Goa Medical College and Hos-pital (GMCH) forensic chief wasquizzed by the Sub DivisionalMagistrate (SDM) in the sensa-tional custodial death of NonResident Goan (NRG) CiprianoFernandes.

    SDM Sabaji Shetye has how-ever refused to divulge the de-tails of the forensic expertsstatement.

    Head of Forensic DepartmentDr Silvano Sapeco and a teamof forensic doctors had con-

    ducted post-mortem on Cipri-anos body.

    Incidentally, Sapeco is thesame doctor who was in the lineof fire in the much touted Britishteenager Scarlet Keeling Edensdeath in February 2008. GoaGovernment had suspended theforensic head for making irre-sponsible statements to themedia about Scarlets autopsy.

    The SDM has a l readyrecorded statements of otherdoctors in the Casualty and OPDwards who attended Ciprianoon his admission in the hospital.

    Meanwhile even as DySPBossuet DSilva submitted its in-terim report into the procedurallapses by the Panjim police, SDMis dragging its feet over the in-quiry into the death.

    Reacting to this, SDM statedthat he is still recording state-ments of the witnesses. The cru-cial eye-witness in Ciprianodeath case would depose beforethe SDM on Friday.

    The 38-year-old seafarer wason his two-month long vacationat his home town in Goa whenhe was picked by the Panjim po-

    SDM records forensic chiefs statement in Cipriano death

    lice on January 7 evening. The NRG was arrested under

    preventive measure after hiswoman friend complainedagainst him of threatening herwith a knife at her Caranzalemhouse.

    Cipriano succumbed on Jan-uary 9 morning at GMCH withfamily members holding Panjimpolice responsible for his killing.The deceaseds family has re-fused to take over Ciprianosbody till the SDM discloses thereport after completion of theinquiry. Shetye said that he hasnot recommended for a secondpost-mortem.

    Shetye said that he has sum-moned eye witness Kenneth Sil-veira for deposition in this caseas he claimed to the media hehad seen suspended Police In-spector Sandesh Chodankar andother policemen kicking Cipri-ano in the custody.

    He had said that Cipriano waslying almost dead in the custodywith froth oozing from hismouth. When questioned aboutthe post mortem report, theSDM said that he is yet to studythe cause of death of Cipriano.

    GMCH, last week had submit-ted Ciprianos final cause ofdeath to the SDM after receivingthe viscera report from the Suratlaboratory.

    Based on DySP DSilvas re-port, Panjim Police InspectorSandesh Chodankar, Police Sub-Inspector Radesh Ramnathkarand head constable Sandip Shir-vaikar were suspended on Jan-uary 25 for procedural lapses inthe custodial death.

    HERALD REPORTER

    PANJIM, JAN 27

    Since more evidences in theBritish teenager Scarlet KeelingEdens death case is likely totumble out, the Coroners officein UK has refused to release theteenagers body to her motherFiona Mackeown.

    The office has told the motherthat there are several evidencesfound during the third autopsyon the body that were not con-sidered by the Central Bureauof Investigation (CBI).

    While the office is more thanwilling to share the informationwith the CBI on request, the lat-ter did not contact the UK officeduring their course of investi-gation. The investigating agencyf i l ed a supp lementa r ychargesheet in Childrens Courtin October 2009.

    Fiona told Herald that despiteher repeated requests, Coronersoffice has refused to release thebody for burial. These evidenceswere discovered by the Coro-ners office while conducting

    the autopsy on Scarlets bodyin the UK after it was trans-ported from Goa in April 24,2008.

    However, since then no in-vestigating agency contactedthe coroners office for their as-sistance.

    Scarlets semi-clad bruisedbody was found on the shoresof Anjuna on February 18, 2008morning. CBI has charged twolocals - Samson DSouza andPlacido Carvalho - with culpablehomicide, outraging modestyof a woman and destroying ev-idences of the Indian PenalCode.

    Legal representative to FionaAdvocate Vikram Varma saidthat Coroners statement attainssignificance.

    The coroner must havereasons to believe that theevidence collected after con-ducting numerous forensictests in India would be re-quested by the CBI or thecourt responsible for dis-pensing justice, he said.

    Fiona, however, has expressedher reservations over the wayCBI has probed the case. I un-derstand that the CBI is the mostrespected investigating agencyin India.

    However, their achievements

    Coroners office finds more evidences in Scarlet death

    Refuses to hand over body to motherin the Arushi murder case havedampened my faith in the justicethey will provide to Scarlet, shesaid.

    Goa Medical College had car-

    ried out two post-mortems onthe teenagers body.

    Her body was found whenrest of her family was touringKarnataka.

    4 get judicial remand in

    Moti Dongor assault case

    HERALD REPORTER

    MARGAO, JAN 27

    The four accused persons arrestedin the Moti Dongor attack case, in-cluding main accused Bashir Shaikhwere on Thursday remanded to 14days judicial custody.

    The bail applications will comeup before the South Goa Sessionscourt on Friday for arguments. Lasttime around, the bail applicationsfiled by the foursome were rejectedby the Sessions court.

    Meanwhile, the police tookaccused Bashir to Moti Dongoron Thursday to effect the recov-ery of the weapon used in theassault on Maqbool and others.

    Ministercalls for

    CCP worktender files

    HERALD REPORTER

    PANJIM, JAN 27

    Acting on a complaint filed byone corporator of Corporationof the City of Panjim (CCP) Min-ister for Urban DevelopmentJoaquim Alemao has called forall files pertaining to 45 workstendered without availability offunds for examination.

    The 45 works were tenderedby the CCP on the basis of theStanding committee decision ofDecember 29, 2010.

    The section 378 of the CCPAct empowers the governmentto revoke or cancel any resolu-tion or decision of the CCP if itis not governed by the rule bookor if it goes against interest ofthe people.

    Rupesh Haldankar who rep-resents ward 29 of CCP had ap-p roached the UrbanDevelopment Minister com-plaining that mayor has inten-tionally and with mala fideintensions suppressed the factsof the standing committee meet-ing by not bringing minutes be-fore the Corporation.

    The CCP recently tendered 45works amounting Rs 1.85 croreeven though there were nofunds its coffers. The complainantmaintained that if these works arecarried out it will lead to violationof the budget expenditure approvedby the corporation.

    He has called for intervention ofthe Urban development minister al-leging that mayor has committed afraud by endorsing decision of thestanding committee.

    And he has thus demandedthat CCP commissioner be pro-hibited from executing 45 worksand also suspend all decisionstaken in ordinary meeting ofthe CCP, on January 17, 2011.

    When contacted Commis-sioner Elvis Gomes howevermaintained that he approvedtender files on the basis of notemoved by Mayor stating thatthey obtain grants from the gov-ernment for said works. He alsoinformed that he had intimatedthe government about non avail-ability of funds before sanction-ing the tenders.

    Pedestrian crushed to death

    at Mapusa HERALD CORRESPONDENT

    PORVORIM, JAN 27

    An 18 - yea r - o ld pedes t r i an f rom Ut ta rPradesh (UP) but res iding at Karaswada-Mapusa was crushed to death by a speed-ing bus near Kharaswada on Thursday atabout 7.45 am.

    According to Mapusa Police, Mohamad Amin,who was walking alongside the road at Kha-raswada, was knocked down by a passenger bus(GA-O3-K-0423), which was proceeding fromPernem towards Mapusa.

    Amin, who was employed at a nearby scrap-yard, was killed on the spot, informed thepolice.

    Mapusa Police conducted the panchanama andlater sent the body to GMC Hospital at Bambolimfor an autopsy.

    Police registered an offence against busdriver, Raya Kashalker, from Pernem underSections 279, 304 A of Indian Penal Codeand arrested him.

    However, he was later released on bail . PSI C R Gawas

    is investigatingthe case.

    It may be re-called that thisis second fatalaccident involv-ing a bus in andaround Mapusawithin barelyeight days.

    On Januar y21, a school girlwas killed on thespot after a busknocked he rdown a t As -sagao.

  • Pg4 GOAGOA, FRIDAY, 28 JANUARY, 2011

    OHE

    RALD

    O

    POWER SHUTDOWNJANUARY 28

    PANJIM: From 9 am to 5 pm. Areas affected are SanchayaniHouse, Bhabav Appartments, Bank of India, Saibaba Temple, PeterMansion, Mahalaxmi Chamber, Max New York Life Insurance,Aparna bldg, behind Mahalaxmi Temple and surrounding areas.

    PORVORIM: From 9 am to 3 pm. Areas affected are HousingBoard, Kranti Nagar, Maruti temple, Journalist colony, PundalikNagar, Sanjay school and surrounding areas.

    OLD GOA: From 9 am to 2 pm. Areas affected are Navelkar Hillcity, Ramnath Saw mill, Sheik Hassan Quarry, Tamba Quarry andvicinity of Old Goa village.

    SOCORRO: From 2 pm to 5.30 pm. Areas affected are Socorro,Porvorim bazaar, Police Housing society, 20-point programme,Zoswado, Maina-Ambirna and surrounding areas.

    PANJIM: From 9 am to 5:30 pm. Areas affected are 31st JanuaryRoad, Old bus stand, Head post office, Herald, Lawande electricals,Space deal, Bharat electricals and surrounding areas.

    ANJUNA: From 9 am to 5 pm. Areas affected are Vagator, Shapora,Zorwado, Chivar, Kumbarwado, Sterling resort, Badem and AssagaoPanchayat areas.

    ASSAGAO : From 9 am to 5 pm. Areas affected are Anjuna beach,Priazwaddo, Dando flee market, Goikarwada, Pedem, Tembi, So-rantto, Monterwado, Mazalwado, Ximwado and surrounding areas.

    The Milky WayGalaxy is a vast group-ing of stars, gas anddust held together bygravitational force. TheSun and all the starswe can see in the nightsky belong to the MilkyWay.

    The galaxy got itsunusual name because

    ancient people thoughtit looked like milkspilled by a goddesswhile she fed her baby.The milky glow of lightis actually caused by acluster of billions ofstars. Though theyseem close together,the stars are actuallyfar from each other.

    Since the Earth andits solar system arepart of the Milky Way,there is no way to takea picture of the galaxy.So to help imaginewhat it looks like, wetake pictures of othergalaxies. If we could

    travel into space andsee our galaxy, itwould look like anenormous and dazzlingspiral pinwheel oflights stretching outover 100,000 light-years.

    Star GazingThe Milky Way

    Our entire galaxy is turning, at a high rate of speed.As a matter of fact, did you know that the Sun, and allof the planets zooming around it, move at 250 kilome-ters per second? That may seem fast but the entiregalaxy itself is traveling through space at a speed ofabout 1 million miles per hour.

    Did You Know

    UPCOMING EVENTS

    Poems book releasePANJIM (HNB): Chitt Mhojem Ad-

    dddota, a collection of poems bothin Devnagari and Roman script writtenby Anil Kamat Shankhwalker will bereleased at the function organized byUgte Molob in the T B Cunha hall atPanjim on January 29 at 5 pm.

    Noted Konkani writer and poet DrBhikaji Ganekar will release the book.

    A journalist by profession, AnilShankhwalker has authored threebooks in Konkani, Morpissa, Lharramand Aikallam?, besides a book in Eng-lish Impressions.

    The programme will be followed by a multi-lingual poetsmeet.

    Felicitation of magician PANJIM (HND): Magician of international

    acclaim DSatish will be felicitated on Jan-uary 28 at Museum Hall, Patto, Panjim, at5.30 pm in recognition of his exemplarycontribution towards the society and tocommemorate completion of 50 years ofmagic and performing arts.

    Chief Minister Digambar Kamat willbe the chief guest, while OppositionLeader Manohar Parrikar, former CMShashikala Kakodkar and former speaker

    Tomazinho Cardozo will be the guests of honour. Formerminister of Maharashtra Chandrashekar Prabhu will be thekeynote speaker.

    Kalo festival at CollemCOLLEM (HC): The Kalo festival of the most famous Lord

    Dudhsagar and Shri Kalnath Sateri Devastans will be organisedat Sonaulim-Collem on January 28 with traditional Pooja ofGod Dudhsagar and Goddesses Sateri and Kalnath.

    Besides, a variety of entertainment programme will be heldon the occasion. Marathi drama Durdevi Nashib by NiwasSawant will be staged by Dudhsagar Natya Mandal Collem at11.45 pm.

    God Dudhsagar is believed to be the God of Rakhandar(God of protective) and goddesses Kalnath and Sateri believedto the destroyer of all evils.

    A tour operator union at Collem has made arrangement of100 vehicles to ferry devotees from Collem to the temples atSonaulium free of cost.

    Aldona forums meetPANJIM (HND): The Aldona Civic and Consumer Forum will

    hold its monthly meeting on January 29 at the St ThomasGirls high school at 4.30 pm.

    Among the issues to be discussed include gram sabhas, vil-lage water & sanitation committee, village health & sanitationcommittee, toilets for tenants, electricity supply and bills,power shortage, water supply and bills, pedestrian deaths,traffic wardens, complaints of corruption in goods and services,civic and consumer issues, LPG, telephones, pharmacies,general stores, etc.

    SHORT TAKES

    Republic Day celebrated

    Cortalim MLAMauvin Godinho addresses a gathering at afunction organised to celebrate Republic Day at Chicalim.

    PANJIM (HND): Chicalim Panchayat celebrated Republic Daywith pomp and gaiety.

    Cortalim MLA Mauvin Godinho unfurled the National Flagin the presence of the Sarpanch Raul DCosta, dy SarpanchMary Mascarenhas, panchas Anacleto DSouza, Nirupa Naik,Hemant Fadte, Pratap Mardolkar, Deepak Naik, Shubha Pawar,Seby Pereira, Joanita Landez, Francisco Nunes, Raj Parsekar,NCC cadets of MES College, students and villagers.

    Sarpanch Raul told the gathering that the Panchayat hasgot an excellent team for whom development is the word.

    Godinho stated that the Panchayat has done lot of devel-opment work in this area. He also said that the much neededAssoi road is tendered for 130 lakhs, while work on themodern Panchayat Ghar will begin shortly.

    Thereafter students from Keshav Smurthi School, Alto-Dabolim; Regina Mundi School, Chicalim; Govt Primary School,Assoi Dongri; Govt Primary School, Naquelim and MES College,Dabolim presented a cultural programme which was well ap-preciated by the crowd.

    Talk on road safetyVASCO (HR): As part of Road Safety Week, Junior Chamber

    International Vasco organised a talk on Road Safety for stu-dents of Deepvihar Higher Secondary School, Headland Sada.

    Vasco Traffic Cell PI Dharmesh Angle, who was the resourceperson, explained various precautions to be taken for com-muting safely on the road.

    The faculty member also demonstrated various equipmentslike alcoholmeter, interceptor being used by the departmentto ensure discipline on the road.

    PI Angle was ably assisted by his colleagues Sawant andPillai from Vasco Traffic Cell.

    The talk was well received by the students, who raised var-ious queries regarding traffic rules, which were answered bythe faculty member. Past president of JCI Vasco Yogesh Shetintroduced the faculty members, while Nitendra Tanavadeproposed the vote of thanks.

    Sree Ayyappa fest ends

    The Shobayatra procession of Lord Ayyappa in the port townto mark the annual Mohotsavam of Lord Ayyappa.

    Photo by M PrabhavVASCO (HR): A colourful procession of Lord Ayyappa in

    port town on Friday marked the conclusion of eight-dayannual festival of Sree Ayyappa with Shobayatra and Kotiyi-rakkam.

    The Shobayatra procession with idol of Lord Ayyappa, car-rying on a decorated elephant and accompanied by famoustraditional Vadyamelam (Chenta Melam), Thalappoli of hun-dreds of women and girls, took round of Vasco city makingits final destination at Ayyappa Temple at Mangor-Hill, Vasco.

    From religious point of view, the annual Mohotsavam isthe restoration of divine Chaitanya that might have been im-paired during the course of the year as also by the repairwhich is common in every temple, said Ayyappa Seva Samithi,Vasco, President Ravishankar.

    During the eight days of festival, various cultural pro-grammes were organised in the temple premises, whereinartistes from Goa and Kerala performed, added Ravishankar.

    He further said every year, the number of devotees havebeen increasing.

    Career awareness sessionSANGUEM (HC): The Career Guidance and Placement Cell

    of Government College of Arts, Science and Commerce,Quepem, recently organised a career awareness session onCompany Secretary course in the college campus.

    The resource persons for the course were Lacchmi Bhatand Archana Sawant from the Institute of Company Secretariesof India, Mumbai. The speakers at the sessions sensitizedthe students on one of the most coveted profession in moderntimes.

    In all, 50 students participated in the course, which wascoordinated by Prof Constancio Fernandes, Olivia Soares,Smitha Fernandes and Paresh Shet Verlekar.

    Anil Shankhwalker

    DSatish

    HERALD NEWS DESK

    PANJIM, JAN 27

    All 40 MLAs have become aliveand alert to the danger of theGoans anger against politicians,and therefore they are tirelesslyworking towards creating votebanks of non Goans and irre-sponsible Goans, Vice Presidentof Goynche Niz Mogi (GNM)Kamla Parsekar has stated in apress release.

    By exhorting the Konkani-speaking people of Karwar tosecede from Karnataka and joinGoa, PWD Minister ChurchillAlemao is making a desperatebid to save his political ship fromsinking, she said.

    She further stated that eversince the people of Navelimvoted to defeat the mighty Luiz-inho Faleiro, every Goan politi-cian has awakened to thedreadful reality that Goans in-cluding those responsible Indi-ans who have adopted Goa as

    their home can defeat themand dump them into openspaces. Therefore, politicians ofevery colour have embarked ona desperate bid to cultivate andbuild vote banks of non-Goansand irresponsible Goans for theirpolitical survival.

    Parsekar added that Alemaoslatest stunt was a follow-up tohis earlier irresponsible demandfor Greater Goa and that notonly he but most of the 40 MLAsare on a mission to remind non-Goans that politicians will keepproviding them with all govern-ment facilities, voter and rationcards, water and electricity con-nections as well as permit themto build illegal houses and busi-ness structures on encroachedlands.

    Chief Minister DigamberKamat, she said, has cultivatedhis vote bank at Moti Dongor;Mauvin Godinho at Sancoale;Babush Monseratte in Panjim

    and Taleigao slums; Francis D-Souza at Khorlim; LuizinhoFaleiro at the Azad Nagar slumsn e a r N a v e l i m ( n o w w i t hChurchill Aleimao); and VictoriaMummy at Chimbel. JosePhilip DSouza, Ravi Naik,Milind Naik and other MLAs arealso busy gathering non-Goanvote banks.

    She charged that SudinDhavalikar, Babu Azgaonkar,Deepak Dhavalikar and Vishwa-jeet Rane have, in imitation ofPratapsingh Rane, been divert-ing the amount budgeted fordevelopment and distributing apart of it in cash and kind totheir voters, to gain completecontrol over the electorate. Theyruthlessly punish and humiliateany of their voters trying to beindependent or who do not wishto eat from their palms, she al-leged, calling upon Goans to bewary of the antics of irrespon-sible Goan politicians.

    MLAs building non-Goan vote-banks, says Niz Mogi

    Truck fallson side,

    occupants unhurt

    HERALD CORRESPONDENT

    CANACONA, JAN 27

    A truck driver and two other oc-cupants escaped unhurt, afterthe truck carrying sugarcane fellon its side at Char Rasta, Cana-cona, on Wednesday afternoon.

    The accident occurred whenthe truck (GA-02-Z-6179), whichwas carrying sugarcane fromGaondongrim to Sanjivani SugarFactory, got tilted and fell onits side at Char Rasta.

    Truck diver Painguinkar in-formed that he steered thewheels to his left after seeingan oncoming vehicle, but couldnot control the vehicle and fellon its side and the entire sugar-cane sticks were brought down.

    Incidentally, including thedriver two others traveling inthe trucks cabin escaped un-hurt.

    Later, a pickup was broughtat the site and the entire stockwas loaded.

    HERALD REPORTER

    MARGAO, JAN 27

    Exasperated over the repeatedfailures by the panchayat to ad-dress the burning issues plagu-ing the village, agitated villagersof Sao Jose de Areal on Wednes-day demanded immediate ac-t ion against the rampantillegalities or face action.

    The special gram sabha meet-ing held on Wednesday witnesseda furore after the membersquizzed the panchayat secretaryand the Deputy Sarpanch VincyMascarenhas, who chaired themeet, on the meeting agendaand the steps initiated by thepanchayat to solve issues raisedby the members at the specialmeeting held last year.

    A verbal argument ensued be-tween the members and thepanchayat secretary over thepoints listed on the agenda forthe meeting. The members alsodemanded from the deputy

    sarpanch immediate steps onthe illegal scrap yards, the stonecrushers and other issues affect-ing the villagers.

    The villagers later told news-men that the village has no hos-pital nor a proper panchayatghar, market complex, garbagedumping site, ground, joggingpark etc, but plays host to scrapyards and stone crushers.

    They pointed out the 43 ille-gal scrapyards dotting the villageis the cause of all types of pol-lution and added that water isyet to make its presence felt inthe six-km long irrigation canalsince its construction near twodecades ago.

    Theres no planning at all.Around 600 flats are presentlyunder construction in the villagewithout taking into account in-frastructure such as garbage,sewerage, health, sanitation,water, electricity etc, the vil-lagers pointed out

    They contended that Com-munidade land under forest wasgiven on lease to around 46crushers, of which only 10 be-longs to the villagers. All thesestone quarries and crushers aremercilessly destroying our hillswhen the locals are facing landshortage for housing, they said.

    What has agitated the villageswas the fact that they have beenagitating and protesting againstthe illegalities since the last fouryears, but action has been notforthcoming from the authori-ties, including the Panchayatbody, till date.

    The Deputy Sarpanch VincyMascarenhas later told newsmenthat the new points raised bythe villagers will be placed be-fore the monthly meeting fornecessary action. He said thepanchayat body has so far razeddown 4-5 illegal scrap yards,while the process is underwayto demolish another two yards.

    Areal locals warn panchayat to act against illegalities

    Crematorium opened in Bicholim

    HERALD CORRESPONDENT

    MAYEM, JAN 27

    North Goa MP Shripad Naik onThursday inaugurated thenewly constructed cremato-rium in Bicholim Industrial Es-tate.

    Speaking on the occasion,MP Naik said utilization ofMPs Fund is made with wellplanning taking into consider-ation the upliftment of poorand downtrodden sections, es-pecially from rural areas, dueto which various developmentprojects have been approved.

    Naik further said construc-tion of the crematorium fromthe MPs fund costing Rs 13lakh was possible only due tothe efforts of former BMCchairperson Satish Gaonkar.

    BMC Chairperson AnishaVernekar and Deputy Chairper-son Shashikant Halarnkar intheir speeches lauded the ef-forts of MP Shripad Naik.

    HERALD NEWS DESK

    PANJIM, JAN 27

    On January 4, bells pealed outmerrily at Holy Cross Convent,Khorlim, Mapuca. They heraldedthe breaking forth of a newdawn and announced the Plat-inum Jubilee of nonagenarianSr Clotilde Nazareth.

    The solemnity was climaxedwith the Eucharistic meal andsolemnized by His Grace Arch-bishop Filipe Neri Ferrao to-gether with 14 priests.

    Sr Clotilde, now 94 years old,has her roots in Carona-Aldona,but she was a student of Canosa,Belgaum. At the age of 17 shedecided to join the Congregationof the Sisters of the Cross at Am-ravati. Sr Clotilde mastered theMararthi language and opted toserve the marginalized. Herfocus was also on the orphans,battered wives and the despisedwidows and at a time when suchissues were largely ignored.

    Most of the early years of herlife Sr Clotilde spent doing thegood work in villages aroundVidharbha, Marathwada andNagpur - teaching, counseling,catechizing, nursing the sick anduplifting the lives of poor in-come group families.

    As a Provincial, Sr Clotilde

    was responsible for a numberof new openings and founda-tions as well. During her tenurein Goa, Remanso-Mapusa, HolyCross Hostel-Mapuca and CorsoFarm- Marna were the newopenings.

    She was also party to approvalThe Cenacle at Amravati, theconstruction of which begun in1965 and was completed inrecord time in 1966.

    She continued at advance ageto supervise constructions as apart of extension work of olderinstitutions and also to overseeto the renovations of the others.The Corso Farm was extendedto accommodate 50 children toavail of educational facilities atHoly Cross High School, Sodiem-Siolim. Thus The Happy Homesaw the light of the day.

    In the seventies she gaveproper ambience to the LoutolimHouse, making it suitable for theterminally ill cancer patients.This house is popularly knownas Shanti Avedna Ashram.

    Last of her renovations waseffected at the first institutionof the Sisters of the Cross of

    Chavanod, at the Holy CrossEnglish High School at Sodiem,Siolim which was given all themodern facilities.

    Sr Clotilde celebrates 75 yrs in Lords service

    HERALD CORRESPONDENT

    BICHOLIM, JAN 27

    A one-and-half-year-old leopardwas trapped at Van Maulinguemin Bicholim on Tuesday, muchto the relief of the villagers.

    According to reports, theleopard was trapped in the cagenear the residence of DheerajBhide.

    It may be recalled that theforest department had laid atrap to catch the wild cat on De-cember 29 when it strayed intothe house of Bhide while chasinga cat. Luckily, the family escapedas the leopard slipped on thetiles and ran away.

    On Tuesday, the leopard wascaught at around 4 am. The wildcat was injured on the neck, asit was recently trapped in a cablewhich most of the people usedto catch rabbits.

    Animal Rescue Squad ChiefAmrut Singh along with ShaileshJadhav and Dinesh Mandrekarrushed to the spot and latercalled the forest officials.

    The leopard was caught ina trap some three-four days agolaid by a poacher and was seri-ously injured, said Amrut Singh.

    We believe that this is thesame cat which had earlier in-jured a calf in the area, addedAmrut Singh.

    Leopard trapped at Bicholim

    The injured leopard caught atVan-Maulinguem in Bicholim.

    Photo by Samir Umarye

  • GOA GOA, FRIDAY, 28 JANUARY, 2011

    Pg 5O

    HERA

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    Time: 7.00 pm onwards

    Entertainment: Jus Leo (one man band)

    Games and Suprise prizes

    Coupons Available At YMCA International Goa,

    Opp Parade Ground Campal Panjim Goa Phone: 0832-2227112

    INE DL &A DN AOI NT CI ED 2A 0R 11T

    HERALD REPORTER

    MARGAO, JAN 27

    Locals and fire personnel con-ducted a search of the River Salnear the Orlim bridge after ayoung person from Chinchinim

    went missing on Tuesday.The search was conducted

    with the help of a motor boat,even as locals camped near thespot in an attempt to trace thewhereabouts of the missing

    One person goes missing in Orlim man. Fire personnel also joinedin the search operation.

    Police said they had regis-tered a missing report and ef-forts are on to trace the missingperson.

    HERALD REPORTER

    PANJIM, JAN 27

    Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) legislatorFrancisco (Mickky) Pacheco today said thatthe decision on his political career will en-tirely be dependent on masses.

    I will go by what masses want as far asmy political career is concernedI will re-main with the Goan peopleparty does notmatter to me, Pacheco said indirectly hintingat breaking up from NCP in near future.

    The legislator is currently tipped to beminister in Digambar Kamat cabinet but isbeing held back by the group of Congresslegislators.

    The former tourism minister alleged thathe was not given the cabinet portfolio asCongress was afraid that its ministers wouldbe in trouble as portfolio of others wouldbe stripped off.

    He said that Home ministry plotted prop-aganda against him and got him jailed on

    false charges of murder (referring to deathof his woman friend Nadia Torrado).

    But let me tell you, I will die without acharge of corruption. I have been with thepeople and will remain so, he said whileaddressing a convention of NGOs under thebanner We The People.

    The gathering was called to oppose thedeclining law and order situation in theState.

    Taking potshots at the Chief MinisterDigambar Kamat, Pacheco said that one of

    his (Kamats) relative was involved in sexracket and hence was arrested by policeduring BJP government regime.

    Kamat forced the then chief minister todismiss the deputy superintendent of policewho arrested his kin within 24 hours, hestated.

    Citing this incident, Pacheco alleged thatwhile Kamat ensured that the officer wassuspended in his (Kamat) kins arrest, he(Kamat) is mum on the custodial death ofa Non Resident Goan Cipriano Fernandes.

    The NCP legislator said that the chiefminister should have ordered arrest of allthose police officials involved in the custo-dial death. Other representatives like ad-vocates Yatish Naik and Radharao Gracious,Joseph Sequeira, Avinash Bhonsle and othersalso lamented the government on variousissues like police-politician-drug nexus, landscam, partiality towards Goans and non-Goan in government jobs, etc.

    Mickky hints at break up with NCPSays masses will decide on political career

    n I will go by what masseswant as far as my politicalcareer is concernedI willremain with the Goanpeopleparty does notmatter to me

    --- Mickky Pacheco

    HERALD CORRESPONDENT

    PORVORIM, JAN 27

    Noted tiatrist Cyriaco Dias hasclaimed that the public has be-come suspicious of state awards,amid allegations that they arerandomly being given to thoseclose to politicians.

    He was speaking as the chiefguest after presenting the An-tonio Pereria Konknni Puroskarto noted tiatr actress OpheliaDSouza at a function organisedby Thomas Stephens KonknniKendr (TSKK) in its premises atPorvorim on Wednesday.

    The State awards were setup by the State governmentto felicitate and recognizeartistes in their respectivefields. There are now com-plaints that these awards arebeing given to people whohave done no special work andare randomly being given tothose close to politicians. De-serving artistes are being neg-lected, he stated.

    This has now put a big ques-

    tion mark on these awards andtheir authenticity, added Dias.

    Dias further said some Goansfeel ashamed to speak in theirmother tongue Konkani withtheir children.

    They even speak in Englishwith their pet animals. To keepKonkani language alive and pros-per, it is necessary that everyGoan should speak, write andread Konkani. The governmentshould also encourage theKonkani artistes who reside out-side the State for the sake oflivelihood, said Dias.

    Replying to the felicitation,Ophelia DSouza said art neverbecomes old and she will con-tinue to act as long as healthpermits her to do so.

    She started acting in the Tiatrsince 1954 and during that timeshe used to get Rs 15 only foreach tiatr.

    Goa was under Portugueserule then and since there wereno bridges, I faced a lot of hard-ships while commuting from

    one part to another, but I nevergave up acting in Tiatrs, addedDSouza.

    Earlier, TSKK President FrPratap Naik said TSKS needssupport from the people to dothe work in right earnest.

    We desire to increase theamount of the Antonio PereiraKonknni Puroskar from the ex-isting Rs 25,000 to Rs 1 lakh,but due to financial constraintwe are unable to do so, said FrNaik.

    Vincy Quadros and SalvadorJose Fernandes also spoke onthe occasion.

    Ophelia DSouza was awardedthe Antonio Pereira KonknniPuroskar by Dias. The Puroskarcomprises a cheque of Rs 25,000and a memento.

    Vincy Quadros and SalvadorJose Fernandes were awardedwith Konknni Martir FlorianoVaz Puroskar and Dr Jack Se-queira Puroskar respectivelycomprising a checque of Rs5,000 and a memento.

    Deserving artistes ignored for State awards: Tiatrist

    Award winners along with Cyriaco Dias and Fr Pratap Naik. Photo by Anil Shankhwalker

    HERALD REPORTER

    PANJIM, JAN 27

    Goa State Information Com-mission (GSIC) has asked SouthGoa police to furnish informa-tion under Right to Informa-tion (RTI) Act to an RTI activistwithin 20 days.

    In an order on January 10,Chief Information Officer M SKeny asked South Goa Super-intendent of Police Allen DSato provide information toJowette DSouza who allegedthat the information submittedto him is false.

    DSouza had sought infor-mation in a criminal complaintlodged by him at Maina Cur-torim police station in 2005.

    In his complaint to the GSIC,he alleged that investigationwas being dragged for fiveyears on one pretext or theother.

    The RTI activist claimed thathe was initially denied infor-mation. Upon a complaint for-mer South Goa SP ShekharPrabhudessai was imposedheavy penalty.

    After the case was handedover to Crime Branch in Octo-ber 2008, DSouza sought in-formation under the RTI whichwas yet again denied by thepolice. He pursued the caseonce again. He was thereafterfurnished information but al-leged that he was not given

    South Goa police directed to provide info to activist

    the charge sheet and that theinformation was false.

    DSouza moved the GSIC al-leging the information fur-nished is incomplete and false,an allegation which was deniedby the South Goa police. CrimeBranch had chargesheeted thecase last year.

    After hearing both parties,CIO Keny ordered the policeofficer to furnish the informa-tion within 20 days to give anopportunity to DSouza toprove that the information isincorrect.

    The next hearing is slatedon February 4.

    HERALD CORRESPONDENT

    CANACONA, JAN 27

    Requesting residents not tocome on the streets over roadrepa i rs , Po inguin im ML ARamesh Tawadkar has assuredpeople in his constituency tohot-mix all internal roads in re-spective villages before Mayend.

    Tawadkar was reacting to thereported statements of few res-idents, including some panchas,threatening agitations by block-ing the highway if the govern-ment fails to repair or hot-mixvarious dilapidated internalroads, especially in Loliem.

    Tawadkar informed that twoout of four major hot-mixingworks of internal roads at Tam-nem, Loliem, Pedem and Shelli

    worth Rs 3.5 crore are alreadysanctioned and the remainingtwo are at final stages of gov-ernment approval.

    Reacting to agitation threatsin some of these residential lo-calities, Tawadkar reiteratedthat there is no need for thepeople to come on the road toget these works done.

    I promise to complete allt h e s e w o r k s w h i c h a represently held up due to sometechnicalities before end ofMay, assured Tawadkar.

    If for any reason we learnof governments inability tocomplete these works beforethe forthcoming monsoon, Imyself will be part of the agi-tation against the government,he added.

    MLA assures to hot-mix roads in Poinguinim

    MP hits out at Navy for belittling

    GoansHERALD NEWS DESK

    PANJIM, JAN 27

    The proposal of the Naval au-thorities to acquire an area of1,08,372 square meters of Bim-bel beach and two St George Is-lands by invoking urgency clauseunder section 17 of the LandAcquisition Act 1984, has beentermed by MP Shantaram Naikas an open defiance of the au-thority of Goans and the Stateof Goa, which is duly constitutedunder the Constitution of India.

    Naik further said that Goa willremain forever grateful to theIndian Defence forces for havingliberated the State without caus-ing much damage to the peopleor property. But in the samebreadth he said that if Navy willnot respect the sentiments ofthe people, it will be most un-fortunate.

    He reminded that even the oc-cupation of land in Dabolim hadno sanctity of law and the peopleof Goa are suffering for not ques-tioning them all these years.

    Shantaram further said thatthe State has not consented tothe acquisition, neither the own-ers nor the people. Section 17does give right for acquiringland directly for the purposesof the Union but if Navy makesuse of the provision to acquireland directly, it will greatly hurtthe popular sentiments, he in-formed and urged that UrgencyClause should not be misusedby Naval authorities for acquir-ing Bimbel beach and two StGeorge Islands.

  • Improve civic senseMerlyn Fernandes, Sao Jose de Areal

    I appreciate the Chaka Chak movement andalso commend the efforts of the Benaulimsarpanch to keep the environment clean.However, it is sad that only a few peoplerecognise the importance of civic sense.

    I have caught many school and collegestudents red-handed dumping tetra packs,empty bottles and chocolate wrappers inand around other peoples property. Whenconfronted, these children call their parentsto come and defend their acts.

    It is easy to pin everything on the gov-ernment, but people must first questionthemselves on their own civic sense. I hopethis zeal to keep Goa Chaka Chak does not

    fade away.

    Wear proper attire?Duane Paul Coutinho, Fatorda

    This refers to letter entitled Wear ProperAttire (Herald, Jan 27) by Simon DSouza.

    One must bear in mind that in a democraticnation, liberal rights are given to every individualwherein every citizen has the right to practicehis/her own lifestyle and culture. Its a shamethat some people do not understand the valueof ones lifestyle and culture. Simon, can youdefine our culture? Are you referring to Indianor Goan culture? In any case, what has our culturegot do to with imposing proper attire?

    Our culture is liberal, wherein we chooseour own lifestyle, wear whatever we feelor love, and thats what westerners follow.Torn short jeans or a bikini on a beach isacceptable. On coastal or main streets, Isee foreigners wearing scantily clad clotheswhich are presentable. Those who do notwish to see such attire, should probablywear sunglasses or go to a secluded area.

    Foreigners are not to be blamed for rapesand molestations, but it is the unwanted mi-grant men, who spoil our identity. Strict actionshould be taken towards such miscreants.

    Goas resourcesJames Moraes, Cuncolim

    Lately, we read of Sesa Goas financialresults for the third quarter. Their con-solidated revenues and profits after taxwas pegged at Rs2,250 crores, which ismuch higher than the states income.

    Sesa Goa is a public limited companywhich worked for the welfare of Goans,but today, it has been taken over by theVedanta group. Our state lacks a clear cutmining policy.

    Chakachak de GoaAllwyn George, Carmona

    My congratulations to Patricia Pinto forinitiating the Chaka Chak campaign forgarbage awareness, collection and recy-cling. It is high time that the public un-dertake this task on their own, as thegovernment is totally incapable to dealwith the situation.

    Garbage cannot be allowed to mix and hasto be segregated into food waste, plastics,

    and combustibles. Segregated garbage en-sures a quick disposal. Plastics can be recycled,combustibles can be burnt and food wastecan be used for composting plants.

    The need of the hour is of scientific treat-ment of garbage.

    Collection centres of PET bottles andother plastics by companies concerned willbe innovative. Every MLA and ministerneeds to be made aware that garbage han-dling and treatment in their constituency,is part of their own responsibility.

    Meaningful action requiredMathewOommen, Pune

    Sacking Suresh Kalmadi from the post asChairman of the Organising Committee, CWGat this belated point of time is like lockingthe gates of the stable after the horses havebolted. If the new Minister of State for Sportsand Youth, Ajay Makan, feels that Kalmadi isinterfering with the CBI probe, his immediatearrest should be ordered.

    As enough prima facie evidence is nowavailable to substantiate Kalmadis involve-ment in squandering public money, his ar-rest will not be illegal or uncalled for.

    Sunburn garbageHarold Lowe, Tourist, Candolim

    It is with great sadness that I didnt take apicture of the refuse that was left on the

    beach following the Sunburn fiasco on Can-dolim beach, the majority of this rubbish hasbeen blown all over the beach now, but aresidual amount still remains with piles ofbroken bottles, all over the site.

    I refer to your article on the Sunburnfestival approximately two days beforecommencement, in which you stated thatthe organisers of the event still had notobtained a licence for the event, but historyshows that they had obviously been giventhe irrevocable nod because a lot ofmoney had been spent on preparations bythe organisers, much before. A lot of peopleliving in the area have been left swimmingin garbage.

    A recurrence of this event at the end ofthis year should be prevented; as otherwise,we will have to cope up with anothermound of garbage.

    Popularise tennis in GoaAugustus Alphonso, Vasco

    I am sure there are lots of tennis fans inGoa. Rafael Nadal, tried his best to com-plete the Rafa Slam, by winning all fourmajors at the same time - having collectedthe 2010 French Open, the Wimbledon,and the US Open crowns. Unfortunately,he failed to emulate Rod Laver, and lostin the quarter-finals.

    The point that I would like to make here

    is that tennis is gaining popularity in India,due to outstanding tennis players like Le-ander Paes, Mahesh Bhupathi, Sania Mirza,and Somdev Devvarman.

    I hope the sports authorities popularisetennis in Goa.

    Why the delay?Adelmo Fernandes, Vasco

    Surprisingly, it took the Goa Meteoro-logical Observatory nearly ten days toconfirm that the tremors that were feltnear Sanguem on January 6 were that ofan earthquake. It is understood that itwas a micro earthquake measuring 2.2on the Richter scale. The question to beasked is whether the Observatory in Goadoes not have the necessary equipmentto measure such small earthquakes.

    It may be recalled that the MeterologicalDepartment had initially ruled out the oc-currence of an earthquake stating that theydid not record any sign of an earthquake.If the earthquake was particularly small,why was the intensity of the quake strongin Uguem, when people rushed out of theirhomes?

    Was the effect of the minor earthquakeintensified because of the mining activitysurrounding the Selaulim dam and thereservoir? This brings us to the all importantquestion. How safe is the Selaulim dam,as a result of these mining activities?

    Immature decisionS Kamat, Alto Betim

    This UPA-2 government has completelymishandled the BJPs plan to hoist theIndian flag at Srinagar. Sending backtrains in the middle of the night andholding in quarantine the Leaders of theOpposition of both Houses of Parliamentat Jammu airport and then arresting themis going to splatter more mud on thegovernments face and not on the BJP.They are basking in the attention thatthe nation is giving them, thanks to theCongress party.

    With the other action in not declaringthe names of those having stashed awayblack money abroad, should the UPA-2 gov-ernment not be seriously concerned aboutits image?

    It is perfectly justifiable for scientists to gopublic over their discoveries or inventions.However, it must also be acknowledged that

    major inventions and discoveries by universitiesall over the world, are kept a well-guarded se-cret, so as to allow the institute to patent itsfindings, and allow the discovery to acquire amonetary as well as commercial utility, andthus build up the financial corpus fund, to fur-ther its research pursuits.

    Various discoveries of microbial drugs, antibi-otics metabolites and processes, have remaineda secret, so as to allow the institutions as well asthe government to benefit from the commercial-isation of the process, by acquiring exclusive pro-duction and marketing rights over a specificperiod of time, as established by patent law.

    No doubt institutions like the NIO in Goa, andGoa University encourage its scientists to patenttheir discoveries and commercialise theirprocesses, to help garner funds for further re-search and improve equipment strength and lab-oratory conditions. Dr Mashelkar, the former DGof CSIR (Council of Scientific and Industrial Re-search) encouraged his organisation as well asimplored upon the professors at universities to-wards patenting and prospering; of course, thereare private discoveries which remain a family oran institutional secret, to allow exclusive monop-oly and profit, as seen in Coco-Cola, etc.

    We must understand that undertaking researchis a very expensive business, and in places likethe Universities, it is the public money that isoften utilised and sometimes squandered, to un-dertake research programmes either relevant oroften irrelevant, to the needs of the society, withpure academic value.

    While granting the concerned scientist, or theauthorities of the university, the freedom andthe liberty to go public on issues of its discoveries,a good vice chancellor would endeavour to seemaximum benefits from discoveries made in hisuniversity goes to the institution, in terms ofcommercial utility and not just publicity alone.

    It is acceptable for a scientist to seek recognitionfor his discovery, if genuine. For instance, if a scientistdiscovers water or oxygen on other planets, or if lifeis explored and established in outer space and in theuniverse as it is on Earth, the people around the world

    would certainly commend these discoveries and patthe scientists for making these findings known to thepeople. However, if these scientists go overboard andfurther declare that the water in outer space, wouldmake human beings on planet earth rich in water, andeconomic prosperity would be ushered due to the dis-covery of water on Mars, it would be a preposterousstatement worth condemnation.

    Going still further, a scientist who discoverswater on Mars or gold in Goa, cannot and shouldnot extrapolate the discoveries and, directly orindirectly, suggest to the public at large, that thewater discovered on Mars would solve the waterproblems on earth and even if water on our planetis polluted, contaminated or misused by societieshere, we would be able to procure and importwater from outer space. This approach would befar stretched and fallacious.

    The discoveries made by scientists are oftenaccepted, but what is objectionable is the ex-tended significance attributed to the discoveryand directed towards absurdity, that irritates andinfuriates the common sense of the public at

    large. While claiming gold discovery, what wasobjectionable is the statement that the gold find-ings in Goa would push this state (already strug-gling from the adverse effects of mining) to thetop of the world in mineral wealth, thus makingGoa and Goans, rich and prosperous! Billions ofdollars worth of Gold. Mining companies inGoa queue and line up for seeking mining rights.6,000 tonnes of gold waiting to be exploited inGoa. These statements neither give credibilityand respectability to those who make such bom-bastic statements nor do these above utterancesof Goas prosperity, through gold mining affordrespectability to the press or the journalists, whoreport about it.

    Goa is a tiny state, teeming with people withthe mining industry destroying the quality of lifeof our people. Today, even the people of Panjim,like all other towns in Goa, are forced to drinkcontaminated water, rendered brownish yellowdue to sediments of mining rejects and copiousamounts of iron, manganese and silt, even afterthe treatment of water by PWD.

    Depleted agriculture, dwindling fisheries, andrise in respiratory diseases, kidney ailments, aredriving Goa into seismic activities like earthquakesand volcanoes. This comes as a result of unsci-entific, illegal and unsustainable mining activity.Goa is raped and ravaged by mining, our greenforest cover is devastated, and our ground wateris depleted. Can Goans remain in hope, and keepfaith on scientists, that water on Mars and thegold rush from golden Goa would usher in qualitylife and prosperity?

    Wake up Goa. Please do not live in a fools par-adise. The Goan press, in particular, must remainactive and vigilant to the destruction taking placeall over Goa, due to haphazard mining which hasto stop forthwith.

    On 11 Jan, 2011, I along with Pratap Gaunsand Directors of Goa Forest Development Cor-poration (GFDC) Rajnikant Naik and VamanChodankar, brought to the notice of Richard D-Sousa and Francis Coelho, the MD and GeneralManager respectively of GFDC, that the landunder the control of GFDC, has been plunderedand destroyed by Magnum Private Limited withoutthe knowledge of the Board of Directors of GFDC.100,000 metres of forest land stands plunderedand destroyed. Rajnikant Naik, Director of Quepemrange office under his control and ChairmanPratap Gauns needs to be applauded for theirdiscovery, that due to mining allowed under GFDCby the criminal activities of those in charge offorest land in government offices, we would losethe auction value and rent of nearly a lakh of ru-pees in a small stretch of forest land in Quepemalone. Rajnikant Naik further fears that moreillegal mining in Rivona, Quepem and Sanguemis vigorous underway and GFDC land is underfurther threat in four more areas in Rivona andSanguem ranges of our forests.

    Goans need to be vigilant and proactive totake up the challenges on the destruction doneto our fo res t e co logy, wa te r bod ie s ,environment/public health and quality life. Goarequires prosperity through Green Gold throughAgricultural and Fisheries bio productivity.

    Let us stop living in a fools paradise of goldrush and mining prosperity as this would lead usinto killing Golden Goa the goose which laysthe Golden Egg.

    OPINIONwww.oheraldo.in

    Pg6Vol No CXI No: 028

    Goa, Friday, 28 January, 2011

    Letters to the Editor

    Letter of the Day

    Indignation against injustice John Eric Gomes, Porvorim

    Utsav Sharma, the man who attacked former Haryana DGP Rathore with a penknife outside the court in the Ruchika molestation case, has now attacked DrRajesh Talwar, the father of murdered Aarushi, with a cleaver. It is said that sincechildhood, he got agitated on seeing wrong things! His indignation stems from the fact that we have a system that crushes the poorand favours the rich and powerful. People like Binayak Sen, have been given lifeimprisonment for sedition. It behoves our government, both at the Centre andStates, to expedite action to rectify the situation, where those who should be inprison, are free and prosperous. They call all the shots. Those who should be freeare put away in prison and have to face state terrorism. If we continue to delayand subvert justice, we may create many more Utsav Sharmas, Maoists andNaxalites, to enforce the change.

    Printed and published by Vinayak Pai Bir for and on behalf of Herald Publications Pvt Ltd. Printed at Herald Publications Pvt Ltd, Plot No: L-135, Phase II, Verna Industrial Estate, Verna, Salcete, Goa. Published at PO Box 160, Rua Sao Tome, Panjim, Goa - 403001. Editor-in-chief: Mr R F Fernandes. Editor: Ashwin Tombat(Responsible under PRB Act). Regd Office: St Tome Road, Panjim, Goa. Tel: 2224202, 2228083, Fax: 2222475 (all Editorial); 2230535, Fax: 2225622 (Advertising); Margao: 2737689. Mumbai Office: 16-A, Bell Building, 2nd Floor, 19 Sir PM Road, Fort, Mumbai - 400001 (Tel: 22840702/22844908). RNI No: 43667/83. HOW TO CONTACT US: [email protected] For press notes, general queries. [email protected] Junior Herald; [email protected] Careers. [email protected] Sunday Mirror. [email protected] For Reporters. [email protected] For Business [email protected] For Letters to the Editor. [email protected] For Sports news. [email protected] For Advertisements. [email protected] For Herald 2day. [email protected] For Tiatr Reviews and Reports. Disclaimer: Except for the editorial above, articles and letters in Heraldrepresent the views of the concerned authors, and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Herald editor, publisher, and/or owners.

    goa is raped and ravaged by mining and our green forest cover is devastated, says Dr Joe DSoUZA

    OHERALDO

    OHERALDO

    28 January 1911Arts expo at ParisWas launched from Paris, the idea toorganise one international expositionof Arts and Crafts in different parts ofworld.

    Cynosure of all eyesAt the Ball of the Cavaliers of St Georgewhich was celebrated at Moscow, theattention of the entire attendees wason one pretty damsel who fought inthe wars against rebel Russians and theJapanese forces as a man and was highlycondecorated for the exploits, butturned out that he was she and she wasnone other than Henia Wassilieva.

    New regimen for justiceIt is anxiously awaited the new regimenfor justice as the actual lacks thoughtfulamendments although it seems thatthe Government is aware of the same.

    Govt appointeeReports London that the provisional gov-ernment is working anxiously to appointMagalhaes Lima as in-charge of Portugueseaffairs at the Court of St James until theEnglish government recognises the newPortuguese republic.

    Killing Golden Goas goose

    ThreAT To ecology

    Bank robbery & Palahk bhajiBreakfast of Champions

    Twenty-five years ago, I used to call him Long John Silver,because of his silvery hair, his height, his imposing pres-ence, his successful law practice and the fact that he rep-

    resented the North Goaah constituency of Merdnam. He wasthe chairman of a trust that set up a school in his constituency.He was also the chairman of the Asupam Nabru Bank, a widelytrusted bank in North Goaahs capital.

    Long John Silver was a politician called Palahk who at one timewas an MGP lion and would have liked very much for Goaah tomerge with Maharashtra. The big turning point came in 1993,when he threw his weight behind the Konkan Railway Corporationduring the fight for the re-alignment of the disastrous route theyhad chosen. By then, I had realised that Palahk was a rank oppor-tunist, only interested in feathering his own nest. He was willingto sell Goaah and Goans to the highest bidder; Goaahs answer tothe betrayer Judas.

    Then, the unpredictable numerical alchemy of democracy threwup the totally unexpected. The republic of Tarahb got an unknownPrime Minister called Adwog, whose USP was the ability to sleepthrough parliamentary proceedings in broad daylight. He had afraudster son-in-law, who got a loan of Rs10 crore for some non-existent farms in Karnataka from the Asupam Nabru Bank. The

    bank lost all its money, but chairman Palahk got a huge return onthis investment; PM Adwog appointed him Law Minister of Tarahb.

    Palahk needed someone pliable to look after Merdnam whilehe was away. So he chose a simpleton whose name was God. Justlike Adam was told not to eat the forbidden fruit, in this case,God was told not to lease the bauxite mines in Merdnam. Thissimpleton became a deputy speaker, even though he had to belifted into his chair in the Assembly. Simpleton also quietly soldthe lease. Palahks short reign in the capital ended abruptly. Hecame home and was absolutely livid at what simpleton had done.But now, he was powerless and angry. Thereby hangs a tale of in-trigue and revenge.

    More than a dozen years later, I picked up a tabloid. On thefront page was Palahk, alongside a Viscount. Is history repeatingitself, this time in the name of plantations? For, the Viscountsso-called plantation is a beneficiary of finance from Palahk andhis Asupam Nabru Bank.

    Life does not have a rewind button, but memories do. Somedozen-odd years ago, I was invited to address school students inMerdnam on World Environment Day. The meeting was delayedby an hour to allow the students to watch the Ramayana episodeon Sunday morning, so yours truly was waiting on the dais. Palahk

    came and sat next to me, and I realised he was the chairman ofthe trust that ran the school.

    That is when he told me how pissed-off he was with Deu deMerdnam for stabbing him in the back for a miserable Rs25 lakh,by giving a mine owner the forbidden bauxite mining lease. Healso said the mine owner would build a spur line to connect hismine with the Konkan Railway, to cart away the ore. I asked Palahkwhat could be done at this late stage.

    I am going to fix all of them, he said. I will make sure thesecond international airport at Mopa comes up. Once the airportis there, it will be physically impossible to access the bauxite.This airport must come up to save Goaah from the mining menace!

    On Prudent Media, they would say Just imagine! After half acentury of plunder masquerading as iron ore mining in Goa with thesupport of every government, good old Palahk is now talking like DrClaude Alvares and that gang of Naxalites headed by Seby Rodrigues.Just imagine a Green Crusader of Palahks stature. Who needs RajendraKerkar, Rajendra Kakodkar, Ramesh Gauns and others?

    No wonder the price of green vegetables is nowadays becomingunaffordable in the market. If Palahk can regularly rob a bank,why cant your favourite vegetable vendor pick your pocket whenhe sells you your favourite green Palahk bhaji?

    Be Saved from the FireBy Samir Khan

    O you who have believed, sav


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