BY GT REPORTER
PANJIM: Come August and Goans will no longer need to travel outside for a glimpse of the majestic striped cat!
The Goa Forest Department has brought in two tigers to Bondla, thus adding a new chapter to the history of the 44-year-old zoo.
Rana, a nine-year-old male, and Sandhya, a six-year-old female, were procured under an exchange programme with the Vishakhapatnam Zoo. A pair of Bison was bartered for the tiger pair.
Forest Minister Felipe Neri Rodrigues along with Chief Conservator of Forests (CCF) Dr Shashi Kumar, Deputy Chief Conservator of Forests (wildlife and eco-touism) Devendra Dalai and other forest officers welcomed Rana and Sandhya at Bondla Zoo soon after their arrival on Sunday, July 19.
The tigers have been placed in quarantine where they will be for three weeks as per conditions stipulated by the Central Zoo Authority before being releasing them into the enclosures for public display, expectedly in the later part of August.
Meanwhile, Bondla zoo staff is overwhelmed with excitement over the new arrivals. It will definitely give the zoo a boost and attract a larger quantum of visitors, particularly Goa’s student community, they hope.
Tigers are considered at the top of the food chain in the forest eco-system and as such their presence in the zoo has now made the collection appear complete.
The idea of having a pair of tigers in Bondla Zoo was conceived by Felipe Neri
Rodrigues long back to add to the diversity of the zoo and entice visitors. All recognised zoos were accordingly contacted and on receipt of a favourable response from Indira Gandhi Zoological Park, Vishakhapatnam, necessary approval was obtained from the Central Zoo Authority, New Delhi.
Bondla Zoo was established and recognised as a ‘mini-zoo’ in 1969. In later years, it was subsequently upgraded to the status of a ‘small zoo’ in 2006. Because of successful captive breeding of Gaur/Indian Bison, Bondla Zoo has been recognised as the participatory zoo for Bison breeding in India.
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Cabo de Rama to get facelift
BY GT REPORTER
PANJIM: Delhi-based Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) has proposed the conversion of the historically important Cabo de Rama fort located at the headland on a Cape jutting out into the Arabian Sea in Goa, into an exhibition-cum-recreation centre.
INTACH has submitted its conservation and development plan for Cabo de Rama fort to the state government, in which it proposed to revitalise the abandoned fort property by putting it to a new use of relevance in the contemporary situation.
The plan pegs the total cost towards revitalisation and re-use at Rs 20 crore.
“The fort provides a vast open plateau area with a wall enclosure and a panoramic view that’s picturesque and truly enchanting. The fort provides a historic backdrop and the views and location for leisure and recreation. Since the fort is in an isolated location away from urban activity, it needs to be attractive for people to drive all the way,” states the INTACH report.
The report also says that the exhibition-cum-recreation proposal would be viable in the backdrop of the economic boom and growth of consumerism.
“There are a number of exhibitions, trade fairs, sales, etc which are often held in the middle of already congested city centres. People flock these places in large numbers thus increasing the pressure on the already strained infrastructure making life nightmarish in cities. Such activities today are becoming crowd pullers and are leisure and recreation oriented. They should be taken away from city centres,” INTACH says to support its re-use plan for the fort.
The exhibition-cum-recreation centre being commercially oriented will generate revenues, which will contribute to the much-needed upkeep of the fort, it added.
The fort is accessible by road and also has a sea front which link could be explored. With the convergence of people at the fort property, it will remain as a place of relevance. As part of recreation activities, trails and walks around the fort would be developed with information on the place thus increasing awareness of the people.
The Cabo de Rama fort derives its name from mythological association of Lord Rama, the king of Ayodhya having spent some time at the place along with his wife Sita during their period of exile for 14 years, the name though is of Portuguese origin meaning Cape of Rama.
The fort originally known as Khol-gad after the local village settlement was however of pre-Portuguese construction by the administrators of the Adil Shah of Bijapur either the Desai of Karwar or the Raja of Sonda who controlled this territory of Goa, before its occupation by the Portuguese. The probable date of construction available is of 1598 and was meant to check the activities of the Portuguese in parts of Goa.
It was only in 1763 that the Portuguese occupied the fort and the Raja of Sona seeking asylum and protection of his territories ceded the territory after it to them.
PANJIM: Delhi-based Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) has proposed the conversion of the historically important Cabo de Rama fort located at the headland on a Cape jutting out into the Arabian Sea in Goa, into an exhibition-cum-recreation centre.
INTACH has submitted its conservation and development plan for Cabo de Rama fort to the state government, in which it proposed to revitalise the abandoned fort property by putting it to a new use of relevance in the contemporary situation.
The plan pegs the total cost towards revitalisation and re-use at Rs 20 crore.
“The fort provides a vast open plateau area with a wall enclosure and a panoramic view that’s picturesque and truly enchanting. The fort provides a historic backdrop and the views and location for leisure and recreation. Since the fort is in an isolated location away from urban activity, it needs to be attractive for people to drive all the way,” states the INTACH report.
The report also says that the exhibition-cum-recreation proposal would be viable in the backdrop of the economic boom and growth of consumerism.
“There are a number of exhibitions, trade fairs, sales, etc which are often held in the middle of already congested city centres. People flock these places in large numbers thus increasing the pressure on the already strained infrastructure making life nightmarish in cities. Such activities today are becoming crowd pullers and are leisure and recreation oriented. They should be taken away from city centres,” INTACH says to support its re-use plan for the fort.
The exhibition-cum-recreation centre being commercially oriented will generate revenues, which will contribute to the much-needed upkeep of the fort, it added.
The fort is accessible by road and also has a sea front which link could be explored. With the convergence of people at the fort property, it will remain as a place of relevance. As part of recreation activities, trails and walks around the fort would be developed with information on the place thus increasing awareness of the people.
The Cabo de Rama fort derives its name from mythological association of Lord Rama, the king of Ayodhya having spent some time at the place along with his wife Sita during their period of exile for 14 years, the name though is of Portuguese origin meaning Cape of Rama.
The fort originally known as Khol-gad after the local village settlement was however of pre-Portuguese construction by the administrators of the Adil Shah of Bijapur either the Desai of Karwar or the Raja of Sonda who controlled this territory of Goa, before its occupation by the Portuguese. The probable date of construction available is of 1598 and was meant to check the activities of the Portuguese in parts of Goa.
It was only in 1763 that the Portuguese occupied the fort and the Raja of Sona seeking asylum and protection of his territories ceded the territory after it to them.
Politician protecting rogue employees of power dept?
BY GT REPORTER
PANJIM: Top honchos of the Electricity department are under severe pressure from a powerful politician to withdraw consent given to the police to prosecute two of its employees involved in misappropriating revenue to the tune of Rs 55-odd lakhs.
Sources told GT that several senior engineers are being pressured to influence Chief Electrical Engineer, Nirmal Braganza to withdraw the written consent he has given for the prosecution of the two employees.
The two LDCs/Ledger Clerks attached to the Asst Engineer's office, sub-division III at Bambolim -- Mauricio D'Cunha and Alexander Rodrigues -- were found involved in misappropriating a whopping Rs 55.24-lakh, the energy charges collected from consumers. The duo between themselves siphoned off the money during the seven years between April of 1997 and August of 2004.
Agacaim police, who had launched a probe into the fraud in January 2005 after the then AE Thankappan Prakash filed the complaint, have wound up their investigations and are now in the process of filing the chargesheet in the relevant court.
Sources said, since both the accused are government servants, the law requires the police to first seek a formal 'sanction to prosecute' from their appointing authority, which in their case is the Chief Electrical Engineer.
On receiving a letter from the North Goa Superintendent of Police seeking the formal 'sanction to prosecute', Braganza passed an order granting it, in the first week of July this year.
No sooner this was done, the officials involved in the decision-making process pertaining to this case have come under direct pressure from the top politician, who is hell bent to ensure that the rogue employees are let off the hook, sources said.
He (the politician) has even asked that the 'sanction to prosecute' already issued by Braganza be withdrawn, the sources added.
PANJIM: Top honchos of the Electricity department are under severe pressure from a powerful politician to withdraw consent given to the police to prosecute two of its employees involved in misappropriating revenue to the tune of Rs 55-odd lakhs.
Sources told GT that several senior engineers are being pressured to influence Chief Electrical Engineer, Nirmal Braganza to withdraw the written consent he has given for the prosecution of the two employees.
The two LDCs/Ledger Clerks attached to the Asst Engineer's office, sub-division III at Bambolim -- Mauricio D'Cunha and Alexander Rodrigues -- were found involved in misappropriating a whopping Rs 55.24-lakh, the energy charges collected from consumers. The duo between themselves siphoned off the money during the seven years between April of 1997 and August of 2004.
Agacaim police, who had launched a probe into the fraud in January 2005 after the then AE Thankappan Prakash filed the complaint, have wound up their investigations and are now in the process of filing the chargesheet in the relevant court.
Sources said, since both the accused are government servants, the law requires the police to first seek a formal 'sanction to prosecute' from their appointing authority, which in their case is the Chief Electrical Engineer.
On receiving a letter from the North Goa Superintendent of Police seeking the formal 'sanction to prosecute', Braganza passed an order granting it, in the first week of July this year.
No sooner this was done, the officials involved in the decision-making process pertaining to this case have come under direct pressure from the top politician, who is hell bent to ensure that the rogue employees are let off the hook, sources said.
He (the politician) has even asked that the 'sanction to prosecute' already issued by Braganza be withdrawn, the sources added.
CM to present budget on Friday
Focus on administrative reforms: Kamat
BY GT REPORTER
PANJIM: Chief Minister Digambar Kamat will present an 'additional budget' on July 24, with a focus on administrative reforms.
Kamat made the announcement in the legislative assembly yesterday while replying to the general discussion on the budget.
It may be recalled that the Chief Minister, who also holds the finance portfolio, was unable to present a full budget for 2009-10, as the Election Commission had enforced the Model Code of Conduct for the Parliamentary elections. Instead he had presented a vote-on-account for four months to provide for government spending till July 31.
Speaking further, Kamat said, he will soon form a committee of Secretaries to build up Goa's case before central ministries for funds under various welfare schemes of the Central government.
Kamat said, one could not expect Goa to be insulated from the global recession and economic crisis that had adversely hit the Indian economy and stunted its growth from 9 per cent to 6 per cent.
The challenge, however, was for the government to maintain growth at acceptable levels, he said, adding that he had confidence in the ability of the people of Goa and together they will tide over the situation.
Kamat, nevertheless told the Assembly that inspite of the recessionary trends, the state's revenue receipts had increased and that tax rationalisation was introduced to achieve economic buoyancy. A revenue surplus of 82.91 per cent is expected this fiscal, he said.
Kamat also said, the Union Environment Minister, Jairam Ramesh will visit Goa shortly to study the exact position vis-a-vis Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ), including the issue of of traditional dwellers along the Goan coast, whose homes and holdings are facing the axe in the wake of directives from the Bombay High Court.
He said, the Union Minister will arrive in Goa via Cochin and after visiting Mumbai, would study the CRZ regulations and frame up some regulations to give solace to the traditional fishermen.
On Mopa, Kamat said, the steering committee will be reconstituted soon and that the government had issued section 6 of Land Acquisition Act, which would be finalised in the next two months.
BY GT REPORTER
PANJIM: Chief Minister Digambar Kamat will present an 'additional budget' on July 24, with a focus on administrative reforms.
Kamat made the announcement in the legislative assembly yesterday while replying to the general discussion on the budget.
It may be recalled that the Chief Minister, who also holds the finance portfolio, was unable to present a full budget for 2009-10, as the Election Commission had enforced the Model Code of Conduct for the Parliamentary elections. Instead he had presented a vote-on-account for four months to provide for government spending till July 31.
Speaking further, Kamat said, he will soon form a committee of Secretaries to build up Goa's case before central ministries for funds under various welfare schemes of the Central government.
Kamat said, one could not expect Goa to be insulated from the global recession and economic crisis that had adversely hit the Indian economy and stunted its growth from 9 per cent to 6 per cent.
The challenge, however, was for the government to maintain growth at acceptable levels, he said, adding that he had confidence in the ability of the people of Goa and together they will tide over the situation.
Kamat, nevertheless told the Assembly that inspite of the recessionary trends, the state's revenue receipts had increased and that tax rationalisation was introduced to achieve economic buoyancy. A revenue surplus of 82.91 per cent is expected this fiscal, he said.
Kamat also said, the Union Environment Minister, Jairam Ramesh will visit Goa shortly to study the exact position vis-a-vis Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ), including the issue of of traditional dwellers along the Goan coast, whose homes and holdings are facing the axe in the wake of directives from the Bombay High Court.
He said, the Union Minister will arrive in Goa via Cochin and after visiting Mumbai, would study the CRZ regulations and frame up some regulations to give solace to the traditional fishermen.
On Mopa, Kamat said, the steering committee will be reconstituted soon and that the government had issued section 6 of Land Acquisition Act, which would be finalised in the next two months.
Teachers hail new ATKT rules
BY GT REPORTER
The executive committee of Higher Secondary Teachers’ Association of Goa (HISTAG) has welcomed
the decision to award ATKT to students of Std Xth and XIIth who fail in two subjects.
HISTAG felt that it is a positive step by Education Minister Babush Monseratte.
HISTAG at its Annual General Meeting at RMS College hall, Margao, also felt that the Minister should consider exemption for practicals, to those students in Std XIIth who have passed in practical's and failed the theory examination. Students should not be asked to answer practical exams again in which they have passed.
The meeting also thanked the government and education department for issuing circular to the managements of Higher Secondary Schools (HSS) for clearing all cases pending for granting senior scale to higher secondary teachers completing 12 years.
"This was a long pending demand of the Association which was being pursuit," said HISTAG spokesman Shrikant More.
More said, some demands such 20 per cent criteria for granting Selection Grade Scales to teachers and laptops to teachers were on the verge of implementation.
He also added that, HISTAG had full faith that the government will settle all issues in regard to implementation of Part B of the Sixth Pay Commission for Higher Secondary Teachers.
HISTAG also highlighted that efforts are on to fight for implementation of Part ‘B’ by involving all the related associations such as All Goa Secondary School Teachers’ Association, Vocational Teachers Association and others.
Meanwhile, the HISTAG spokesman announced that the general body meeting of all the Higher Secondary Teachers has been convened on Sunday, August, 2 at 11am at RMS Higher Secondary School, Comba-Margao to discuss the various others issues.
The executive committee of Higher Secondary Teachers’ Association of Goa (HISTAG) has welcomed
the decision to award ATKT to students of Std Xth and XIIth who fail in two subjects.
HISTAG felt that it is a positive step by Education Minister Babush Monseratte.
HISTAG at its Annual General Meeting at RMS College hall, Margao, also felt that the Minister should consider exemption for practicals, to those students in Std XIIth who have passed in practical's and failed the theory examination. Students should not be asked to answer practical exams again in which they have passed.
The meeting also thanked the government and education department for issuing circular to the managements of Higher Secondary Schools (HSS) for clearing all cases pending for granting senior scale to higher secondary teachers completing 12 years.
"This was a long pending demand of the Association which was being pursuit," said HISTAG spokesman Shrikant More.
More said, some demands such 20 per cent criteria for granting Selection Grade Scales to teachers and laptops to teachers were on the verge of implementation.
He also added that, HISTAG had full faith that the government will settle all issues in regard to implementation of Part B of the Sixth Pay Commission for Higher Secondary Teachers.
HISTAG also highlighted that efforts are on to fight for implementation of Part ‘B’ by involving all the related associations such as All Goa Secondary School Teachers’ Association, Vocational Teachers Association and others.
Meanwhile, the HISTAG spokesman announced that the general body meeting of all the Higher Secondary Teachers has been convened on Sunday, August, 2 at 11am at RMS Higher Secondary School, Comba-Margao to discuss the various others issues.
Sanjay Srivastava appointed new CS
The newly appointed Chief Secretary of Goa, Sanjay Srivastava yesterday took official charge as Chief Secretary of the State from the outgoing Chief Secretary Hauzel Haukhum.
House debates on price of ACs, spoons
Ministers rob from official bungalows: Churchill
BY GT REPORTER
PANJIM: Sometimes, serious issues tickle the funny bone of our legislators. And the whole House -- inclusive of the opposition -- enjoys the light hearted banter generated via such serious issues turned hilarious melodramas.
Yesterday's proceedings in the House -- related to a particular issue -- proved just how our Ministers 'Live life Kingsize' and thoroughly enjoy the criticism in the House with the opposition also joining in the laughter!
What then explains the rising cost of an air-conditioner of the same tonnage and similar make when installed in ministerial bungalows? How does one justify the highly inflated cost of steel spoons? And, do TV sets of a similar screen size and the same model widely differ in prices?
Serious though these issues might seem, but the House was treated to light hearted banter when the opposition turned the focus inwards -- inside the Ministers' official bungalows.
Hilarious scenes were on show when the PWD Minister charged one of his colleagues for transporting the items from his official bungalow to his residence. Of course, without naming him.
The House also witnessed the Speaker went on record to state that he had handed over a written inventory of items in his official bungalows while leaving the same.
But it was the opposition leader Manohar Parrikar who inadvertently tickled the funny bone of the legislators when he pointed out to the rising cost of air-conditioners, TV sets and stainless steel spoons (see BOX).
"Is there a set pattern for purchase of these items? What about old items?" was Parrikar's question directed at the PWD Minister Churchill Alemao.
However, the seriousness of the question was lost on the House when Alemao vowed to call the officers and question them on this aspect. Alemao's tone and his delivery of the answer threw the House, visitors galleries and the press gallery into peels of laughter.
At this stage, Speaker Pratap Singh Rane intervened to state that he had submitted a list of the inventory in his official CM's residence before leaving the same.
This prompted the opposition leader to quiz whether an inventory is indeed submitted by Ministers with a 'Separate Listing'.
Not to be cowed down by the prevailing humour in the House, Alemao compounded matters further for himself when he told the House yet again that he will call a meeting of officers to quiz them on this issue.
More laughter erupted from the House. Mapusa MLA Francis D'Souza pressed the matter further when he demanded to know whether such items are recovered.
"I know a Minister has taken certain items to his residence. I will ask him to get them back. I know the concerned Minister but I will not name him," remarked Alemao with a serious tone. That aggravated an already funny atmosphere in the House as all legislators burst out laughing.
Former Finance Minister Dayanand Narvekar was quick to rise on his feet. "I have written to the concerned Minister to take it back," he claimed.
What’s with the prices?
Price of air-conditioners (1.5 TR)
At PWD Minister's official bungalow: Rs 30,650
At Transport Minister's official bungalow: Rs 35,228
At another official bungalow: Rs 37,650
Price of a TV set(29 inches)
At CM's official residence: Rs 19,000
At PWD Minister's official residence: Rs 16,000
At another official bungalow: Rs 15,000
Market price: Rs 13, 500(according to Parrikar)
Price of a steel tea spoon
Price of purchase at official bungalow: Rs 66
Price in the open market: Rs 15 (according to Parrikar)
BY GT REPORTER
PANJIM: Sometimes, serious issues tickle the funny bone of our legislators. And the whole House -- inclusive of the opposition -- enjoys the light hearted banter generated via such serious issues turned hilarious melodramas.
Yesterday's proceedings in the House -- related to a particular issue -- proved just how our Ministers 'Live life Kingsize' and thoroughly enjoy the criticism in the House with the opposition also joining in the laughter!
What then explains the rising cost of an air-conditioner of the same tonnage and similar make when installed in ministerial bungalows? How does one justify the highly inflated cost of steel spoons? And, do TV sets of a similar screen size and the same model widely differ in prices?
Serious though these issues might seem, but the House was treated to light hearted banter when the opposition turned the focus inwards -- inside the Ministers' official bungalows.
Hilarious scenes were on show when the PWD Minister charged one of his colleagues for transporting the items from his official bungalow to his residence. Of course, without naming him.
The House also witnessed the Speaker went on record to state that he had handed over a written inventory of items in his official bungalows while leaving the same.
But it was the opposition leader Manohar Parrikar who inadvertently tickled the funny bone of the legislators when he pointed out to the rising cost of air-conditioners, TV sets and stainless steel spoons (see BOX).
"Is there a set pattern for purchase of these items? What about old items?" was Parrikar's question directed at the PWD Minister Churchill Alemao.
However, the seriousness of the question was lost on the House when Alemao vowed to call the officers and question them on this aspect. Alemao's tone and his delivery of the answer threw the House, visitors galleries and the press gallery into peels of laughter.
At this stage, Speaker Pratap Singh Rane intervened to state that he had submitted a list of the inventory in his official CM's residence before leaving the same.
This prompted the opposition leader to quiz whether an inventory is indeed submitted by Ministers with a 'Separate Listing'.
Not to be cowed down by the prevailing humour in the House, Alemao compounded matters further for himself when he told the House yet again that he will call a meeting of officers to quiz them on this issue.
More laughter erupted from the House. Mapusa MLA Francis D'Souza pressed the matter further when he demanded to know whether such items are recovered.
"I know a Minister has taken certain items to his residence. I will ask him to get them back. I know the concerned Minister but I will not name him," remarked Alemao with a serious tone. That aggravated an already funny atmosphere in the House as all legislators burst out laughing.
Former Finance Minister Dayanand Narvekar was quick to rise on his feet. "I have written to the concerned Minister to take it back," he claimed.
What’s with the prices?
Price of air-conditioners (1.5 TR)
At PWD Minister's official bungalow: Rs 30,650
At Transport Minister's official bungalow: Rs 35,228
At another official bungalow: Rs 37,650
Price of a TV set(29 inches)
At CM's official residence: Rs 19,000
At PWD Minister's official residence: Rs 16,000
At another official bungalow: Rs 15,000
Market price: Rs 13, 500(according to Parrikar)
Price of a steel tea spoon
Price of purchase at official bungalow: Rs 66
Price in the open market: Rs 15 (according to Parrikar)
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Mining cos object to NEERI report
BY A GT REPORTER
PANJIM, JULY 21: Two of the three mining companies operating in Sirigao filed their reply as objection on the National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (NEERI) report that claimed the mining activities were depleting the water table of the village, in the Bombay High Court at Goa.
The division bench comprising Justices S B Deshmukh and U D Salvi has adjourned the matter and posted it four weeks later, to study the mining companies' replies to the NEERI report.
The High Court had in June 2008, appointed NEERI to conduct a survey and determine the consequences of mining activities on water resources and agriculture in Sirigao village. The court also asked the agency to recommend measures to negate the damage to agriculture and water resources, if any.
The NEERI study reported that the water table in the village was depleted and its (village's) topography too altered due to the open cast mining activity.
The environmental degradation according to the report was due to the deepening of mines and loss of recharge area.
“The deepening of the mines has led to the loss of recharge area for the dug wells seated at the foothills of the plateau.
Hence, the water scarcity is attributed to the loss of recharge area and deepening of mines,” the report mentioned.
On studying the groundwater scenario, NEERI said, the situation was terrible in December 2008, with almost all the dug wells in Sirigao dry, while in the neighbouring villages the wells had water in the same month.
The reputed agency also pointed out in its report that highs of the ground water resources were removed because of the open cast mining activity and depressions created in form of mine pits.
It also revealed that mechanized mining had worsened the situation and suggested that the water crisis could be tackled if artificial recharge was done.
“Open cast iron ore mines owned by M/s Rajaram Bandekar (Sirigao) Mines Pvt Ltd, M/s Dempo Mining Corporation Pvt Ltd (now Sesa Goa) and M/s Chowgule & Co Pvt Ltd are having iron ore working mines in and around Sirigao village since 1949, 1951 and 1949 respectively.”
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