Navy clears air over Dabolim expansion

HERALD REPORTER Navy clears air over Dabolim expansion Ready to cooperate on land transfer HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, OCT 1 2008 – The Indian Navy on Wednesday cleared the air over its hold on Dabolim airport refuting all allegations of being possessive and further committed full cooperation with Goa government on land transfer and expansion plans of the existing airport. The Indian Navy represented by Chief Staff Officer (Naval Aviation) Comdt B S Parhar today clarified that the Navy has never in any way obstructed civilian air operations and expansion plans at Dabolim. He pointed out that the increase in air traffic — both domestic and international — by over 50 per cent in the last one decade, he said, was an indication of its cooperation over the years. Comdt Parhar said that the Indian Navy had a purpose to stay at its present location and said that it has been using land at Dabolim for its own expansion in naval services and defence inductions. He cut down critics during a debate on Mopa-Dabolim airport today pointing out that 249 acres of land handed over to the Navy after Goa liberation had legal sanctity and 1429 acres were acquired through land acquisition, carried out upto 1992 under the concerned Act. He said that the Navy has handed over 34 acres to the Airport Authority of India for various development plans and 8.77 acres in March 2007. He agreed that from these 34 acres, 2.52 acres were still to be cleared by the Defence Ministry and was likely to happen shortly. He said the Navy has cleared civilian air traffic for night operations but sought to know why no night landings have been taking place. He also said that the Navy has no problems giving approval for a parallel taxi track. He, however, pointed out to some encroachments that have to be cleared out first but has not been done so far by the authorities concerned. He said, “We are here to share what we have and not to deprive anyone.” He said that the Indian Navy has definitely no plans to shift and “we will continue to contribute to the civil aviation movement and do our best in easing out whatever problems faced at Dabolim.” Parhar expressed deep pain over allegations against the Navy of amassing land at Dabolim and restraining expansion plans. Earlier, Rajya Sabha MP Shantaram Naik lashed out at the Indian Navy for allegedly obstructing expansion plans of Dabolim airport. Taking a dig at the Indian Navy he said, “Somebody is trying to scuttle the expansion plans.” He pointed out to the cut in the Rs 500-crore central funding for Dabolim airport expansion. Naik said, “The real fight is for the expansion of Dabolim the way it has been planned.” Airport Director, Goa, Paul Manickam in his presentation today said, “The facilities at Dabolim airport are totally saturated with increase in traffic four times over the last one decade.” The projections are that air traffic and passenger arrivals, both domestic and foreign will increase over the years and cannot continue to function in the present form. He said that that the airport also needs other infrastructure facilities for augmenting power, water, vehicle parking space in addition to aviation facilities for parking bays, parallel taxi tracks and aerobridges. He said, “The rate of growth at Dabolim is very high in comparison to other airports.” The North Goa Collector Mihir Vardhan who is also the Director Mopa Airport said, “It is high time that the debate on Mopa airport ends as Goa needs a modern airport.” He regretted that Goa was way behind Other states in having airports of international standards. He expressed fears that the delay could cause a collapse in tourism if Goa failed to have a modern airport. He declined to comment on whether Mopa would have any adverse impact on tourism in South Goa. But said, “Mopa airport is also clubbed with another project for an expressway from the North to South.” Today’s debate was organised by the Goa Chamber of Commerce and Industry where GCCI Chief Nitin Kunkolienkar reiterated the need for a modern airport to support tourism industry for a period of 50 years. He said land acquisition for Mopa airport has begun and the government will have to tackle issues over funding, construction and operations.

Smoking ban

HERALD REPORTER Smoking ban the road opens for goa HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, OCT 1 2008 — No policeman would henceforth be able to fine anyone if caught smoking on the road, at least in Goa! Amazed? Thanks to the new Central law to be enforced from tomorrow. This law clearly overrides Goa’s own no-smoking law of which very few seem to be aware. Advocate Cleofato Coutinho agrees, “Yes, the Central law overrides the local law giving a smoker puffing on an open road complete immunity from the latter.” But General Secretary of National Organisation for Tobacco Eradication Dr Shekhar Salkar notes, “It’s true the Central law would override the Goa’s anti-smoking and spitting law. As far as tobacco was concerned the Central law stands.”   He mentioned anywhere if there are two laws, the Central law prevails. “It is as per the Constitution. But in Goa the law on spitting would still continue as it is, but the Central law would be made applicable for smoking,” he mentioned. Parliament decision can override the State’s Assembly decision, he added.  Salkar said as per the Central law smokers would be allowed to puff on roads where there are no bus stops nearby, open spaces and parks. It doesn’t mention beaches anywhere, he added.  And that’s precisely the reason beach shack owners have expressed reservations over the ban fearing it would affect their seasonal business, even as the State seems all set to enforce the rules from tomorrow. Salkar said, “There are few problems with the shack owners. They were not there for a meeting we had with various stake holders, including Travel and Tourism Association of Goa, regarding the enforcement of the ban.”  President of Goa Shack Owners Welfare Society Cruz Cardozo contends beaches are open areas and hence should be kept out of the purview of the law. “No foreigner would love to enter our shacks if there’s a ban on smoking. We intend to make a representation to the Government to allow us to make separate sitting areas for smokers and non-smokers.” According to the Union Health Ministry anybody found smoking in public places would be fined. Pubs, discotheques, restaurants, etc are included in the purview of the public places, which according to the law means any place where food and drink is supplied.

WEBMASTERS..... NEW YEAR RANT.

The following news item was seen in Goacom 2/1/2008

 Drop in tourist inflow during this season

 PANAJI, Jan 1: Tourism industry in Goa appears to have been hit by various unforeseen problems, that it would have preferred not to encounter, which prompted tourists not to come in the same numbers as was the case till a year ago, especially during the Christmas-New Year season. According to sources in the tourism industry, for the first time in the last decade quite a few rooms remained vacant during Christmas in various hotels across the state. The sources said that the tourism industry lost over 10 per cent of its income during the peak season. [NT] Goacom 2/1/2008

Webmasters note: Well, Well, Well, I am Surprised! The newly appointed Director of Tourism , Elvis Gomes would do well to note some of the following points.

ã     GOA relies on tourist’s for most of its income, one of the main attractions are the beaches, and not having the beach shacks up and licensed at the start of the season can only be seen as having a negative effect

ã     During my last visit (in mid November) I have never seen so much rubbish, a good clean up should be a high priority as well as an attempt to level the roadside footways

ã     The recent situation with the issuing of tourist visas did nothing to help the tourist industry.

ã     We are in the age of the internet, if someone has a “cold” in Baga then we all know about it in the rest of the world, news travels fast, holiday forums are full of news both good and bad, but you can be sure that bad news travels fastest.

ã     Please take note of the views of regular visitors, we love GOA as much as you do, but we do not appreciated being seen not as guests but as money making opportunities, the talk during my last visit by regular visitors was not about how they were enjoying their holiday but was about where they were going to holiday next, the World has many new up and coming destinations.

ã     Lets start 2008 with a fresh approach, a smile at the airport would be a start. GOA needs to market itself as a Business and it should be noted that Businesses that fail to keep up with the market, go bankrupt ! .. come on GOA get your act together.

That’s got that off my chest.

Tough conditions apply as Night Bazaars get govt nod

BY HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, DEC 19 – Tough conditions could take the day lights out of Night Bazaars as the State government accords the green signal to organisers for the present season. To begin with the government is taking stern view pertaining to participation of foreigners vis-a-vis Night Bazaars who are engaged for performances, allotted stalls or engaged in any way in connection with night bazaars. The directions are that all names, addresses’ and visa details will have to be furnished to the respective district magistrates and the Superintendents of Police. Similarly names and addresses of those allotted stalls at night bazaars and those of performing artists and security personnel engaged are also to be furnished to the DM and SP. The Commissioner of Commercial Taxes is also to be furnished with details on stall allottees and kind of commodities proposed to be traded at the night bazaars.The organisers are also required to procure an NOC from the fire department.Another interesting aspect dealt with in detail by the government for considering permission is that on traffic regulations and parking arrangements.If one recalls, a main complaints against night bazaars was that of traffic congestion at the sites and areas leading to such night bazaars. The government has now directed that adequate parking arrangements have to be made for 250 four wheelers and 300 two wheelers. No buses will be allowed to park in parking areas and no parking should be allowed on the roads leading to night bazaars.To regulate traffic flow the organizers are directed to engage police personnel and remit fees to the state treasury for the services. The government has also warned the organizers not to engage in any illegal activity and to conduct the night bazaars in accordance with the law of the state

Narrow escape for passengers as ferry hits barge in River Mandovi

PANJIM, NOV 2 2007 – Large number of passengers traveling in a ferryboat - plying from Panjim to Betim - had a narrow escape after it hit a barge in River Mandovi during peak hours in the evening.
The mishap occurred at around 7 pm, when the ferry proceeding towards Betim failed to notice the barge coming from the right side. The ore-laden barge was proceeding to the port.
“The barge was also at its full speed and at one point it looked like it would hit the ferry head on,” P N Pandey, an eyewitness said. The passengers had a harrowing time with some even planning to jump from the ferry. Fortunately for them, after the passengers shouted, the coxswain put the reverse gear and the barge just hit the ferry and passed, he added. Passengers also complained that the visibility is poor after sunset between ferry jetties.
At the time of the accident, besides nearly 100 passengers, 15 two-wheelers were on board most of which fell off their stands with the impact of the barge on the ferry, the eyewitness said. extracted from oHERALDo

Visas......the new system with no personal postal application seems to have brought a lot of complaints......I have just received my visa for November... the service that I received from the visa company that i used was second to none.. the paperwork, application from me was received at the visa company on Monday 3rd Sept and the completed visa was back with me on Friday 7th Sept at 8.30 am, there was obviously a fee  of £30 + £9 postage, in 10 years of applications this must take the award as the fastest..........if you need a visa ......try.........Travcour on www.travcour.com  top points for speed.

Speed of service depends on the Royal Mail and any Disputes

Picture by Joel D'Souza.....Sao Joao Festival ....Anjuna

Pain from rain still hurts the Coco beach
NERUL: Nothing has changed at Coco beach, Nerul - almost two weeks after the monsoon battering the state received on June 23. Villagers here can hardly forget the nightmare and still seem to be under some sort of hallucination. Not for nothing, though. The monsoon frenzy that day took a toll of almost 125 full grown coconuts trees and about 80 coconut saplings. The remnants of that frenzy - in the form of uprooted coconut trees and damaged dwellings - still lie strewn all over this beach. [Nilesh Khandeparkar, GT] 7/7/7...Goacom

A RAMPAGING SEA CAUSES DEVASTATION
Sea waves swallow portions of Nerul beach
PANJIM: Amidst rising fears of global warming, the small but beautiful Nerul beach, popularly known as Coco Beach, is witnessing fearsome devastation as huge waves have felled nearly 50 coconut trees and are carving closer into the land to expose a dozen houses nearby to a worst ever danger. In less than a fortnight - and less than a week after steady rains - the coconut tree cover and a compound wall of a small hotel has been destroyed by the rampaging sea even as villagers recount that effects of the erosion had been hardly felt last year. But what has alarmed the occupants of the ten-odd houses dotting the 300-odd metre long beach, is the collapse of the shore within a few days of moderate rains. [GT] Goacom 20thJune2007

Monsoon has arrived, says Met office
PANAJI, June 14: Monsoon has arrived in Goa, though with a week's delay. Monsoon, which normally begins in the state by June 7, advanced yesterday (June 13) over the state. Mr KV Singh, meteorologist, informs that Goa has had a late monsoon this year due to the super cyclone, which disrupted monsoon patterns... Goa experienced pre-monsoon showers till June 12. [NT] extract  from Goacom 15th June

HERE COMES THE RAIN ..map from IMD India

Heres an interesting fact

MONSOON SIGNS: The south west monsoon seems to be signing in style this year, not merely with stray and early showers but beautiful rainbows too. A patch of rainbow over the Mandovi river around 5 pm yesterday evening. [Joel DeSouza]

Two drown off Palolem beach

Night landing at Dabolim to be restored
PANJIM: The Indian Navy has finally relented and from January 8 night landing facilities at Dabolim airport will be restored, sources in Vasco said. The change of heart followed after pressure from airline officials and the media over inconvenience caused to passengers and domestic flights resulting in huge monetary loss to the civil aviation industry. [GT]  GoaCom6th Jan 2007

STOP PRESS     

"River Princess" salvage work 75% over: Willy
PANJIM: Whether the "MV River Princess" will see another monsoon remains to be seen with officials claiming that 75 per cent of the salvage work has been complete. Speaking to GT, Dy CM Dr Wilfred de Souza said that the Indian Registrar of Shipping, consultant appointed by the government, had informed him that the salvage work was satisfactory. However, when asked when the ship would be refloated and towed away, Dr de Souza declined to give any time frame. 13th April 07 [GoaCom]

News on the River Princess from Holiday Truths 4th April 2007

Posted: Wed Apr 04, 2007 1:32 pm    Post subject:
Hi all , just to let you know (to those that are keeping an eye on the RP) that the guy who is in charge of the engineering work was in Ganesh shack this morning having breakfast, and has said that they are down to the sand removal and found that a lot of the ship is broken and needs many new plates for re-patching. He says they will work on it 'till end of May and will start early September and if possible would be looking to tow out Oct / Nov, but this does depend on the new patching up work holding in place. A new hole will be cut to allow for the monsoon and then re-pumping will take place, he says the pumping has not caused a problem its just the plates under the sand allowing water in that needs sorting. He is an American guy who seems to know his stuff and has also said that the Government will not allow the ship to be cut up

River Princess to 'disappear' from Goa coast
PANJIM: Finally, the 'reign' of "MV River Princess" over Sinquerim coast will come to an end soon, much to the relief of the citizens and environmentalists alike. The vessel, which ran aground off Sinquerim coast in June 2000, will now be re-floated and towed 12 nautical miles from Goa coastline within the next three months. Speaking to reporters after launching the re-floating work at Sinquerim, Deputy Chief Minister, Dr Wilfred de Souza said that the vessel had become an eyesore and a nuisance for the lat six years. He said that the contract had been awarded to M/s Jaisu Shipping Company Pvt Ltd, Kandla, and added that his priority would be to see it disappear from the coast of Goa. "We are paying them Rs.5.5 crore to refloat and tow it away," he said. [GT]

Well thats news..the Webmaster would be interested in your views on the River Princess saga....please leave your comments at the Guest Book accessed from the Home Page.

 Under review