Author: Team Admin

Team Goemkarponn PANAJI::Following strong public demand during Ganesh Chaturthi, the Goa government is exploring the possibility of continuing the sale of coconuts at subsidised rates through its horticulture outlets even after the festival. To stabilise market prices and meet rising demand, the Goa State Horticulture Corporation (GSHC) had procured around 75,000 coconuts from Karnataka to supplement local supply. The coconuts were sold at Rs 45 per piece across 1,200 horticulture outlets statewide, initially planned to be available only until the 11th day of the festival. Speaking to the media, Horticulture Chairman Premendra Shet said, “The public response during Ganesh…

Team Goemkarponn PANAJI: Amid opposition concerns over coal transportation linked to the railway double-tracking project, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant on Monday reiterated that the government will not permit coal handling beyond the allowed limits. Addressing the media, Sawant said, “We will not increase coal handling in the State. Let me be clear: coal will not exceed the permissible limit.” He added that the Railway Ministry has affirmed the project’s potential to boost tourism and trade in the region. “The Opposition seems focused only on coal, but the Ministry has confirmed that the double-tracking project will benefit tourism, and there…

“Responsibility, therefore, must be fixed at three levels. First, on the individuals who carried out the assault. They cannot be allowed to hide behind the fact that they are “just attendants.” Second, on the contractor who hired them and placed them in a position of authority over the public. And third, on the municipal body that awarded the contract without insisting on safeguards. Unless these three layers of responsibility are addressed, the Mapusa incident will repeat itself elsewhere. It is worth remembering that parking attendants are not policemen. Their role, at best, is to issue a ticket and collect a…

Team Goemkarponn PANAJI: Goa’s electricity authorities are stepping up efforts to curb the misuse of domestic electricity connections for commercial purposes, launching a state-wide verification drive following the rollout of the new power tariff structure. The department plans to reassess and reclassify all connections, ensuring properties such as rented villas, holiday homes, and other commercial operations are billed under the correct low-tension commercial category. Officials said the move aims to prevent loss of revenue and ensure fair billing for all consumers. To bolster the initiative, the electricity department is coordinating with agencies like the tourism department to identify properties…

Team Goemkarponn PANAJI: North Goa Superintendent of Police Rahul Gupta has highlighted that Panaji, Calangute and Anjuna police stations are witnessing the highest number of stolen mobile phone cases in the State. He advised citizens to verify the authenticity of second-hand devices before making purchases. Gupta informed that around 50 recovered mobile phones will shortly be handed back to their rightful owners, many of whom have already expressed gratitude to the police for tracing their devices. Separately, the SP clarified that Telangana Police had entered Goa while pursuing a vehicle that removed its number plate at the Maharashtra border.…

Team Goemkarponn PANAJI: The Goa State Pollution Control Board (GSPCB) has launched an initiative to collect Ganesh idols that have resurfaced after the recent Visarjan rituals, with plans to transport them to its Pissurlem facility for environmentally safe disposal. The drive is aimed at protecting local water bodies from pollution and ensuring that idol immersions do not cause ecological damage. Citizens have been urged to hand over idols at designated collection points or directly to GSPCB staff for proper handling. Officials said the initiative forms part of the State’s broader push for sustainable celebrations and environmental protection during festivals.

Team Goemkarponn PANAJI. The Joint Electricity Regulatory Commission (JERC) has directed Goa’s electricity department to carry out a detailed inquiry into failed power infrastructure projects, including the aerial bunch cabling (ABC) initiative, and submit a report within three months. The order followed a complaint from a consumer alleging poor accountability and lack of transparency in reviewing projects such as the ABC scheme, which has resulted in losses exceeding ₹140 crore. In its response, the department assured that a committee will be tasked with examining the lapses and reaffirmed its commitment to transparency. The JERC has asked for a comprehensive…