Author: Team Admin

BJP leader Utpal Parrikar, a familiar yet independent political voice in Panaji, opened up in an exclusive interview with Goemkarponn Editor Suraj Nandrekar about his strategies for the upcoming Corporation of the City of Panaji (CCP) elections, the 2027 Goa Assembly polls, and the persistent challenges facing Goa’s Smart City project. Speaking candidly, Parrikar highlighted his vision of forming a capable, independent panel to directly engage Panaji voters, cut through political theatrics, and prioritize execution over rhetoric. With Goa politics witnessing defections, leadership rivalries, and mounting public disillusionment, Parrikar’s approach emphasizes achieving actionable results, promoting urban development, and enhancing governance.…

MAHIMA SHETKAR In the quiet lanes of Saligao, behind the busy local fish market, a small pottery studio quietly keeps Goa’s earthen traditions alive. For the past 22 years, Pournima Sakhalekar has been working with clay, transforming simple soil into beautiful handcrafted pieces while also shaping lives, especially of young students and women who look up to her journey. Her story began at home. While she was still in college, her elder sister completed a pottery course and started a small clay-based business. The house slowly turned into a creative space filled with wet clay, handmade textures and drying pots…

Suraj Nandrekar The confrontation at the Town and Country Planning office in Patto over Section 39(A) approvals has quickly escalated from a local grievance into a full-fledged political spectacle. What began as a protest by villagers from Siridao and Palem against land use permissions has now turned into a test of political restraint, with opposition leaders appearing more eager to exploit the moment than resolve the underlying concerns. There is no question that land use decisions under Section 39(A) of the TCP Act deserve scrutiny. Villagers have a legitimate right to question how such approvals affect their environment, water resources…

Key Demands…. Villagers are calling for: • Detailed maps showing lands that will be submerged • Flood studies and new flood level calculations • Tidal flow impact studies • Environmental impact assessment • Protection for affected houses and farms • Transparency on water usage • Public consultations with affected residents • Written assurances on compensation • Necessary approvals and NOCs before construction • Independent review of the project Suraj Nandrekar Along the banks of the Zuari River, residents of Mirabag and nearby wards have begun voicing strong opposition to a proposed bandhara that they fear could permanently alter their villages,…

Tiger Zinda Hai? * Supreme Court grants Goa Foundation two weeks to respond to CEC report * Next hearing scheduled for March 19, 2026 * CEC recommends tiger reserve over 468.6 sq km in phased manner * Netravali and Cotigao proposed as core areas * Bhagwan Mahaveer Sanctuary and National Park areas proposed as buffer * Reserve to connect with Karnataka’s Kali Tiger Reserve corridor * Mhadei Wildlife Sanctuary not included at this stage * Goa government opposes reserve, cites lack of resident tiger population * Supreme Court orders probe into missing Forest Department files By Satyavatinandan Satrekar The matter…

Team Goemkarponn PANAJI: What began as a village-level protest against land use approvals under Section 39(A) of the TCP Act snowballed into a major political flashpoint on Saturday after St Andre MLA Viresh Borkar alleged that he was manhandled and dragged by police during a demonstration at the Town and Country Planning (TCP) Department office at Patto. The protest, led by villagers from Siridao–Palem, was aimed at demanding the revocation of permissions granted under Section 39(A), which residents claim will adversely impact their villages and aggravate future water scarcity. Tensions escalated when police removed Borkar and several villagers from the…

The India men’s national hockey team suffered another setback in the FIH Hockey Pro League as they were beaten 0-2 by Spain in Hobart, continuing their disappointing run in the competition. The loss marked India’s fifth straight defeat in the men’s Pro League, extending a slump that has raised questions about form and consistency ahead of bigger tournaments.  India’s performance against Spain was below expectations as they struggled to assert themselves against a clinical Spanish side. Despite spirited efforts in patches, India failed to break through Spain’s defensive lines and were unable to convert possession into clear scoring opportunities.…