Panaji, December 15, 2019… An Oil Spill Response Preparedness Mock Exercise under the provisions of Goa State Oil Spill Disaster Contingency Plan (GOA-SOS-DCP) was conducted today at the Miramar Beach by Office of the Collectorate, North Goa in association with Goa state Pollution Control Board (GSPCB) and Indian Coast Guard as a part of regional Level Pollution Response Exercise (RPREX).

In a half day mock drill exercises like manpower mobilization with personal safely gears, mobilizing earth movers, JCBs and other beach clean-up equipment, pit digging with tarpaulin sheets for stowage of recovered oil/sand mixed sludge and shoreline sealing with boom were practiced under the guidance of officers of Coast Guard.

“This Mock drill is a part of the disaster preparedness of District Disaster Management Authority. With such drills, we are enacting scenarios and making people aware of the state machinery. For this mock drill, the GSPCB had made a contingency plan. We have achieved satisfactory results today. However, we now know a few areas on which we need to work upon which we will surely do,” informed Smt. R. Menaka, Collector, North Goa.

Officials from GSPCB, Department of Tourism, Fisheries, Police, Coastal Security, Fire and Emergency, CCP were also present on the occasion.

Panaji: December 14, 2019 …..Entries for the One Act Play Competition at High School Level have been invited by Kala Academy Goa in the prescribed format of application so as to reach the same in the Kala Academy office  at Panaji latest  by  December 20, 2019 at 4.00 p.m.

The participating institutions will have to pay a consolidated fee of Rs. 100/- as an entry fee irrespective of the number of one act plays, category wise presented by the institutions. The amount shall be accepted in cash during office hours between 10.00 a.m to 1.00 p.m and 2.00 p.m to 4.00 p.m in the accounts section of Kala Academy. Duly filled in entries in the prescribed format and physically received in the hard copy format, will  only be accepted.

One Act plays to be staged by the concerned high schools as mentioned in the entry form will only be allowed for performances. Change in the name of One Act plays after submission of entries will not be entertained. All the entries should bear official seal duly signed by the Head of Institution or  Headmaster of the  High School.

All the High Schools desirous of participating in the said competition may submit their entries within the stipulated date i.e on or before   December 20, 2019.  The entry forms are available free of charge at the reception counter of Kala Academy during office hours on working days.

Panaji, December 13, 2019… The Chief Minister, Dr Pramod Sawant calling the former Chief Minister, late Manohar Parrikar a scientific visionary said that the Government will honour Manohar Parrikar’s commitment towards scientific progress by organising the Manohar Parrikar Vidnyan Mahotsav annually. The Chief Minister was speaking at the inauguration of the Manohar Parrikar Vidnyan Mahotsav at the National Institute of Oceanography (NIO), at Dona Paula, yesterday.

Speaking further, Dr Sawant said that the festival will give ideas to explore new opportunities in science. Stressing on the field of education, Dr Sawant said that the Government will make Goa a premier educational hub.

The Minister for Science, Technology and Waste Management , Shri Michael Lobo said that if we develop a positive approach and a scientific temper and follow it daily, we can help keep the ideals of Manohar Parrikar alive by our deeds and bring laurels to the State of Goa.

Principal Scientific Advisor, Government of India, Dr K. Vijay Raghavan said that Manohar Parrikar Vidnyan Mahotsav is a path-breaking occasion to honour Manohar Parrikar. He said that Manohar Parrikar was an extraordinary person who valued expertise and knowledge and had a deep connectedness with society.

On the occasion, two Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) were signed between the Principal Scientific Advisor to Government of India and Government of Goa and between Council of Scientific and Industrial Research and Government of Goa.

A photo book on Manohar Parrikar, ‘The Legend’ was released on the occasion. The Book is brought out by the Department of Information and Publicity containing the compilation of Photographs on different facets of the former Chief Minister.

Earlier, Chairperson of the Executive Committee of the Manohar Parrikar Vidnyan Mahotsav and Goa State Innovation Council, Shri Jose Manuel Noronha launched a short film on Manohar Parrikar.

Present on the occasion were Chief Secretary, Shri Parimal Rai, IAS, Shri Daulat Hawaldar, IAS, Minister for Social Welfare and Urban Development, Shri Milind Naik, Manohar Parrikar’s son, Shri Utpal Parrikar, Director of National Institute of Oceanography (NIO), Prof. Sunil Kumar Singh, among others.

The inauguration was followed by a guest lecture, ‘Nature Inspired Science: Why do we flock together?’ delivered by Padmashri Dr Ajay Kumar Sood.

The two-day Manohar Parrikar Vidnyan Mahotsav is being organised by the Department of Science, Technology and Waste Management and supported by Directorate of Higher Education, Directorate of Education, Directorate of Technical Education, Department of Information and Publicity, Department of Protocol, Goa State Innovation Council, Goa State Pollution Control Board and Goa Waste Management Corporation among others.

Panaji:  December 13, 2019 … Chief Minister, Dr Pramod Sawant inaugurated Lokotsav 20 organised by Adarsh Yuva Sangh, Gaondongri, Khotigao and Shree Balram Shikshan Saunstha, Amone, Paingin, Canacona in association with Directorate of Art and Culture at Amone, Canacona recently.

The two days event is supported by Directorate of Tribal Welfare and National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr Sawant said continuity is very important in any organization and applauded the efforts of organisers for organising such a beautiful event from the last 20 years successfully. Lokotsav festival, he said is not limited to the State as it attracts the people from the neighbouring States. Lokotsav is a festival for the people by the people, he pointed.

Recalling the efforts and initiatives taken by Ex CM late Shri Manohar Parrikar for bringing the tribals and rural people in the main stream, Shri Sawant applauded the work of Adarsh Yuva Sangh and Shri Balram Shikshan Saunshtha in the field of education in the remote areas. This institutions builds the students not only in education but also in sport, art and culture he said. He said collective efforts are required to take the State to the next level.  One should not keep culture aside while doing progress he said.

Appealing to the people to take up agriculture as profession Shri Sawant said Agriculture field is also a culture and base of the State. Shri Sawant also spoke about the IT Policy of the State and urged the youth to derive benefit of the policy and EDC incubation center.

Chairperson, Canacona Municipal Council, Smt Nitu Dessai said Lokotsav is a stage for local artist to showcase their varied talent in art and other qualities.

Zilla Panchayat Member, Dr Pushpa Ayya and Shanu Velip; Sarpanch, Village Panchayat Khotigao, Smt Suman Gaonkar and others were present on the occasion.

Dr Shivanand Bandekar, Smt Kamlini Painginkar, Dr Shekhar Salkar, Dr Rupa Chari, Smt Sulakshana Sawant, Smt Kamakshi Pai, Shri Arvind Tengse, Smt Kunda Chodankar, Smt Krushni Walke, Smt Sunita Sawant, Smt Chanda Dessai, Smt Vinda Satarkar, Dr Sucheta Naik, Smt Manuja Naik Gaonkar, Smt Pallavi Shirodkar were felicitated on the occasion.

Ex Minister and President, Adarsh Yuva Sangh, Shri Ramesh Tawadkar welcomed while Shri Ashok Gaonkar proposed the vote of thanks.

Panaji, December 12, 2019 ..The 45^th State Art Exhibition of Kala Academy in the Artist Category will be held between December 26, 2019 to December 30, 2019 at Art Gallery, Kala Academy Complex, Panaji. Entry forms along with the rules and regulations are available at the Kala Academy’ office during working hours.

 The entries along with the exhibits will be accepted on December 18  and 20, 2019 between 10:00 am to 4:00 pm in the office of  Kala Academy, Campal, excluding  lunch break from 1:15 pm to 2:00 pm.

 Kala Academy has appealed to all the interested Goan Art students to submit their entries along with the exhibits within the stipulated period.

Panaji, December 11, 2019 …At a meeting held with the Chief Minister, Dr Pramod Sawant in Panaji, today, the Chief Engineer, Water Resource Department (WRD), Shri Shrikant Patil, and other officials informed the Chief Minister that there was no shortage of water in the State.

The officials informed Dr Sawant that currently, the water from Tillari Canal from Maharashtra has been stopped because of landslides due to the recent rains in August and September and that the cleaning of the landslide work has been undertaken up by Government of Maharashtra and are likely to be completed by the second week of December. They further informed that this work is being monitored by Executive Engineers of Goa in-charge of the canal on a daily basis and project authorities in Maharashtra have assured that they will release the required quantity of water for irrigation and drinking water purpose in Goa by the second week of December.

The WRD officials further stated that the Tillari Dam is full to its capacity indicating that they was no shortage of water. Shri Patil informed that because of the work of clearing the landslide in the canal in Maharashtra, as a temporary arrangement, the Goa authorities are pumping water from Sal Bandhara and bringing to Amthane Dam which in turns supplies water to the Assonora Water Treatment Plant. The officials further informed that the Amthane Dam has got a minimum of 20 days stock of water and there is no shortage of water in Goa.

The Tillari Irrigation Project is a joint venture of the Governments of Goa and Maharashtra. The canal network begins in Maharashtra and enters Goa at Dodamarg. The Tillari Irrigation Project supplies water to the Assonora Water Treatment Plant directly from the canal and the water from here is supplied to Bardez taluka.

Panaji, December 10, 2019 …The ongoing works of augmentation and laying of new pipelines will solve all the water woes of Quepem Constituency permanently said Deputy Chief Minister, Shri Chandrakant Kavlekar.

Shri Kavlekar was speaking after commissioning 150 mm DI drinking water pipeline from Quitol to Pirwada and Pirwada to parts of Quitol Village laid at a cost of Rs. 70 lakhs recently. The water pressure problems too will be solved with the laying of the new pipeline.

Stating that the developmental works in varied sectors in the constituency are carried out with a vision and taking the requirements of years ahead, Shri Kavlekar said some of these works are near completion while process on others is going on said. Keeping in mind the needs for the coming 25 years all round development in terms of infrastructure, health, education, water supply is being undertaken said Shri Kavlekar adding that no stone will be left unturned for the Development.

Speaking further Shri Kavlekar said, work of laying new water line, worth Rs. 8.00 crores from Ambaulim is underway. Drinking water system work under JICA project at a cost of Rs. 29 crores in Quepem Municipality jurisdiction is accorded approval by Government he added. Unity of the people is very much important for progress and development of the village, he remarked.

Khola Zilla Panchayat Member, Shri Shanu Velip said Government is working tirelessly for the overall development of the last citizen of the State. People should keep aside their differences and work unitedly for the welfare of the people he added. He also lauded the efforts of Shri Kavlekar for undertaking various Developmental works in Quepem constituency.

Sarpanch, Village Panchayat Betul, Shri Tato Parwar thanked Shri Kavlekar for solving the various problems faced by the villagers.

Deputy Sarpanch, Smt Akanksha Naik, panch members, Assistant Engineer, Water Supply, Quepem, Shri Vasuraj Karmalkar, Curchorem – Smt Harsha Kakodkar and others were also present on the occasion.  Executive Engineer, Water Supply, Quepem, Shri Shrikant Gaonkar welcomed while Technical Assistant, Smt Jyoti Velip proposed the vote of thanks.

Shri Kavlekar also laid foundation for a Club House at Gavliwada Betul, construction of which will be taken on a land donated by Kavlekar family under Panchayat Golden Jubilee Fund. Gymnasium for Club House costing Rs. 25 lakhs will also be made available under Rajya Sabha Member of Parliament Fund. Four Gymnasiums total costing Rs. 1 crore are sanctioned for Betul, Morpirla, Khola and Barcem villages under MP Fund, he informed.

Panaji: December 09,2019 … Government is committed to safeguard the interest of special children and have been doing  everything for their betterment and will continue to do so   in future said Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant. He was speaking after inaugurating the hall named after former Chief Minister late Shri Manohar Parrikar at Sanjay Center for Special Education at Porvorim recently. The function was organized by the Directorate of Social Welfare to celebrate ‘World Disability Day’ in collaboration with Sanjay Center for Special Education Porvorim.

Dr Sawant speaking further  underscored the need  of a Special Disability   cell  to reddress the grievances of special children. He said to enable special children to live a dignified life.  We have to make them self reliant and to assure them better livelihood reservation for this section need to be implemented properly. Therefore he appealed to concerned institutions to follow and execute roster.

Minister for Science, Technology and Environment Shri   Michael Lobo while speaking said that  special children deserve to have better facilities. He said they need skill development to secure job to earn livelihood. He said there is need of a training center for these children where they can receive training in various disciplines and items manufactured by them can be  displayed with price tag for sale to public and tourists as well. In this way he said  the productivity, entrepreneurship among special children can be enhanced and they will  become self reliant, he added.

Chairman Sanjay Centre for Special Education, Shri Guruprasad  Pawaskar  in his address said that, the United  Nations has recommended Sanjay Center for Special Children for having highest attendance of Special Children in the school in the country. . He said every effort has been made at the center to help special children to live respected and independent life. Training or skill development is essential so as to  avail government schemes and efforts would be made through Economic Development Corporation  hereafter,   he informed.

 Ex-Chairman Bal Bhavan  Smt Kunda Chodankar and  Shri Utpal Parrikar Son of former Chief Minister late Shri. Manohar Parrikar both spoke on the occasion. The Chief Minister earlier inaugurated blood donation camp on the occasion.

Smt Sheru Shirodkar Member Secretary, Sanjay Centre, Shri Krishna. Ketkar, Shri. Manohar. Korgaonkar, Shri. Sagar. Jawadekar all Board  Members, attended the function

Shri Pradip  Nagarsekar, Director Directorate of Social Welfare earlier welcomed the guests.  Shri Durgesh  Majik Special Educator compered the function. Shri Taha Haziq, Officer On Special Duty, Social Welfare  proposed the Vote of thanks.

Panaji, December 08, 2019 …Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant launched a dedicated website (www.birdfestival.goa.gov.in) on bird festival recently at his official residence Altinho, Panaji. Forest Department of Goa, will   be organizing its third edition of Bird Festival from January 17 to 19, 2020 at Valpoi and Surla of Sattari taluka.

Minister for PWD Shri. Deepak Pauskar; MLA’s, Shri. Pratapsingh Rane, Smt. Alina Saldanha, Shri. Prasad Gaonkar, Principal Secretary, Forest Shri Punit Kumar Goyal IAS, Principal Chief Conservator of Forest, Shri. Subhash Chandra, IFS ; Chief Wildlife Warden, Shri. Santosh Kumar IFS, Members of State Wildlife Board and others were present on the occasion.

Goa is home to over 450 species of birds both residents and migratory.  The Bird Festival aims to generate awareness towards wildlife and their habitat conservation with special emphasis on birds. Delegates from all over the country and abroad will be joining in the event. It is open to the general public with a nominal registration fee. Experts and renowned speakers will share their knowledge and experiences on birds and wildlife conservation.

Day trips to forests will be conducted for those unable to attend entire events.

Bird walks and field trips in forests of Valpoi, Bondla, Molem and Mhadei harbouring rich bird diversity will also be conducted.

Various Quiz competitions, Wildlife Film shows, videography and photography competitions will be conducted in the festival, entries for which can be sent to Forest Department. For more information interested participants can visit http://birdfestival.goa.gov.in

Panaji, December 07, 2019 .. Mahatma Gandhi had firm conviction in whatever he did. He had no pride or arrogance. He introduced morality in politics said Governor, Shri Satya Pal Malik, while speaking as the Chief Guest at the ‘Gandhi Katha’ programme organised by Raj Bhavan and Directorate of Art and Culture at Sanskruti Bhavan, Panaji, recently.

Shri Malik said that Gandhi staunchly supported human rights and living with dignity. Some of the significant contribution of Mahatma Gandhi has been his fight against injustice said Shri Malik sharing anecdotes of Gandhi’s life which highlighted his principles and values.

The Deputy Chief Minister, Shri Chandrakant Kavlekar, in his address said that Mahatma Gandhi played a pivotal role in the freedom struggle of India and Indians cannot forget his contribution in the Independence Movement of the nation. Shri Kavlekar said that Gandhi’s far-sighted vision and principles such as ‘Ahmisa’ (Non-Violence) and teachings regarding cleanliness, helped bring a consciousness among the people.

‘Gandhi Katha’ is a programme to commemorate the 150th Birth Anniversary year of Mahatma Gandhi. The inaugural was followed by ‘Gandhi Katha’, presented by Shobhana Radhakrishna, Chief Functionary of the Gandhian Forum for Ethical Corporate Governance, SCOPE (Standing Conference of Public Enterprises-an Apex body of Central Government owned Public Enterprises), India. ‘Gandhi Katha’ is a narration of many unpublished and little known incidents on the life of Mahatma Gandhi and is aimed at inspiring people in nation building.

Earlier, Director, Directorate of Art and Culture, Shri Gurudas Pilarnekar, in his welcome address said that the aim of the function is to propagate the teachings of Mahatma Gandhi among the young generation.

Present on the occasion were Secretary to Governor, Shri Rupesh Kumar Thakur, IAS; Vice-Chancellor of Goa University, Prof. Varun Sahni, and others.