Governor of Goa Shri. P. S. Sreedharan Pillai, in his message has said that on this very important occasion of Gandhi Jayanti and “International Day of Non Violence”, we remember with profound reverence and deep gratitude Mahatma Gandhi, Father of Nation on his birth anniversary.

The Governor adds, Gandhiji was on e of the greatest freedom fighter the world has ever known. The nation is eternally indebted to Gandhiji who is responsible for the freedom of India through employment of unique tools of truth, love, non –violence in the freedom struggle against British Imperialism. He is a global icon who has inspired countless leaders across the length and breadth of the world. His universal ideas continue to inspire us even today. The Swachh Bharat Abhiyan currently in progress is inspired by Gandhian values of cleanliness, hygiene and sanitation. As a freedom fighter, social reformer and spiritual guide Gandhiji remains a great source of inspiration for a rejuvenated India.

On this occasion, I would like to encourage all individuals and organizations to join hands to offer special prayers and propagate Gandhiji’s eternal values, principles and philosophy. The rich tributes that we pay today to Mahatma Gandhi should inspire many many generations in the future and deepen our commitment to realize the dreams of Mahatma Gandhi, Governor concludes.

District Magistrate, North Goa has prohibited entry and plying of Heavy Commercial Vehicles (Multi Axle Vehicles) from the routes Dattawadi, Sankhali junction to the end of Goa State border on the Goa-Belagavi State Highway No. 1 on the Chorla Ghat, from (PHC) Sankhali junction to end of the Goa State border On State Highway No. 1 on Chorla Ghat and from Honda junction to end of the Goa State border on State Highway No.1 on Chorla Ghat, for the period up to March 19, 2023 except between 10.00 p.m. to 5.00 a.m. as informed by the Department of Information and Publicity.

Chief Minister Dr Pramod Sawant today launched a new campaign “RAKSHAK” the saviours  initiated by Manipal Hospital Goa to address the medical emergencies and enable residents of Goa to respond to emergency situations by teaching them basic Life Support activities at a function organized by Manipal Hospital Goa to mark the world Heart Day.

Speaking on the initiative, the Chief Minister said that when it comes to emergency situations, the time immediately following the event before the first responders can arrive at the scene is crucial in saving a life. This initiative will equip people to help others while dealing with health emergency situations like heart attack, accident etc. If we have knowledge of how to provide first aid then only we will be able to save lives, he added.

Congratulating the Manipal hospital team for taking such an initiative he said most of the people have heart related issues be it BP problem, diabetes or other heart issues but people neglect such issues. After 30, we need to take a basic routine checkup along with a good, healthy diet and exercise for a healthy heart, he remarked.

Goa being the smallest State it will be easy to provide RAKSHAK training to more people, Dr Sawant said and emphasized the need to have   one master trainer in each department who can upgrade his knowledge and get fully trained to impart training to other staff members. There are almost 150 emergency cases happening in Goa every Day. If we succeed in providing training to at least 70 thousand people, then only will be able to handle at least 100 cases, he said.

He also inaugurated the first session of Rakshak which trained men and women from the Goa Police force, Department of Transport, Kadamba Transport Corporation, GHRDC, and Goa Fire and Emergency Services. Raskshak is aimed at training people from various public sectors and private communities in life saving skills such as basic life support.

St. Cruz MLA, Shri. Rodolf Louis Fernandes; Director, Directorate of Fire and Emergency Services, Shri Nitin Raiker; Director, Directorate Skill Development & Entrepreneurship, Shri. Deepak Dessai,  Dr. Shekhar Salkar & others were present.

Department of Tourism has informed that they are receiving many complaints from the officials posted at various beach stretches across the State of Goa as to encroachments on various beach stretches by unknown persons.

Considering the cognizance of the reports received from time to time, the matter was submitted to the Government for seeking appropriate orders to undertake resurvey of the entire coastal belt (beach stretches) from Keri to Canacona in order to ascertain the encroachments thereto if any. The Government, approved the proposal to undertake the survey work through the Office of the DSLR. Accordingly, the survey work has commenced as contemplated and five teams have been formed for the said purpose to carry out the survey works, simultaneously, across the beach stretches. The survey work instituted w.e.f. September 12, 2022 It may be recalled that a detailed survey was undertaken by Department of Tourism somewhere in the year 2011 through the Office of the DSLR and after culminating of the said exercise boundary stones were installed at various points demarcating the beach side and private lands.

Of late, it was observed by the Department of Tourism, the boundary stones installed in the year 2011 have been either removed or shifted to some other places by some unknown persons. As a result, Department of Tourism faced difficulty in ascertaining the beach property as well as private lands which could further affect implementation of guidelines as stipulated in the Goa Registration of Tourist Trade Act, 1982, Tourism Shack Policy, Watersports Policy etc.

It has been observed by Department of Tourism through various media platforms that there is apprehension and anxiety in the minds of some people that the survey work would affect their property. However, Department of Tourism seeks to clarify that the survey work is being carried out in order to identify the beach area and encroachments, if any, and action will be initiated against the encroachers identified only after confirmation of the same by the Office of the DSLR and those owners who have not encroached on Government land (beach area) will not be affected in whatsoever manner. There is no proposal to remove the traditional fisherman huts etc, unless these structures are violation of law and rumors are being spread by certain vested interests regarding the survey work. The Department will complete the survey in shortest time and any attempts to block the survey work shall invite strict legal action. Public may note and an appeal is made not to fall prey to rumors and false statements being made in certain quarters.