THREE AMIGOS: Legislators Aleixo Lourenco, Rajesh Faldessai and Jennifer Monserrate discuss a point during the Assembly session, on Monday.
Photo Credits: Narayan Pissurlenkar
'Tiger zinda hai': Strong demand for tiger reserve status for Mhadei Wildlife Sanctuary
PANAJI: Leader of Opposition Yuri Alemao and Taleigao MLA Jennifer Monserrate voiced strong support in the Assembly for elevating the Mhadei Wildlife Sanctuary to a Tiger Reserve status. Their remarks came amid growing concerns over wildlife conservation and the protection of the Mhadei River ecosystem.
Alemao highlighted the urgency of the matter by drawing attention to the increasing sightings of tigers in nearby villages. He emphasised the need for stronger conservation measures, stating, “Tiger zinda hai and has begun to enter human habitat. The presence of tigers entering villages shows the importance of establishing a Tiger Reserve. We need this reserve to protect the Mhadei River and its surrounding environment.”
Jennifer echoed Alemao’s sentiments, stressing that declaring the Mhadei Wildlife Sanctuary as a Tiger Reserve is crucial for forest conservation. “The declaration of a Tiger Reserve is essential for the preservation of our forests and wildlife,” she said. “It will enhance conservation efforts and safeguard the rich biodiversity of the Mhadei region.”
Soon, we'll see 'banians' instead of rainbows: Venzy on unchecked development
PANAJI: MLA Venzy Veigas raised the critical issue regarding unchecked construction activities across the State during the Assembly session. Drawing a stark comparison, Viegas expressed concern that soon people might see "banians and clothes" instead of "rainbows", suggesting a future where urban sprawl and construction overshadow natural beauty and quality of life. Viegas highlighted the need for tighter regulations and controls on the number of buildings being constructed. He emphasised that the rapid and often uncontrolled development is not only impacting the State’s landscape but also affecting its residents' well-being.
Mandrem MLA urges action on dangerous Vape junction on NH 66
PANAJI: Mandrem MLA Jit Arolkar has voiced serious concerns regarding the safety issues at Vape Junction, which connects to NH 66. During a discussion in the Assembly, Arolkar highlighted the severe hardship faced by residents of Virnoda village due to the lack of an underpass at this critical junction. He described the situation as increasingly perilous at the accident-prone area. He said the school students are the most affected and at risk while crossing the junction.
Not happy with what is happening at Sonsoddo: Reginaldo
PANAJI: Curtorim MLA Aleixo Reginaldo Lourenco, speaking on demands for the Urban Development Department, said he was unhappy with the current state of affairs at the Sonsodo garbage dump. "We have raised questions on Sonsodo; I have been putting questions. Digambar Kamat had gone to the Sonsodo when he was the CM, Vijai Sardesai also went to Sonsodo when he was a minister," Reginaldo said.
"We have time and again supported it. We used to face allegations that we had robbed the money. Those who are making these allegations should go to the High Court and ask for an investigation. My aim is that Sonsodo should be cleaned. I am not happy with what is happening at Sonsodo," the MLA said. "The garbage which comes from Margao is not segregated. Clear that garbage dump from that place."
Vijai brings up Ponda market complex issues, calls it 'failed venture'
PANAJI: Fatorda MLA Vijai Sardesai criticised the prolonged issues surrounding the Ponda Market Complex and the Golden Jubilee Signature Project of the Ponda Municipality, on Monday. His remarks in the Assembly highlighted ongoing concerns about these infrastructure projects, which have faced significant delays and unresolved issues.
Sardesai pointed out that the Ponda Market Complex, which was completed a decade ago, remains only partially utilised. He said despite assurances from Chief Minister Pramod Sawant that the problems would be addressed within six months, the issues persist.
“The Ponda Market Complex has been a problem for six years. The Chief Minister had promised a solution within six months, but nothing has changed. The complex is only 20% occupied, and its internal structure is deteriorating,” Sardesai said. He noted that this project, intended as a hallmark of the Ponda Municipality, has been pending for eight years and has become a “white elephant”. Sardesai described it as a failed venture that has not lived up to its promises.
Mormugao MLA calls for KTC bus service from Vasco to Porvorim
PANAJI: Mormugao MLA Sankalp Amonkar raised a concern in the House regarding the transportation difficulties faced by government staff commuting from Vasco and Mormugao to Porvorim. The issue pertains to the lack of direct bus services, which is causing considerable hardship for employees working in various government departments located in Porvorim, including the Secretariat, Water Resources Department (WRD), Accounts Department, High Court, and Planning & Statistics.
Amonkar highlighted that the absence of a dedicated bus service is impacting the punctuality and convenience of staff members who are struggling to reach their workplaces on time. The MLA pointed out that the existing transport options are inadequate, leading to delays and added stress for the employees.
For me, values are morals I have learned from my father: Khaunte
PANAJI: Porvorim MLA and Tourism Minister Rohan Khaunte opened up in the Assembly on Monday after enduring a barrage of criticism from the opposition over the functioning of his department. "I have two different roles, as an MLA of Porvorim and as a minister of the State. As an MLA, I will ensure that nothing wrong happens in Porvorim, even if someone tries to do it," Khaunte said.
"As far as Goa is concerned, I have already discussed the issues of Goans with the Chief Minister. For some people, the values are in terms of rich and poor but for me, values are the morals that I have learnt from my father and we stand by our values," Khaunte remarked.
