Tag: Goa News

Travel

Tourism Department Honours Lifesavers After Mobor Rescue — 27 Lives Saved

Tanisha Cardozo

In a remarkable display of courage and community spirit, 27 fishermen were rescued from a drifting trawler near Mobor beach in Goa, thanks to the timely action of Drishti lifesavers and local fishermen. The incident occurred late on the night of September 27, 2025, when a local resident raised the alarm about a fishing trawler drifting dangerously close to a rocky river mouth.

Despite the darkness and challenging weather conditions, off-duty lifesavers from Drishti immediately began tracking the vessel’s movement through the night. By early morning, a full-scale coordinated rescue operation was launched, involving backup teams, jetskis, and support from local fishermen. Their combined efforts ensured that all 27 fishermen were brought safely ashore, preventing what could have been a major maritime tragedy.

In recognition of this extraordinary act of bravery, the Department of Tourism, Government of Goa, felicitated the lifesavers and fishermen at Paryatan Bhavan in Panaji. Hon’ble Minister for Tourism, Shri Rohan A. Khaunte, and Director of Tourism, Shri Kedar Naik, were present at the ceremony, where they praised the bravery, preparedness, and swift action of those involved.

Minister Khaunte highlighted that such acts exemplify Goa’s unique spirit of service and community, reaffirming the state’s commitment to coastal safety. Director Kedar Naik commended the professionalism and teamwork that made the rescue possible, thanking each individual who played a role in the operation.

Special acknowledgment was given to lifesavers Shri Lovu Gaonkar, Shri Samir Gaonkar, Shri Satish Gaonkar, Shri Punu Velip, Shri Shashikant Jadhav, Shri Pankaj Bhute, Shri Meghraj Juvatkar, Shri Sunil Velip, and Shri Vishal Velip. Their courage and quick response were instrumental in ensuring the successful outcome of the mission.

CEO of Drishti Lifesaving, Shri Navin Awasthi, praised the team, stating that the incident reflects the training and commitment of lifesavers to protect lives at all hours. He also thanked the beach police and local fishermen for their support in executing the operation seamlessly.

The Department of Tourism extends heartfelt gratitude to all involved and reiterates its unwavering commitment to ensuring the safety of locals and visitors along Goa’s coastline.

Human Interest

Ferry Services at Old Goa Route Suspended from October 6 to November 19 for Ramp Repairs

Tanisha Cardozo

The River Navigation Department (RND) of Goa has announced the temporary suspension of ferry services at the Old Goa route from October 6 to November 19, 2025, to facilitate repair work on the ferry ramp.

This suspension is part of scheduled maintenance and infrastructure improvement initiatives aimed at ensuring the safety and efficiency of the ferry service. The repair work will address wear and tear issues to enhance long-term usability and reduce risks during ferry operations.

Commuters who frequently use the Old Goa ferry service are advised to plan alternate travel routes during this period. The department has urged the public to cooperate and extended its apologies for any inconvenience caused.

The Old Goa ferry route is a crucial daily link for several residents and travelers, and the River Navigation Department has committed to completing the repair works within the specified timeframe to resume services at the earliest.

For further updates, commuters can follow the official channels of the River Navigation Department or visit local notice boards near ferry terminals.

Sports

Goa Sends 35 Athletes to 14th National Modern Pentathlon Biathle & Triathle Championship

Tanisha Cardozo

A 35-member strong team of athletes from the Modern Pentathlon Association of Goa (MPAG) is all set to represent the state at the 14th Modern Pentathlon Biathle & Triathle National Championship, scheduled to take place in Indore, Madhya Pradesh from October 4 to 7, 2025. The contingent includes participants from various age categories who have been rigorously training under experienced coaches to compete at the national level.

To mark the occasion, a formal farewell ceremony was held today at the DSYA office in Panaji. The event was graced by key officials including Shri. Sanjiv Gadkar (IAS), Secretary, Government of Goa, Dr. Ajay Gaude, Director of Sports & Executive Director of SAG, Smt. Sandhya Paliekar, Secretary, MPAG, Shri. Virendra Majik, Convenor, MPAG, and coaching staff Shri. Kirtan Vaiz, Shri. Alok Kothambikar, and Coach Nikita Naik. Managers Ishita Paliekar and Filda Eldro will accompany the team to the national event.

The event saw dignitaries offering their best wishes to the athletes, encouraging them to showcase their dedication, sportsmanship, and team spirit. They lauded the efforts of MPAG in nurturing young talent and promoting the modern pentathlon disciplines—particularly biathle and triathle, which combine swimming, running, and shooting in a dynamic sporting format.

The participation in this national championship is a significant opportunity for Goan athletes to shine on the national stage, gain exposure, and further develop their skills. It also reflects the growing prominence of modern pentathlon as a competitive sport in Goa and the efforts being made at grassroots and state levels to support and grow this discipline.

Team Goa departs with the support and blessings of the state’s sports leadership, carrying the hopes of a proud sporting community.

Human Interest

Goa Casinos and Bars to Remain Shut for 24 Hours on Gandhi Jayanti, October 2

Tanisha Cardozo

On the occasion of Gandhi Jayanti, the Goa government has announced a full 24-hour closure of all casinos and alcohol-serving establishments in the state. This decision, issued by the Department of Home (General), is a symbolic tribute to Mahatma Gandhi’s values of non-violence, discipline, and simplicity.

As per the official notification, all casino licensees — including the six offshore and several onshore casinos operating within five-star hotels — are required to halt operations from 12:00 AM on October 2 to 12:00 AM on October 3. Additionally, the state will observe a Dry Day, meaning the sale of alcohol will be strictly prohibited across Goa. This includes all bars, restaurants, wine shops, and retail liquor outlets.

The government has appealed to both locals and tourists to fully cooperate with the restrictions, emphasizing that this day should be observed with reverence and in the spirit of national respect. Authorities have also issued a warning that strict action will be taken against any violations of the shutdown or dry day orders.

Gandhi Jayanti, celebrated every year on October 2, commemorates the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, the Father of the Nation, whose life and philosophy continue to inspire peace, reform, and civil rights across the world. The shutdown in Goa reflects a conscious effort to align with the values he stood for and offer the day in quiet respect to his enduring legacy.

Human Interest

Elephant Omkar Returns to Torxem, Damages Crops and Sparks Alarm Among Farmers

Tanisha Cardozo

Elephant Omkar has once again made an unannounced return to Goa, and this time the village of Torxem is bearing the brunt. Local farmers have reported significant crop damage following Omkar’s recent appearance, adding to the rising anxiety around human-wildlife conflicts in the region.

Residents say the elephant trampled over fields in the area, destroying crops and leaving farmers distressed about potential future visits. Omkar has become somewhat of a known presence in Goa, previously appearing in other parts of the state and causing similar destruction.

Forest officials have confirmed that they are tracking Omkar’s movements in and around Torxem. Teams have been deployed to ensure there is no escalation in conflict between the elephant and local residents. Villagers, however, remain tense and are urging authorities to take proactive steps to redirect the elephant back to safer, forested areas.

This incident has reignited discussions around the need for long-term wildlife management policies in Goa. Conservationists say that as forests shrink and human settlements expand, such encounters will only become more frequent—unless intervention strategies are strengthened. From early warning systems to better habitat corridors, solutions have been proposed, but on-ground implementation remains a challenge.

For the residents of Torxem, the worry is immediate. Their livelihoods are directly impacted, and the threat of another visit looms large. For the state, this is yet another reminder of the delicate balance between development and wildlife conservation.