Tag: North Goa

Travel

Aguad Port and Jail Complex to Represent Goa at Asia’s Largest Travel Mart, OTM 2026

Tanisha Cardozo

One of Goa’s most iconic heritage spaces, the Aguad Port and Jail Complex, is set to make its presence felt at the Outbound Travel Mart (OTM) 2026, to be held from February 5 to 7 at Mumbai’s Jio World Convention Centre. Representing Goa on one of Asia’s largest travel trade platforms, Aguad will showcase the state’s rich cultural history and evolving tourism experiences to a global audience.

OTM is regarded as one of the leading international travel trade exhibitions, focusing on the travel, tourism, hospitality and MICE industries. The event brings together travel brands, destinations, tour operators, buyers and industry professionals from across the world. With around 2,200 exhibitors from over 60 countries, the exhibition is expected to welcome more than 50,000 visitors over the three-day event.

At OTM 2026, the Aguad Port and Jail Complex aims to highlight the diverse experiences offered at the site. These include immersive heritage walks that narrate the complex’s role as a strategic defence structure and as a prison that once housed freedom fighters. By blending historical narratives with curated visitor engagement, Aguad positions itself as a space where Goa’s layered past meets contemporary cultural tourism.

Experiences such as heritage cruises and boat transfers will also be showcased, offering visitors panoramic views of Goa’s coastline, the Aguad Port and Jail Complex, and the surrounding Aguada Bay as vessels glide through the Arabian Sea. These offerings are being positioned as complete experiences that combine scenic beauty, history and leisure.

Speaking about the participation, Savio Mathias, Vice President – Operations and Business Development, Aguad Port and Jail Complex, said that Aguad is more than just a historic landmark and represents a space where Goa’s history comes alive through thoughtfully curated visitor experiences. He noted that OTM provides an ideal platform to present Aguad as a key destination in Goa, with potential for cultural tourism, events and immersive programming, while also fostering collaborations that promote responsible tourism and enhance visitor engagement.

With its participation at OTM 2026, the Aguad Port and Jail Complex continues to strengthen its position as a significant cultural destination, offering visitors an opportunity to experience Goa beyond its beaches through history, heritage and meaningful storytelling.

Human Interest

North Goa: Road Closures Notified in Porvorim for Two Months from January 2

allycaralgoa

The District Magistrate, North Goa District, Panaji, has officially notified the closure of select road stretches in the city as part of Phase-I infrastructure works, with effect from January 2, 2026, to March 2, 2026.

As per the notification, the following road sections will remain closed during the stipulated period:

A) The road stretch from P16 near ODP Road to P20 near Damian de Goa.
B) The road stretch from P61 near Kadamba Restaurant to P55 near O’ Coqueiro Junction.

The temporary closure has been ordered to ensure smooth execution of planned works and to maintain public safety during the construction phase. Commuters are advised to plan their travel in advance and use alternative routes during the closure period.

Traffic management authorities are expected to put necessary diversion signage in place to minimise inconvenience to road users. Residents, daily commuters and commercial vehicle operators have been urged to cooperate with authorities and adhere to traffic advisories issued from time to time.

The District Administration has reiterated that the measures are temporary and essential for long-term infrastructure improvement in Panaji.

Human Interest

North Goa District Honoured as Best Performing District under Dharti Aabha Janbhagidari Abhiyan

Tanisha Cardozo

North Goa District has achieved a significant milestone by being recognized as the Best Performing District under the Dharti Aabha Janbhagidari Abhiyan. The district was awarded a Certificate of Recognition for its outstanding performance and exemplary contribution to the initiative. The certificate was conferred by the Secretary, Ministry of Tribal Affairs, Government of India, as part of the national effort to acknowledge and promote effective community participation in developmental programs.

The Dharti Aabha Janbhagidari Abhiyan emphasizes participatory governance and tribal empowerment through local engagement, transparency, and inclusivity. North Goa’s achievement under this initiative reflects the district administration’s proactive approach in implementing community-oriented schemes and ensuring that tribal welfare programs reach their intended beneficiaries effectively. This recognition is a testament to the collective efforts of the district’s administrative team, community leaders, and local stakeholders who have worked tirelessly to ensure meaningful participation and tangible impact at the grassroots level.

Receiving this national recognition highlights North Goa’s dedication to good governance, innovation in public service delivery, and a people-first approach to development. It also reinforces the district’s ongoing commitment to building a sustainable and inclusive future for all communities under its jurisdiction. The acknowledgment from the Ministry of Tribal Affairs serves as an inspiration for other districts to adopt participatory models that strengthen democracy at the grassroots and empower citizens to play an active role in shaping their own development journey.

Social

Disaster Management Mock Exercise Conducted in North Goa

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A disaster management mock exercise was conducted by the Office of the District Collector of North Goa in association with the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) at the Panaji Ferry Terminal Jetty. The exercise aimed to assess and enhance the disaster preparedness and response mechanisms in the region.


The mock exercise was designed to test the disaster response plans, communication systems, and coordination among various stakeholders, including the district administration, emergency services, and the NDRF. The exercise also aimed to identify gaps and vulnerabilities in the disaster management system and to develop strategies to address them.


During the exercise, various disaster scenarios were simulated, including a cyclone, flood, and fire. The response teams, including the NDRF, fire department, and ambulance services, were deployed to respond to the simulated disasters. The exercise was observed by officials from the district administration, NDRF, and other stakeholders.


The disaster management mock exercise highlighted the importance of disaster preparedness and response in the region. North Goa is prone to natural disasters, including cyclones, floods, and earthquakes. The exercise demonstrated the need for regular training and drills to ensure that the disaster response teams are equipped to handle emergencies effectively.


The disaster management mock exercise conducted in North Goa was a significant step towards enhancing disaster preparedness and response in the region. The exercise demonstrated the commitment of the district administration and the NDRF to ensure public safety and minimize the impact of disasters. Similar exercises will be conducted in the future to further strengthen disaster management capabilities in the region.

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The Opinion Poll Day preserved the identity of Goa

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The Directorate of Official Language, Government of Goa ​​organised special programmes in North and South Goa on the occasion of the Opinion Poll Day. A special programme titled as Opinion Poll: The Movement for Goa’s Existence’ was held in South Goa in collaboration with M.A. Konkani Department of Government College of Arts, Science and Commerce, Quepem. Konkani writer and thinker Adv. Uday Bhembre gave information on the events of the Opinion Poll day. Adv. Uday Bhembre, is one of the leaders who expressed Opinion Poll day and worked to safeguard Goa’s separate identity, highlighted the important events from 1963 to 1967. He further said that this day preserved the separate identity of Goa.

Director of Official Language Prashant Shirodkar, Principal of the college Dr. Joydeep Bhattacharjee, Asst. Professor Sushant Naik, Programme Coordinator Deepraj Satordekar, Junior Translator Sneha Sabnis, and other assistant professors as well as students were present.

Director Prashant Shirodkar said that Adv. Uday Bhembre is the right person who can share events of Opinion Poll which he experienced and such programmes are organised to create awareness about the day among the students. Asst. Professor Sushant Naik delivered the welcome address. Asst. Professor Deepraj Satordekar introduced the guest. Translator Sneha Sabnis gave the vote of thanks.

In North Goa, Directorate Official Language, the Department of Konkani and the Department of Political Science of the Government College of Arts, Science and Commerce, Khandola jointly organised the Opinion Poll day programme. At the event, senior journalist and writer Sandesh Prabhudesai shed light on the history of the Opinion Poll. Sandesh Prabhudesai said that Opinion Poll gave Goa an independent existence and the youth made a huge contribution during that period. He added that it is because of this day that Goans can express their views today.

Deputy Director of Official Language ​​Anil Sawant delivered the introductory address. Principal Dr. Purnakala Samant delivered the welcome address. Asst. Professor Prithvi Naik moderated the function and introduced the guest. Asst. Professor Divya Govekar delivered the vote of thanks. Prof. Prakash Vazrikar, Head of Konkani Department, Prof. Seema Salgaonkar, and assistant professors from various departments and students were present.

About 230 students, teachers and government employees learned about the Opinion Poll at both the programmes.