log on to thegoan.net @thegoanonline MONDAY MARCH 2, 2026 GOA Curtorim villagers rise against multi-dwelling housing projects Facebook.com/thegoan The Goan E-Paper (Playstore/IOS) 12 pages PRICE ` 10 PANAJI MARGAO GOA VOLUME XI, NO. 253 2 GOA Families divided, trust eroded: CCP’s electoral puzzle 3 Instagram.com/thegoanonline RNI: GOAENG/2015/65729 INFO Banishing dark spots: Your path to an even skin tone IRAN UNLEASHES FURY OVER KHAMENEI KILLING n FRESH BLASTS ROCK DUBAI, ABU DHABI n DUBAI AIRPORT HIT, BURJ AL ARAB HOTEL DAMAGED n 3 US TROOPS KILLED PTI DUBAI Iran vowed revenge Sunday after the killing of its supreme leader and traded strikes with Israel as part of a widening war prompted by a surprise US and Israeli bombardment. The US military said three service members have been killed, the first known American casualties from the conflict. Blasts in Tehran sent a huge plume of smoke into the sky in an area of government buildings. Iranian authorities say more than 200 people have been killed since the start of the US and Israeli strikes that killed Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and other senior leaders. Iran fired missiles at targets in Israel and Gulf Arab states in retaliation while Israel pledged “non-stop” strikes against Iran’s leaders and military. Fresh explosions were heard in Dubai and Abu Dhabi sending people scurrying for cover. Dubai’s airport and the iconic Burj Al Arab, the >> pg 6 Ayatollah Khamenei killed; 48 Iran leaders gone in one shot: Trump DUBAI: Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has been killed, Iran’s state media confirmed, after the United States and Israel launched the most ambitious attack on Iranian targets in decades. “The Supreme Leader of Iran Has Reached Martyrdom,” state broadcaster IRIB reported on Sunday morning. US President Donald Trump meanwhile made striking claims about the impact of the US-Israel military offensive against Iran, asserting that scores of Iranian leaders were sail-shaped ultra-luxury seven-star hotel on artificial island off Jumeirah were among the places hit by what the UAE officials described as drone attacks. eliminated and indicating that the campaign is progressing faster than expected. Trump said the combined operation delivered a decisive blow to Iran’s leadership, claiming that “48 Iranian leaders are gone in one shot,” and suggested that Washington knows how many targets remain. His remarks were made as the Pentagon and Israeli Defence Forces continue to assess the results of the strikes, which killed Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and dozens of senior commanders. In Israel, loud explosions caused by missile impacts or interceptions could be heard in Tel Aviv. Israel’s rescue services said nine people were killed and 28 wounded in a strike that hit a synagogue in the central town of Beit Shemesh, bringing the overall death toll in the country >Continued on P7 INDIA SAILS INTO SEMI-FINALS Oil tanker attacked, 15 Indians on board NEW DELHI: A Palau-flagged oil tanker with 15 Indian crew members came under attack from the Iranian military off Oman’s Musandam peninsula and four people were injured in the strike. Indian among 58 injured in strikes NEW DELHI: An Indian national is among 58 people who sustained minor injuries in Iranian military strikes targeting the United Arab Emirates, according to details shared by the UAE. The Indian embassy in Abu Dhabi said it is aware of the injury to the Indian national and is in touch with hospital authorities. Tragic Sunday: 18 dead as blast rips through Nagpur factory PTI War in Middle East, crude oil among major market drivers this week IN SHORT >> Centre reconstitutes coastal authority PANAJI: After remaining defunct for nearly two months, the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change has finally reconstituted the Goa Coastal Zone Management Authority under chairmanship of the Secretary Environment. The reconstitution has been notified on February 26 under the provisions of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986. The Authority will be in place for a period of three years.   >> See pg 3 Reis Magos draws red line against casino  >> See pg 3 Sanju Samson scored a clinical 97 off 50 balls to guide India to a five-wicket win over West Indies in the 2026 T20 World Cup in Kolkata on Sunday.  >> Report on pg 12 Sanju Samson the shining star Sanju Samson struck a magnificent unbeaten 97 to help India book their semifinal berth at the T20 World Cup. Samson produced a chasing masterclass, hammering 12 fours and four sixes in his scintillating 50ball knock. He found solid support in Tilak Varma (27), Suryakumar Yadav (18) and Hardik Pandya (17). Eden Gardens erupts in joy Eden Gardens erupted as Sanju Samson delivered a match-winning performance in front of 65,000 spectators. His explosive batting turned the game decisively, electrifying the Kolkata crowd and sealing a memorable victory. The atmosphere was deafening, with fans celebrating every shot in a thrilling display of skill, confidence, and pure cricketing brilliance. India v/s England in the semi-finals India will face England in the semifinals at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on March 5, with fans expecting an intense contest between two strong sides. The match could decide momentum heading into the final, as both teams aim for victory and national pride on home turf and international stage. NAGPUR At least 18 workers were charred to death, and 24 others were injured, most of them critically, in a powerful blast that tore through an explosives manufacturing factory in Maharashtra’s Nagpur district on Sunday, police said. The explosion occurred at the detonator packing unit of SBL Energy Limited, a mining and industrial explosives manufacturer, at Raulgaon between 7 am and 7:15 am. With one more person succumbing to injuries during treatment later in the day, the death toll has mounted to 18, a police officer said, adding that 24 injured workers are undergoing treatment at two hospitals in Nagpur. The bodies were charred beyond recognition, and samples of the family members were being taken for DNA testing to ascertain the identities of the deceased, police said. Inconsolable family members of the victims thronged the factory compound, located about 50 km from the district headquarters, for some news about their loved ones. 9 SPORTS Healy bows out with 158 in Australia’s 3-0 rout 12 Panic grips Goan families over safety of loved ones NEARLY 1 LAKH GOANS EMPLOYED ACROSS THE GULF THE GOAN I NETWORK PANAJI Anxiety has gripped families in Goa after escalating hostilities between the US-Israel combine and Iran led to aerial strikes in parts of the Gulf region, including the UAE and Bahrain, late Saturday night, which continued into Sunday. Nearly one lakh Goans are employed across Gulf countries such as Dubai, Qatar, Oman, Kuwait and Saudi Arabia, heightening concerns back home. Several Goans residing in the Gulf -- some with families and others living alone -- said they have been receiving panicked calls from relatives in Goa after reports of attacks and temporary disruptions to airspace and airline operations in the region. However, they maintained that there is no immediate cause for panic. “For now, we are all safe here. The situation is under control. It is a bit scary, but the authorities are on high alert and taking all necessary safety precautions,” said Rohan Shinkre, a Dubai-based Goan living with his wife. Situation normal, under control, asserts NRI commissioner PANAJI: Goa State NRI Commission said it is closely monitoring developments in West Asia and confirmed that it has received two inquires about Goans being stranded in the affected countries but not on serious note. NRI Commissioner Adv Narendra Sawaikar told The Goan that he has spoken to members of the Goan community in Dubai and other parts of the Gulf, who informed him that the situation is presently normal and under control. He urged people to refrain from circulating sensational or unverified information. “As per locals, the situation is not alarming at this stage. Authorities are issuing safety advisories, and residents have been asked to follow them strictly,” he said. >Continued on P7 Geeta Shet Madkaikar echoed similar sentiments, stating, “Iran is targeting US military bases. There has been no attack on residential areas. Yes, there has been some damage, but everything remains under control.” From Oman, Santosh Kamath, who lives there with his wife and daughter, said civilians are safe and authorities have advised residents to remain alert and avoid unnecessary internal travel. “There is nothing to panic at the moment. We just need to stay cautious,” he said. Despite reassurances from their loved ones, families in Goa remain worried. “We don’t know how long the situation will stay under control. In times of war, uncertainty prevails. The safety of our people is what matters most,” said Anil, cousin of Shinkre. DRS push triggers anxiety, confusion across villages n SARPANCHAS SAY THEY ARE ‘IN THE DARK’ n GOVT ORDERS RVMs IN EVERY PANCHAYAT THE GOAN I NETWORK MAPUSA With barely a month left for the rollout of the Deposit Refund Scheme (DRS) in Goa, confusion and resistance appear to be brewing at the grassroots level, even as the government pushes ahead with its ambitious plan to install one Reverse Vending Machine (RVM) in every village panchayat. In a memorandum to Block Development Officers (BDOs), Director of Panchayats Mahadev Araundekar has directed that all panchayats “extend full cooperation” for the installation of RVMs within their premises. The directive comes amid growing unease among traders, consumers and now elected village representatives over the hurried implementation of the DRS in Goa – which is being projected as the first such initiative in India. “The DRS aims to establish a structured and accountable KEY CHALLENGES IN FOCUS „„Panchayat already struggling with garbage, routine waste management issues „„Scheme seen as hard to implement at local level „„Will put additional responsibility on panchayat staff „„Suggestion that government should appoint separate personnel „„Concerns raised about long queues and time wastage „„Scheme perceived as cumbersome despite good intent „„Lack of clarity on how the scheme will function „„Deposit/payment to add pressure amid rising inflation mechanism for the collection and recycling of notified packaging material ensuring active participation from all relevant stakeholders. One Reverse Vending Machine (RVM) in each panchayat is to be installed,” Araundekar stated in his communication to the BDOs. However, several sarpanchas contacted admitted they were unaware of the scheme or how it would function. Assagao Sarpanch Hanumant Naik said he was “totally in the dark” about the government’s plan. “Even if such a plan is there, we will have to place it before the gram sabha and take people’s views,” Naik said. Naik pointed out that his panchayat is already grappling with mounting garbage complaints and routine waste management challenges. “It will be very difficult to implement the scheme. Panchayat work will increase. >Continued on P7 Budget to boost group IN A BID TO REIN IN NOISE POLLUTION… farming, says Sawant Watchdog explores real-time monitoring at open-air venues TARGETS SELF-RELIANCE THROUGH AGRI PUSH THE GOAN I NETWORK BICHOLIM Chief Minister Pramod Sawant has announced that the forthcoming State Budget will include significant financial allocations for group farming and the broader development of the agriculture sector, underlining the government’s long-term vision for a self-reliant Goa. Speaking at the launch of the Group Farming Scheme at Surla, Sawant reiterated the state’s ambition to achieve 100 percent self-sufficiency within the next decade. He emphasized that agriculture will play a central role in Goa’s economic future, reducing dependence on tourism and mining. Highlighting the importance of farmers in the state’s development agenda, the Chief Minister called for a shift toward collective farming and the adoption of modern agricultural practices. He stated that the government aims to transform farmers into entrepreneurs, ensuring higher >Continued on P7 THE GOAN I NETWORK PANAJI he Goa State Pollution Control Board (GSPCB) is exploring the installation of Online Noise Monitoring Systems (ONMS) at all openair restaurants operating in identified noise pollution hotspots along Goa’s coastal belt. The proposal will apply to establishments that have been granted consent to operate, and may later be extended to other open-air venues once the State government finalises and approves the pending Noise Mapping report. According to the draft T NOISE LEVELS: WHAT THE REPORT SAYS „„Draft identifies 30 noise pollution hotspots along the coastal areas „„Noise levels exceed 75 dB in several locations „„Calangute-Baga recorded over 100 dB, especially at night „„Report submitted in Jan 2025, still not finalised due to queries by GSPCB „„Finalisation pending before compliance action can begin „„HC directed installation of noise monitoring systems (Dec 2023) „„All open-air venues must install systems linked to the Board and keep them operational „„Report identified hotspots including Calangute beach, Baga beach, Chicalim Junction, Sinquerim beach among several others „„Noise levels in these areas reportedly range between 79 dB and 115 dB at night report titled ‘Noise Mapping, Identification of Hot Spots and Mitigation Plan for Control of Noise Pollution for Goa State’, prepared jointly by Envirotech Instruments Pvt Ltd and CSIR-Central Road Research Institute, as many as 30 noise pollution hotspots have been identified across Goa’s coastal region. The report notes that several of these locations record noise levels exceeding 75 decibels (dB), with certain areas such as Calangute-Baga witnessing levels crossing 100 dB, particularly during night hours. Though the draft report was submitted to the Board in January 2025, it is yet to be finalised due to queries raised by the GSPCB. “The report is in the process of finalisation. Once that is completed, the Board will be in a position to comply with the High Court’s directions to ensure that all open-air establishments granted consent install ONMS linked to the Board’s server,” a senior official said. In December 2023, the Bombay High Court (Goa Bench) directed the Board to ensure that all establishments operating as open-air restaurants and event venues install functional noise monitoring systems under the relevant statutes and rules, and that these systems remain operational at all times. Based on ambient noise data from 2023, the draft report identifies hotspots including Calangute beach, >Continued on P7