log on to thegoan.net Facebook.com/thegoan The Goan E-Paper (Playstore/IOS) 13 pages PRICE ` 10 PANAJI MARGAO GOA VOLUME XI, NO. 89 Instagram.com/thegoanonline RNI: GOAENG/2015/65729 CBC 15502/13/0015/2526 TUESDAY SEPTEMBER 16, 2025 @thegoanonline Goa eyes aerial survey of Kalasa-Bhandura project  TO APPROACH MHADEI TRIBUNAL, K’TAKA FOR PERMISSION  LIKELY TO MOVE SUPREME COURT FOR AN EARLY HEARING THE GOAN I NETWORK PANAJI The Goa government is set to approach the Mhadei Water Dispute Tribunal (MWDT) and Karnataka government for permission to conduct an aerial survey of the proposed Kalasa-Bhandura drinking water project. It also plans to request the Supreme Court for an early hearing on the Mhadei river water diversion case. The decision came after a meeting on Monday between Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, Water Resources Minister Subhash Shirodkar, and members of the Mha- dei Bachao Abhiyan (MBA), including Nirmala Sawant, Rajendra Kerkar, and Prajal Sakhardande. Speaking to the media, Sawant emphasized that the Tribunal’s approval is es- sential for the survey. “The government is serious on the Mhadei issue and every suggestion made by MBA is under consideration. We will consult the Advocate General and senior counsel for next steps,” he said. MBA has also requested a meeting with Union Environment Minister Bhupendra Yadav to brief him on the contentious project, CM confirmed. WRD Minister Shirodkar confirmed that Goa will formally seek Karnataka’s permission for the survey and press the Supreme Court for an expedited hearing. The ongoing legal battle, involving special leave petitions by the three riparian States -- Goa, Karnataka and Maharashtra -- and contempt pleas filed by Goa against >Continued on P6 Goal-setting: Sports policy likely by Dec Focus on coaching, improving infrastructure, equipment THE GOAN I NETWORK PANAJI Goa is set to get its first revised sports policy in nearly 16 years, with the State Sports Policy 2025 expected to be released by December. Sports Authority of Goa (SAG) Executive Director Ajay Gaude, who took charge recently, announced the initiative, citing the need to update the current 2009 policy to meet modern sporting needs of the State. Gaude said the overhaul will focus on improving coaching standards, maintaining infrastructure, planning post-National Games legacy, and managing sports equipment efficiently. Referencing the Centre’s Khel Niti 2025 and PM Modi’s Khelo India initiative, he stressed the importance of better utilization of central government funds and sup- Big-bang welcome lands SAG chief in trouble, notice issued PANAJI: Hours after big-bang celebration, newly appointed Executive Director of the Sports Authority of Goa Ajay Gaude has been show caused by the State government for giving undue publicity while taking charge of his post.  Gaude, Senior Scale Officer of the Goa Civil Service, took charge as executive director on Monday morning. He was welcomed by SAG staff with grand celebration that included drum music.  The Chief Secretary in the notice issued has cited reports from social and news media showing ceremonial floral arrangements and drum performances while he took charge of his office. The notice stated that such behavior amounts to conduct unbecoming of a government servant.  Gaude has been asked to explain why disciplinary action should not be initiated against him for the alleged unprofessional conduct. port for promising coaches. Highlighting upcoming events, Gaude mentioned Goa will host the Chess World Cup, the Asian Gymnastics Championship, the Bandodkar Tro- phy, and the India-Singapore pre-qualifier football match, using these as opportunities to promote sports tourism. He also emphasized youth engagement through NSS, NCC, Scouts and Guides, and motivating SAG and DSYA coaches. Gaude called for closer coordination between SAG and the Department of Sports and Youth Affairs (DSYA), stating, “We should work as promoters of sports, not as separate departments.” He also announced the revival of awards such as the Dilip Sardesai Award, Youth Awards, and Best Club Awards this year. With the support of Chief Minister Pramod Sawant and Sports Minister Ramesh Tawadkar, Gaude aims to implement structural changes within a month, marking a significant step in Goa’s sporting development. Drone deployed to track elephant NITI ranks Goa second nationwide in EV adoption THE GOAN I NETWORK PANAJI The Goa Forest Department has adopted drone surveillance to monitor the movement of elephant 'Omkar', who is now seen moving back to Maharashtra territory. However, the Department claims that there is very possibility that the tusker may return. ‘Omkar’, had raised concerns in Dodamarg taluka of Sindhudurg district for the past few days and before that was also involved in alleged killing of a farmer. On Saturday night, he crossed the border and entered Goa. Forest officer confirmed that the elephant movement, which is been tracked through drone, is seen near the border only and is more inclined towards Maharashtra. "Also 5 teams are deployed to physically check the move. Background We are tracking the imprint," officer said. The officer said that the animal is away from human habitation and is currently not aggressive but movement is fast. Omkar crossed the Kadashi river from Dodamarg taluka via the Netarde area of Sawantwadi taluka and entered Mopa village in Goa. The elephant reached the forest near Manohar International Airport in Mopa. …BUT FLAGS CHARGING INFRA READINESS, ELECTRIFICATION & INNOVATION THE GOAN I NETWORK PANAJI Goa has been ranked second in overall Electric Vehicle (EV) adoption in India by NITI Aayog; however, the State’s overall performance on electrification, infrastructure creation and innovation in EV sector remained disappointing. With an overall score of 43 out of a 100, the coastal State stood at 15th position in the first India Electric Mobility Index 2024 (IEMI). The Electric Mobility Index 2024 (IEMI) was published by the NITI Aayog for tracking the progress of electric mobility made by States and Union Territories, last month. Based on IEMI scores, states are categorised into frontrunners (leading with robust ecosystems), performers (making progress) and aspirants (requiring intervention). Goa has been adjudged ‘Aspirant’ State in the rankings -- with a score little above the national average of 33 -which assess performance on 1. No Legal Violations:  o breach of the Wildlife (Protec  N tion) Act, 1972, Zoo Rules, CZA guidelines, Customs Act, FEMA, PMLA, or CITES was found.   acquisitions and imports were   All duly permitted and documented. >Continued on P6     Vantara and authorities must implement SIT’s suggested measures.     Vantara may pursue remedies against defamatory publications.   members (except the serving   SIT IRS officer) awarded honorarium for their work. Conclusion The Supreme Court fully accepted the SIT’s findings, closed the cases, and barred repetitive litigation on the same issues. It also praised Vantara’s welfare standards and conservation efforts, while cautioning against unfounded allegation use this This verdict of the SIT is even more significant because of its composition and credibility of its members. No one can argue against the fact Justice Chellameshwar is the tallest jurists of our times. He has been SIT Investigation Key Findings According to the report highlights, the state has been ranked second in overall EV adoption in India, achieving a 13.6 per cent adoption rate in 2024. When it comes to EV adoption by private vehicles, the State tops the chart with 100 score along with States SUPREME COURT GIVES CLEAN CHIT TO VANTARA   writ petitions alleged illegal  Two ities and improprieties at Vantara (Greens Zoological Rescue and Rehabilitation Centre & Radhe Krishna Temple Elephant Welfare Trust).     Earlier (25.08.2025), the Court had found no probative material but, due to seriousness, constituted a Special Investigation Team (SIT) led by retired judges and senior officials to conduct a fact-finding inquiry.   coordinated with multiple In  SIT dian and foreign authorities (CZA, CBI, ED, DRI, Customs, CITES bodies, etc.).     Examined records, affidavits, site visits, expert opinions, and personal hearings.     Investigated allegations relating to animal acquisition, smuggling, laundering, welfare, conservation, financial improprieties, and environmental issues. three core themes: progress of transport electrification, readiness of charging infrastructure, and status of research and innovation in electric vehicles. “The state performance trends highlight the progression of states in strengthening their e-mobility ecosystems over time,” Niti Aayog said. 2. Animal Welfare & Facilities:  Vantara’s facilities exceed prescribed benchmarks of welfare, husbandry, and veterinary care.  ortality rates align with global   M zoological averages.     Certified by the Global Humane Society with the “Global Humane Certified™ Seal of Approval”. 3. Financial Allegations:     Claims of misuse of carbon credits, water, or money laundering were found baseless.  o irregular flows of funds or smug  N gling links were detected. 4. Repetitive Complaints:   noted Vantara has repeatedly   Court faced similar allegations, all found without merit.     Continuing such speculative petitions was termed an abuse of process. Court’s Directions   report sealed; full copy to Van  SIT tara for internal use.     Summary of SIT report not confidential and part of the Court’s order.   complaints/petitions mentioned   All in Schedule A stand closed.  o further complaints on the same   N allegations will be entertained in any forum. seen to be unaffected by the pulls and pressures of political class and everyone else. He is seen as man with a heart, as a voice of reason and as a man who doesn’t fear to swim in the opposite direction of the tide. He is the strongest force of dissent and the strongest hope of dissenters. When he opines on a matter, he does so with a moral courage that very few possess in today’s times. With him also not being able to find anything wrong with Vantara, it should not only convince the strongest of critics but also shut them down forever.