log on to thegoan.net @thegoanonline TUESDAY FEBRUARY 17, 2026 GOA Fresh flashpoint in Cuncolim as fish meal plant gets nod Facebook.com/thegoan The Goan E-Paper (Playstore/IOS) 13 pages PRICE ` 10 PANAJI MARGAO GOA VOLUME XI, NO. 240 2 GOA Amid Sanvordem opposition, Sal barrage project nears completion 3 Instagram.com/thegoanonline RNI: GOAENG/2015/65729 INFO Benefits of drinking water on an empty stomach 10 SPORTS Nissanka flattens Australia’s qualification hopes 13 set in motion, Quitol set to fly; aero sports, CCP polls date unveiled March 11 aviation hub gets approval Counting on March 13, Code comes into force IPB GRANTS IN-PRINCIPLE NOD TO SKYDIVING ADVENTURES THE GOAN I NETWORK MARGAO In a significant development that may raise many an eyebrow amongst the local populace inhabiting the Quitol-Betul plateau in South Goa, the Goa Investment Promotion and Facilitation Board has granted in-principle approval for mega aero sports & aviation hub at Quitol Industrial Estate. The Goa-IPB has granted in-principle approval to M/s Skydiving Adventures Pvt Ltd for a largescale integrated aero sports and aviation project. The proposal involves the allotment of a sprawling 2,45,459 square metres plot at the Quitol Industrial Estate under the Goa Industrial Development Corporation (GIDC). The Isscociam-Bogmalo-based company plans to establish an integrated aero sports and aviation ecosystem encompassing adventure tourism, aviation training, drone manufacturing, and hospitality facilities. A letter addressed by the Chief Executive Officer Goa In- >PG 6 KHELL AT THE MAND: A COMMUNITY TRADITION IN SEARCH OF RENEWAL ALFRED ROSE: THE VOICE THAT SANG GOA’S SOUL - 1 IN SHORT >> ISL: Attendance hits a new low at Fatorda PANAJI: After a much delay, the Indian Super League (ISL) finally kicked off on February 14. But opening match between FC Goa and Inter Kashi at Fatorda was attended by just 1,577 spectators – the lowest in the history for any ISL game played in Goa ever since the tournament began in 2014.  >> See pg 11 Writer, director Cruz Pinto no more MARGAO: The Konkani tiatr fraternity is in deep mourning following the demise of noted writer, director and producer Cruz Pinto (58), a respected figure from Baradi-Tolleakanto-Velim, known for his family-oriented dramas and strong social messages.  >> See pg 2 Land acquired by Goa Industrial Development Corporation.  (File photo) vestment Promotion & Facilitation Board, Asvin Chandru dated January 9, 2026 to Ms Skydiving Adventures Pvt Ltd shows that the Board will recommend to the GIDC for allotment of suitable plot admeasuring 2,45,459 square meters in Quitol Industrial estate, South Goa. The Board has further decided to recommend to the Electricity Department to release power requirement of 3000 KVA to the proposed unit in the plot as per the relevant Act/ Rules in force. The Board further recommended to GIDC to release water requirements of 3.5 KLD to the proposed unit in the plot as per the relevant Act/ Rules in force. If supply is not possible, investor is to proceed by making their own arrangement, the letter stated. “The proposal has been duly examined by Goa-IPB in its 40th Board meeting held on 23/12/2025 and after due deliberation and discussion, has decided to grant in-principle approval to M/s Skydiving Adventures Pvt Ltd to establish an integrated aero sports and aviation ecosystem that features adventure tourism, aviation training, drone manufacturing and hospitality at Quitol Industrial Estate, South „„Product type: Integratposed unit as per relevant ed aero sports and aviation Act/ Rules in force. ecosystem that features „„Water: To recomadventure tourism, mend to release aviation training, water requireSCOPE drone manuments of 3.5 KLD OF THE facturing and to the proposed hospitality. PROPOSED unit. If supply „„Details of is not possible, PROJECT land: Plot adinvestor is to measuring 2,45,459 proceed by making sq mts in Quitol Industriown arrangement. al Estate, South Goa. „„Validity: In-principle „„Power: To recommend approval to be valid for to Electricity Dept to release 2 years from date of plot of 3000 KVA to the proallotment. Goa”, the Board stated. The Board shall recommend to the concerned authorities/ departments of the State Government and Central Government to grant necessary permissions/clearances for the project proposal as per the relevant Act/ Rules in force and Goa-IPB shall facilitate the project proponent to obtain all such requisite permissions. The in-principle approval is Ex-minister booked after maid alleges exploitation VICTIM’S COMPLAINT STATES PALIENKAR LURED HER WITH FALSE CAREER PROMISES THE GOAN I NETWORK MAPUSA Former minister and Siolim MLA Vinod Palienkar has been booked by the police for allegedly sexually exploiting a 23-year-old woman on the pretext of providing her with a job. According to a complaint lodged on January 31, 2026, the victim from Canca-Bardez alleged that the accused established a relationship with her between August 2019 and January 8, 2026, while she was residing at the same address. In her complaint, the woman alleged that Palienkar induced her into the relationship by making false and misleading assurances regarding career opportunities. Relying on these promises, she claimed she was drawn into the relationship, during which she was allegedly sub- Cops keep case under wraps for fortnight MAPUSA: In a development that was kept under wraps for nearly a fortnight, Goa police maintained complete secrecy over the registration of a case against former minister Vinod Palienkar in connection with allegations of sexual exploitation and cheating. The FIR, registered about two weeks ago, did not figure in the regular police bulletin circulated to the media. There was also no official mention of the case either by the police station concerned or by senior police officers, despite the high-profile nature of the accused. Sources informed that the police had issued a notice to the >Continued on P7 jected to sexual harassment, abuse and sexual assault. The complainant further alleged that the accused failed to fulfil the promised career opportunities and dishonestly cheated her, causing mental, emotional and personal harm. Sources in the police informed that the woman used to work as a housemaid at the former minister's house. Palienkar was elected to the Goa Legislative Assembly from Siolim on a Goa Forward Party ticket in the 2017 Assembly elections. only valid for the above activity as described in the Application. No other commercial activity or development can be undertaken on the said land under any circumstances by firm and their legal successors, heirs or assigns. No other use can be permitted by GIDC and Goa State Pollution Control Board while providing building plan >Continued on P7 CBSE makes first Board exam must for Std 10 under two-exam policy PTI NEW DELHI The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has said that it is mandatory for class 10 students to appear in the first board exam, and those who do not attempt at least three subjects in the first edition will be placed in the “essential repeat” category, officials said. CBSE is starting with two board exams for class 10 from 2026. The clarification by the board comes after it received a few requests stating that class 10 students who are not able to appear in the first board exam should be allowed to appear in the second board exam. “It is mandatory for all the students to appear in the first board examination. All passed and eligible students will be allowed to improve their performance in any of the three subjects out of Science, Mathematics, Social Science and languages,” CBSE Examination Controller Sanyam Bhardwaj told media persons. THE GOAN I NETWORK PANAJI Polling for all 30 wards of the Corporation of the City of Panaji (CCP) will be held on March 11, coinciding with the Budget Session of the Goa Legislative Assembly, which is scheduled to commence on March 6. Counting of votes will take place on March 13 at the Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Stadium, with the Model Code of Conduct coming into force with immediate effect. With the State Election Commission announcing the schedule, the political atmosphere in the capital has intensified. Though civic polls are not contested on party lines, the election is expected to be a crucial political test in Panaji -- particularly for sitting MLA and Minister Atanasio ‘Babush’ Monserrate and Utpal Parrikar -- ahead of the Assembly elections due early next year. State Election Commissioner Menino D’Souza said the previous CCP polls were held on March 20, 2021, and the first special corporation meeting convened on March 30 that year. Accordingly, the term of the current council will expire on March 29, 2026. Polling will be conducted By-polls to 14 p’yat wards on March 8 PANAJI: The State Election Commission on Monday announced that by-elections to 14 vacant panchayat wards will be held on March 8, with counting scheduled for March 9. The wards going to polls are: VP Chandel-Hasapur (Ward I), Mandrem (Ward IV), Pilgao (Ward VII), Latambarcem (Ward III), Pilerne-Marna (Ward I), Sirsaim (Ward VI), Salvador-do-Mundo (Ward II), Candolim (Ward I), Aquem Baixo (Ward VI), Borim (Ward I), Veling-Priol-Cuncoliem (Ward III), Bhoma-Adcolna (Ward III), Balli (Ward VIII) and Loliem-Polem (Ward VIII). State Election Commissioner Menino D’Souza said the nomination process will commence on February 18 and continue until February 25. Scrutiny will be on February 26, while withdrawals, if any, will be permitted on February 27. across 48 booths using ballot papers. A total of 32,496 voters are eligible to cast their votes, including 15,225 male and 17,271 female electors. The nomination process will begin on February 17 and continue until February 24 between 10 am and 1 pm, except on February 22 (Sunday). Scrutiny of nominations will be held on February 25, while withdrawals, if any, will be permitted on February 26. The maximum election expenditure has been capped at Rs 2.50 lakh per candidate per ward. To ensure effective enforcement of the Model Code of Conduct within the corporation’s jurisdiction, the Commission has appointed a General Observer, Expenditure Observers and flying squads. Adequate police deployment has also been assured for the smooth and peaceful conduct of the elections. Responding to queries, D’Souza clarified that the Model Code will not impact the ongoing Assembly session, as restrictions are confined to the corporation area. Of the 30 wards, 10 have been reserved for women, eight for OBC candidates and one for a Scheduled Tribe candidate. Birch fire fallout: HC turns the heat on coastal p’yats SEEKS SWORN AFFIDAVITS ON ALL APPROVALS THE GOAN I NETWORK PANAJI The High Court of Bombay at Goa has directed all coastal panchayats to file sworn affidavits detailing the number of construction permissions, trade licences and occupancy certificates granted to commercial establishments so far, as it broadened the scope of inquiry in the wake of the fatal fire at Birch by Romeo Lane in Arpora. The Division Bench of Justice Suman Shyam and Justice Amit Jamsandekar’s directions came while hearing a suo motu public interest litigation into the December 6, 2025 blaze that claimed 25 lives. The court described the incident as “a clear case of violation of fundamental rights.” Advocate General Devidas Pangam told the court that stringent corrective measures must now follow and accountability must be fixed. He submitted that the accused were in custody and Birch owners, State duty-bound to compensate victims: Court PANAJI: In a sharp rebuke to the administration, the High Court of Bombay at Goa on Monday observed that the State could not evade responsibility to compensate the victims who died in the Arpora nightclub fire. A two-judge Bench held that both the State and the owners of Birch by Romeo Lane were liable to compensate the families.  >> See pg 3 Court stays demolition of Birch MAPUSA: A Mapusa court has stayed the demolition order of Birch by Romeo Lane structure at Arpora as well as the Additional Director of Panchayat’s order until the next hearing on February 25. The court issued the order following a revision petition filed by Surinder Kumar Khosla challenging the order of the Additional Director of Panchayats on February 2 and the corrigendum issued on February 9, stated Adv. Sebastian Vales, who appeared for Khosla. multiple inquiries, including departmental proceedings against suspended government servants, had been initiated. “There was no construction licence, no TCP clearance and no statutory permission for the structure in question. In the guise of granting a repair licence and house number, a fraud has been committed,” he alleged as he made his submission on behalf of the State. >Continued on P7 State bets big on startups, to The Portuguese connection counts big in Goa legalise co-working spaces 15,655 voters registered in Goa consulate jurisdiction, just 349 at Delhi OPPORTUNITY FOR LANDOWNERS TO LEASE PREMISES THE GOAN I NETWORK PANAJI In a major push to strengthen the startup ecosystem and support small businesses, the Goa government has decided to legalise and formally register co-working spaces across the State, opening new opportunities for property owners to lease their premises to startups and technology companies. The Department of Information Technology, Electronics & Communications (DITE&C) has invited Expressions of Interest (EOI) from property owners across Goa for the registration of suitable premises under a centralised registry. The move aims to create a structured facilitation platform linking property owners with startups, technology firms, and innovation-driven enterprises operating in the State. The last date to submit EOIs is March 10. As per the tender document, the initiative allows private property owners to register office spaces, co-working facilities, commercial buildings, villas, independent buildings, plug-and-play startup spaces, and innovation hubs. Both leased and rental properties are eligible under the scheme. Registered properties may be considered for use by startups, IT and technology companies, innovation and R&D enterprises, incubation and acceleration programmes, and government-supported startup initiatives. >Continued on P7 VIBHA VERMA THE GOAN I PANAJI T he voter rolls of the Consulate General of Portugal in Goa reveal a striking statistic -- 15,655 registered electors under its jurisdiction spanning Goa, Daman, Diu, Dadra and Nagar Haveli, and Maharashtra. In contrast, just 349 voters are enrolled with the Embassy of Portugal in New Delhi, which covers the rest of the country. The wide gap emphasizes the enduring legacy of Portugal’s colonial presence on India’s west coast. Official sourc- es confirmed to The Goan that the bulk of registered Portuguese voters are believed to be from Goa and other former Portuguese territories, where eligible residents have, over the years, secured Portuguese citizenship by registering their births in Lisbon and obtaining the ‘assento de nascimento’. “It is an established fact that there are several Goans who have obtained Portuguese citizenship and surrendered their Indian citizenship, obtaining Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cards to facilitate their stay in Goa. A large number of these have migrated abroad, which signifies that those registered at the Consulate General in Goa as electors are all residents of Goa, Daman, Diu, Dadra Nagar Haveli and Maharashtra,” the source revealed. The official, closely linked with the Embassies, further stated that since Portuguese citizenship is obtained by registering one's birth at the Central Registry in Lisbon, this could signify that a majority of these are Goans who have obtained the 'assento de nascimento' that certifies the registration of their birth in Portugal and have not necessarily surrendered their Indian nationality. With registered Portuguese citizens providing a new dimension to the ongoing debate on dual nationality, The Goan attempted to contact officials at the Goa consulate, but they were unavailable for comment. Responses to emailed queries are awaited. As per the official data, >Continued on P7