log on to thegoan.net TUESDAY MARCH 3, 2026 GOA @thegoanonline Facebook.com/thegoan The Goan E-Paper (Playstore/IOS) 14 pages PRICE ` 10 PANAJI MARGAO GOA VOLUME XI, NO. 254 BITS deaths: Collector report details campus safeguards 2 GOA SC admits plea against construction near Siolim spring; issues notices 3 Instagram.com/thegoanonline RNI: GOAENG/2015/65729 LIFE Holi Hai! Goa braces for a splashy celebration War spirals as US, Israel continue to pound Iran  ARMED MILITIAS JOIN IN TO SUPPORT TEHRAN  THOUSANDS STRANDED  OIL PRICES RISE  KUWAIT SHOOTS 3 US PLANES PTI War could last 4-5 weeks: Trump Indian killed as tanker hit off Muscat coast DUBAI The war in the Middle East spiralled further on Monday as Israel and the US pounded Iran while allied armed groups fired missiles at Israel, Arab states and US military targets around the region. Tehran and its allies hit back against Israel, neighbouring Gulf states and targets critical to the world's energy production. The intensity of the attacks, the killing of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, and the lack of any apparent exit plan set the stage for a prolonged conflict with far-reaching consequences. Safe havens in the Mideast like Dubai have seen incoming fire; hundreds of thousands of airline passengers are stranded around the globe; oil prices shot up; and US allies pledged to help stop Iranian missiles and drones. Kuwait mistakenly shot down three American warplanes over its skies. The intensity of the attacks on both sides, the killing of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, and the lack of any apparent exit plan indicated the conflict would not end any time soon. It already has far-reaching Bedridden woman dies in fire mishap in Chinchinim Liquor sector fears setback in sales as govt pushes DRS DUBAI: US President Donald Trump suggested the conflict with Iran could go on for the next four to five weeks. "It's always been a four-five week process. We figured it will be four weeks or so. As strong as it is, it's a big country, it'll take four-five weeks or less," he was quoted as saying. He said US forces were determined to destroy Iran's missile capabilities, wipe out its naval capacity, stop the country from obtaining a nuclear weapon and ensure that Iran cannot continue to arm and fund allied groups like Lebanon's Hezbollah, which fired missiles at Israel, drawing retaliatory airstrikes. “This was our last, best chance to strike -- what we're doing right now -- and eliminate the intolerable threats posed by this sick and sinister regime,” Trump said. consequences across the region and beyond: Previously safe havens in the Mideast like Dubai have seen incoming fire; hundreds of thousands of airline passengers are stranded around the globe; oil prices shot up; and US allies pledged to help stop Iranian missiles and drones. DUBAI: An Indian national was killed on Monday when an explosive-laden drone boat struck an oil tanker off the coast of Muscat. In a statement, Oman's Ministry of Defence said that the Maritime Security Centre reported that the oil tanker MKD VYOM was hit by an unmanned boat 52 nautical miles off the coast of Muscat Governorate. QatarEnergy, in fact, said it would stop its production of liquefied natural gas because of the conflict, taking one of the world's top suppliers off the market. It offered no timeline for restoring its production. The chaos of the conflict became apparent when the FLAGS OPERATIONAL, LEGAL CONCERNS The rented room that was engulfed by fire. THE GOAN I NETWORK MARGAO In a tragic incident, a 70-year-old woman died from burn injuries late Monday after her house was engulfed in a major fire in Chinchinim. Cuncolim PI Diogo Gracias said the deceased, who was bedridden, could not be rescued, while her brother escaped with burn injuries. The brother-sister duo was staying in a rented room. The Cuncolim Fire Brigade rushed to the scene, but the damage had already been done. Police have shifted the body to the South Goa District Hospital mortuary. >Continued on P5 >Continued on P5 MAPUSA: Amid slow compliance and growing resistance from sections of industry, the Goa government has extended the registration deadline for Producers, Importers and Brand Owners (PIBOs) under the proposed Deposit Refund Scheme (DRS) to March 15. The earlier deadline for mandatory registration was February 28. Officials, however, confirmed that the extension was granted after several manufacturers and traders failed to complete the process within the stipulated timeframe.  >> See pg 3 Vaz questioned whether collecting an additional Rs 10 deposit over and above the Maximum Retail Price (MRP) is legally sustainable. He also pointed to possible tax complications, noting that the extra deposit amount would reflect in sales records and filings. “We are worried about how this will be treated from a taxation standpoint. There is no clear guidance yet,” he said. Calling the scheme impractical in its current form, Vaz warned that it could incon- 13 No Gulf war effect on fuel supply in Goa: Top official Assures supply chain is secure, stocks available from domestic refineries THE GOAN I NETWORK VASCO Amid growing concerns over the impact of the ongoing war in the Gulf on fuel availability, a senior official associated with fuel supply operations in Goa has assured that there is no cause for alarm and that adequate stocks are available in the State. Speaking to The Goan, the highly placed official from a fuel depot company clarified that the conflict has no direct bearing on fuel supplies in Goa. He stated that the State receives its fuel from domestic refineries located across various parts of India and not directly from conflict-affected regions. “There is absolutely nothing to worry about as far as fuel stocks in Goa are concerned. The war situation does not affect our supply chain. We receive fuel from refineries based in Mumbai, Mangalore, Paradeep and other parts of the country. Large tanker vessels transport the refined fuel to us through established domestic supply networks,” the official said. He further explained that Indian refineries operate Holi, Gulf unrest send air fares soaring PANAJI: Air fares out of Goa have shot up ahead of Holi, with passengers bound for Mumbai and Delhi bearing the brunt of a double squeeze -- festive demand at home and turbulence in international aviation following the recent United States-Israel strikes on Iran. While domestic operations remain largely unaffected in terms of cancellations, industry insiders stated that restrictions and suspensions on certain international routes have had a ripple effect. With flights to parts of West Asia curtailed and aircraft rotations adjusted, airlines are recalibrating capacity across their networks. At the same time, Holi travel has pushed demand sharply higher. >> See pg 3 through diversified sourcing arrangements, which insulate them from disruptions arising out of geopolitical tensions. “Indian refineries have multiple sources for procuring crude oil and other raw materials. They maintain tie-ups with different countries and are well prepared to make alternative arrangements whenever required. The system is designed to handle such contingencies,” he added. Addressing fears of panic buying, the official emphasised that India maintains strategic and operational fuel reserves to manage emergen- cy situations. “As a country, we always maintain a substantial stock buffer. There is typically a minimum reserve of at least two months to tackle unforeseen circumstances. This ensures uninterrupted supply even during crises,” he said. He categorically ruled out any shortage scenario in Goa and urged public not to fall prey to rumours. “There is no link between the war and the fuel stocks in Goa. The supply chain remains stable and fully functional. People should not panic or resort to unnecessary stocking,” the official stated. THE GOAN I NETWORK venience customers. “Consumers will have to pay more upfront and then spend time returning bottles to claim their refund. This may lead to long queues and frustration,” he said, adding that the scrap value of bottles, which often benefits consumers or small collectors, would effectively shift under the new system. “The intention may be noble, but implementation will be extremely challenging,” PIBO registration deadline now March 15 Medvedev and other tennis stars impacted by UAE airspace closure Protest outside Vishwajit house: Cops quiz RGP prez, five others PANAJI Revolutionary Goans Party (RGP) President Manoj Parab was among six persons interrogated by Panaji police on Monday in connection with the alleged unlawful protest staged outside the private residence of TCP Minister Vishwajit Rane at Dona Paula. Parab was reportedly questioned last among the six. Speaking to reporters outside the police station, he termed the action “harassment” of protestors who had demonstrated against the controversial 39A issue. Police booked Leader of the Opposition Yuri Alemao, MLAs Carlos Ferreira, Venzy Viegas and Cruz Silva, Parab, and around 1,200 to 1,500 others for allegedly staging the protest outside the minister’s residence. While police declined to share further details, sources said efforts are underway to identify other protestors for questioning. The Opposition legislators named in the FIR THE GOAN I NETWORK MAPUSA With the Deposit Refund Scheme (DRS) scheduled to be implemented next month, the alcohol industry has expressed deep unease over what it describes as a hastily conceived and poorly communicated policy that could disrupt trade and burden consumers. Industry stakeholders maintain that while environmental protection is a shared responsibility, the present framework of the DRS has raised serious operational, legal and financial concerns. Hansel Vaz, retailer and manufacturer of Cajulo, said the government has not adequately engaged with manufacturers and traders before finalising the scheme. “There has been no clarity on how consumer behaviour is expected to change or how the system will function at the retail level. We are being asked to implement it without proper consultation,” he said. US military said Kuwait had “mistakenly shot down” three American F-15E Strike Eagles during a combat mission while attacks from Iranian aircraft, ballistic missiles, and drones were underway. US Central Command said all six pilots ejected safely and are in stable condition. Lebanon's government said Hezbollah's overnight attack against Israel was “illegal” and demanded the group hand over its weapons. Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam said only the state can decide whether to go to war or peace, and called on the Lebanese military to prevent the firing of projectiles and detain anyone involved. In Kuwait, fire and smoke rose from inside the US Embassy compound. On Monday, multiple airstrikes hit Tehran, Iran's capital, while top Iranian security official Ali Larijani vowed on X that “we will not negotiate with the United States.” 6 SPORTS SACRED FLAMES: People light a bonfire to mark the burning of the demoness Holika on the eve of Holi at Miramar on Monday. This ritual is symbolic of victory of good over evil.   Narayan Pissurlenkar SEC sets stage for municipal polls, begins ward delimitation process THE GOAN I NETWORK PANAJI The Goa State Election Commission (SEC) has set the ball rolling for the upcoming municipal polls by initiating the process of ward delimitation. The elections to the 11 municipal councils are due in April. In an order issued, the Elec- tion Commissioner Menino D’Souza has announced the commencement of dividing municipal areas into wards for Municipal Councils of Pernem, Valpoi, Bicholim, Mapusa, Mormugao, Margao, Cuncolim, Quepem, Canacona, Curchorem-Cacora and Sanguem. To assist in the exercise, the deputy collectors and mamlatdar have been appointed as Electoral Registration Officers (EROs) and Assistant Electoral Registration Officers (AEROs). The term of the existing municipal councils is set to end in April. >Continued on P5 TTAG’s Budget wish list: VAT Mining industry seeks revival of corridor project PRE-BUDGET MEMORANDUM: KEY DEMANDS cut on liquor, green measures THE GOAN I NETWORK PUSHES FOR GLOBAL TOURISM RESET, WORLD-CLASS CONVENTION CENTRE, TAX PARITY WITH MUMBAI THE GOAN I NETWORK PANAJI In a collaborative pitch ahead of the State Budget on March 6, the Travel and Tourism Association of Goa (TTAG) has urged the Goa government to balance aggressive tourism promotion with environmental protection, tax reforms and global marketing discipline. The Association has sought a reduction in VAT on beer, wine and liquor distilled in Goa to 10 per cent, arguing that such a move will bring Goa in line with Mumbai and encourage procurement from within the State. From a macro perspective, the TTAG flagged four immediate priorities -- safeguarding Goa’s ecology and heritage, introducing technology-driven transparency in transport pricing, strengthening safety and security, and improving cleanliness with better waste management systems. “Goa’s natural assets are its strongest brand ambassadors. Protecting them must remain non-negotiable,” it said. On the reduction in VAT, the TTAG explained to the government that many high-end weddings and conferences source premium liquor from other States where prices are lower, which results in revenue losses for the State exchequer. >Continued on P5 PANAJI ith the State Budget 2026-27 to be tabled on March 6, Goa’s mining industry has renewed its demand for the revival of the long-delayed dedicated mining corridor project, describing it as critical for the sustainable and efficient functioning of the sector that has only recently resumed operations after years of disruption. In their pre-budget memorandum submitted to the Chief Minister, the Mineral Industry Chamber bodies emphasised that the proposed corridor -first mooted in 2011 -- remains vital to streamline ore transportation, reduce pressure W „„Reduce burden on village roads through dedicated routes „„Provide infrastructure support for sector viability „„Ensure policy stability for sustained operations „„Avoid additional levies on the mining industry „„Rationalise high taxes and premiums „„Resolve anomalies and double taxation issues „„Improve handling of on village roads and ensure operational viability. The proposal was originally conceptualised in 2011 by then Chief Minister Digambar Kamat. However, it failed to materialise due to funding constraints after mining companies declined to finance it. The two-year mining ban imposed in September 2012 further stalled the plan. Initially, the three-phase corridor included Uguem and Guddemol (8.9 km), followed by Guddemol to Capxem (8.4 km) and a 32-km stretch between Cavrem and Uguem. Industry representatives said the sector, which has slowly resumed after prolonged uncertainty, needs logistical/navigational bottlenecks „„Introduce subsidies for electric trucks „„Implement vehicle scrapping policy for old fleets policy stability and infrastructure support to prevent it from becoming unviable. “The industry has requested assistance in infrastructure, including mining road corridors and improvement in tackling certain navigational obstacles from the high taxes and premiums collected,” they said. They urged the State to avoid additional levies and to address high taxes, anomalies and issues of double taxation. “The industry appraised the CM about the existing high taxes being attributed to the mineral industry and hence requested from refraining any additional levy but on the contrary correct certain anomalies, double taxation which are erroneous and making the working extremely difficult,” they said. The memorandum also sought promotion of electric trucks through subsidies and a vehicle scrapping policy for older fleets. “Certain subsidies to kick-start electric trucks as well as phasing out of older >Continued on P5