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Goa to seek minister`s help for Mopa airport

May 14, 2008 – 3:22 am

With Goa’s Dabolim international airport reaching a saturation point, the Goa government is now gearing up to approach the ministry of civil aviation (MoCA) with the second feasibility report submitted recently by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) on the proposed new international airport at Mopa in North Goa.

The state government has already received the feasibility report that suggests viability of two airports in Goa.

An official informed Business Standard that the Goa government will certainly go ahead with the plan to set up the international airport at Mopa and will approach the ministry by May-end. This comes following a statement made by Union Civil Aviation Minister Praful Patel criticising the state government’s lethargy on the new airport project.

The ministry aims to create more airports in the country. However, Goa has an issue about keeping the old airport in Dabolim operational, while the work on the new airport and land acquisition has been kept in abeyance. “The new airport will give Goa major fillip to its tourism industry,” said Patel.

The second feasibility report, according to the official has been prepared with Airbus A-380 as the model aircraft under its master plan for the airport, which means the runway width will be more than any of the existing airports across the country.

“The ICAO was asked to prepare the second feasibility report in 2006 by the state government as the Mopa International Airport Project had run into controversy in 2005 and kept in abeyance following objections raised by some political parties,” he said.

Goa had a mere 18-20 flights a day five years ago. With the tourism industry growing, the flights now have increased to 35. During the tourist season, the airport gets five-eight charter flights every day.

The Mopa airport project has suffered severely due to differences between the state politicians. Key politicians from the south Goa district have repeatedly opposed the Mopa airport, since it is far away from south Goa’s tourist attractions.

“The location of Mopa is suitable for the large-scale project that Goa wishes to launch, which will also benefit towns and cities such as Sangli, Sindhudurg, Ratnagiri and Kolhapur in Maharashtra and Belgaum, Hubli, Karwar and Dharwad in Karnataka,” maintained Goa Chief Minister Digambar Kamat, while confirming the government’s stand on the Mopa project.

The ICAO’s report stated that the airport being planned at Sindhudurg by the Maharashtra government is small and would only cater to domestic airlines.

Goa is projected to receive around 6.5 million passengers over the next two decades and the Mopa airport plan proposes to create facility to cater to around 10 million passengers. The suggested timeline for the completion of the first phase with a single runway is 2014.

Under the first phase, around 51 lakh sq mt of land has already been acquired by the Goa government and it will be purchasing another 23.71 lakh sq mt in the second phase. The $450 million plus Mopa international airport project will be on the build, own, operate and transfer (BOOT) basis.

The Greenfield airport policy works on the principle that 74 per cent stake will be held by a private consortium, which will build and operate the facility.

The state will provide the land, air navigation services and other related concessions. It will have 26 per cent stake with central government holding 13 per cent through the AAI.

The airport terminal at Mopa will be designed on the basis of international check-in process time, which is about three minutes in total. The initial plan of the ICAO for the Mopa international airport will ensure fixed aerobridges to cater to all aircraft.

“Once this is approved by the ministry, a detailed study to look into different elements of the project will have to be commissioned and a funding pattern will be agreed upon,” the official pointed out.

The ICAO has also proposed to have nearly 20,000 sq mt of land allocated for parking 40 different types of aircraft. Besides, the airport will have an area of 15,000 sq mt earmarked for business – duty free shops, malls and other facilities.

“Unlike any other airport in the country, a separate area for helicopters has been suggested to ensure that their movements don’t interrupt regular air traffic. Hangars for four choppers have also been recommended,” the official informed.

The chief minister also pointed out that the state government had carried out an aerial survey to connect the proposed Mopa airport to the six-lane expressway connecting Maharashtra and Karnataka for which work will commence soon.

Besides, the state government will also consult Konkan Railways to have a rail route connecting the Mopa airport to the existing Mumbai-Ernakulam line.

Courtesy: Business Standard

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It’s great to be in Goa: Amitabh

May 14, 2008 – 3:18 am

Amitabh Bachchan is in and out of Goa this evening. He will be arriving around 4.30-5 pm by a chartered flight, and leaving in a short while by the same, that’s how short and hurried his visit is.

You blink and you will miss him! He would like to stay on, naturally, because Goa is one of his favourite breaks. But cannot, because later tonight, from Mumbai, the Big B will be leaving for Cannes. And from there, to London. “It’s been a long time since the family was together,” he explained, “and we plan to spend some time over there.” At 66, he is energy-plus and then some more. Though Bachchan himself, when asked to recall the “many, many” films he had made in Goa, struggled with his memory and after naming a few, finally said, “God, I’m losing it!”

Amitabh Bachchan. (TOI Photo)

He’s coming to release the book Goa: Aparanta Land Beyond End that has been penned by his friend, the industrialist Dattaraj Salgaonkar, alongwith designer Wendell Rodricks, Victor Rangel Ribeiro, and author Mario Cabral e Sa. Does he have many friends in Goa? “Yes,” said Bachchan, “in the sense that I know many people. Some of my oldest fans are here. I made my first film, Saat Hindustani, in Goa, and those fans are still here, so steadfast and committed in their loyalty.” He has fond memories of Saat Hindustani. “It was made by Khwaja Ahmed Abbas and he was such a purist,” said Bachchan. “I remember, we travelled by train to Goa carrying our bed and baggage, because we were going to be taking the route of the seven Indians who struggled to liberate Panaji. We camped in forests, stayed in circuit houses, slept on the floor in one big room, and had to use lanterns for light… but it was such a wonderful experience.”

Goa, since then, regretted the Big B, had changed considerably. “It is so crowded now, industries have come in, which is great for the state’s economic growth, but the essence of Goa has eroded. I used to love those old houses with Portuguese architecture that had tiled roofs. They are being replaced by modern structures. Happily, the people remain unchanged. They are a quiet and simple people, unconcerned by the hustle and bustle of city life, they lead their own bohemian existence. They extend friendliness and warmth. There is also a non-existence of modernity in Goa that is its USP,” he said.

He enjoys coming to Goa for short breaks. “I love the place,” admitted Bachchan, “the moment I land, I feel I’ve left my tensions and worries behind, and such a sense of relief comes over me. It’s really unusual. I get into a relaxed mood and am all set for a good time.” He has, however, never been able to visit any of Goa’s famous temples while here on holiday or work. “I’ve driven past them on occasions,” he said. Though, some of his shoots took him to old churches he never knew existed, fascinating forts he had never heard of, and pristine beaches he had never seen before.

He’s made a number of films in Goa. “I can’t remember them all,” Bachchan confessed, “but after Saat Hindustani there was Kabhi Kabhie and The Great Gambler. Also Pukaar. And very recently, Bhootnath. Some portions of this film were shot in Goa. It’s wonderful to shoot here. The people don’t bother you, they leave you alone, and you can really be yourself.” Part of The Great Gambler was also shot in Portugal. And, Bachchan recalled, he was amazed at the similarity between Panaji and Lisbon. “The architecture is the same, the people’s style of work, the terrain, Lisbon too has rivers that you need to commute on by ferry boats that take in cars. And the best part of all is that the Portuguese also take that afternoon siesta between 12 and 4 when nobody does any work because it’s so hot,” said Bachchan with a laugh.

Courtesy: TOI

By Goa Blog | Posted in Eminent Journalists' Articles, Movies, Goa News, In Goa | Comments (3)

Windsurfing National Coastal Championship in Goa from May 14

May 13, 2008 – 2:16 am

Goa Yachting Association (GYA) and Board Sailing Association of India will organise a five-day Windsurfing National Coastal Championship and the Optimist Zonal Coastal Championship 2008, to be held in the coastal waters of the Zuari Bay in the Raceboard class of Windsurfers from May 14 to 18.

Speaking to mediapersons today, GYA President Cezar Menezes said around 20 windsurfers from all over the country will participate in the championship, sponsored by Cidade de Goa. The winners of the regatta will be awarded the trophy. The event will kick off on Wednesday with a practice race at 1530 hours.

The championship will comprise of 12 races, in which sailors will get points in the order in which they finished the race. The sailors with the least number of points at the end of the series will be awarded the Cidade De Goa Trophy.

Mr Menezes said in the Optimist Zonal Coastal Championship, dinghy will be provided for children u-16. Around 35 children from five clubs in Mumbai and one each in Chennai and Goa, will participate in the Championship. A ”Regatta Fleet” of beginners will race separately, he said.

Special prizes will be awarded to sailors u-12, Mr Menezes added.

He said the championship will comprise of eight races and the sailor with the least number of points at the end of series of races will receive the trophy.

Courtesy: DeepakGlobal

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Shane Warne, his teammates arrive in Goa for rest

May 13, 2008 – 2:15 am

The Indian Premier League (IPL) contestant Rajasthan Royals captain Shane Warne and his six teammates arrived here today for a three-day rest.

The Australian off-spinner along with Goa’s prolific Ranji star Swapnil Asnodkar, South African skipper Graeme Smith, Shane Watson, Taruwar Kole, Ravindra Jadeja and N Patel arrived at the Dabolim airport and went straight to Taj Village at Candolim in North Goa, where they will stay for three days.

Players avoided meeting the media both at the airport and at the hotel.

According to sources, only seven players have come to Goa for relaxation, as there is a gap of five days, before their next match against Royal Challengers Bangalore on May 17.

Although no programme has been finalised in Goa, players are likely to enjoy the state’s silver sand beaches before leaving for Jaipur on May 14.

Courtesy: DeepakGlobal

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JetLite flight to Goa grounded

May 13, 2008 – 2:08 am

A JetLite flight to Goa was grounded at the Mumbai airport after its tail flap was hit by a step ladder Monday. “The flight was suppose to depart at 12.35 p.m. but due to the delay its time was postponed to 13.32 p.m. The flight was grounded on Bay 07,” said an airport official on condition of anonymity.

All the 132 passengers were safe and were transferred to a Jet Airways flight 9W473, Deccan flight 603 and Air India IC163.

Authorities of JetLite refused to share details regarding the incident and alternative arrangements made to stranded passengers.

By Goa Blog | Posted in Goa Tourism, Goa News, In Goa | Comments (0)

Say Cheers to Feni!

May 11, 2008 – 8:48 pm

It’s that time of the year again. The smell of feni wafting through the air, invites you to a sip of the heady brew on a hot summer afternoon. Goans love their feni as much as they do their spicy food.

And giving you just that, is Goa’s Tourism Department alongwith Loungefly who are organising a day-long Feni Festival today. A midsummer’s day with Goan street food like ros omlettes, choris pav, bhajjiyas and stock of feni…wow!

Newton Dias and Les Menezes raise a toast (TOi Photo)

That’s not all, you will get to gulp down flavoured fenis and feni cocktails too! “The idea is to bring out the fun aspect of feni. It’s a fun drink to be had with friends and family. Eat, drink and make merry,” says Deep, the owner of Loungefly.

Sourced from six villages, which include Valpoi, Cortalim and the entire Calangute belt, this drink will be served in various cocktails at the festival. And it is not only food and feni, but entertainment too that will complete the package. There will be stalls and a band playing throughout the day. Come night and Chef Vasquito will show his barbeque skills as one sways to the music and enjoys exquisite feni cocktails.

However, amidst all the fun and frolic, the lovers of the brew, lament that feni is still referred to as ‘country liquor’ and it’s high time that it break away from that tag. And this is precisely the reason why feni is enjoyed only in the confines of the home. Gurudatta Bhakta, Secretary, Goa Cashew Feni Distillers and Bottlers Association, says, “Feni, unfortunately, is not accepted by Goa’s higher strata. If they do drink it, it is in isolation. We want people to feel proud of this local drink and when they are socialising, they should offer feni in place of Scotch whiskey.”

Efforts are on, he says. The Goa Cashew Feni Distillers and Bottlers Association along with the Science and Technology Department and Excise Department have applied for a Geographical Indication (GI) registration since 2007, a concept relatively new in India. Goa has 3,000 plus distilleries.

Mac Vaz, proprietor of Madame Rosa’s and President of Goa Cashew Feni Distillers and Bottlers Association says, “We had suggested that feni should be reclassified as heritage liquor or Indian-made Goan liquor.”

Gurudatta says they have already sent the proposal. “There’s a gestation period of two months and then it goes on the Net seeking global objections. We are 100 per cent sure of getting this registration,” he says. And if they succeed, Mac Vaz says, “Feni will be the first alcoholic beverage of India to get a GI registration.”

Formalities will be done at its own pace but till then, let’s eat, drink and be feni!

Courtesy: TOI

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SAFF seeks Goa as permanent venue

May 11, 2008 – 8:46 pm

Goa is likely to be the permanent home of the South Asian Film Festival (SAFF), an important platform for film makers from the sub-continent. The Entertainment Society of Goa (ESG) has given its green signal for the first festival in Goa which will be a four day event starting on 27th June. Khamosh Pani from Pakistan will be the opening film.

Altogether, 35 films from eight countries will be screened at the festival.

Goa governor S C Jamir, a major proponent of ‘South Asian brotherhood’ is said to be a major supporter of the idea and has been lobbying with the Goa government to organize the festival annually. “The governor was impressed with the idea since he has taken efforts to build bridges between the South Asian countries and has assured us government support,” Rahul Barua, secretary General of South Asia Foundation told TOI. Barua has also met chief minister Digambar Kamat in this regard.

The South Asian Foundation which organizes this festival, is making arrangements to host the it in the state following the government’s nod. Barua has also held discussions with the ESG and has proposed that the state should be the permanenet venue for the SAFF. The CEO of the ESG, Nikhil Dessai has stated that the society has agreed in principle that Goa would provide all the logistic support required for the festival.

The South Asian Foundation is also planning a two day seminar on Asian films besides a khadi fashion show during the festival, informed Shirin Mehra, executive director of the foundation.

In 2007 a total of 45 films were screened at the festival.

Around Rs 35 lakhs have been earmarked for the South Asian Film Festival in which the government’s contribution will be 15 lakhs, informed the ESG CEO.

Courtesy: TOI

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Holidays in Goa

May 9, 2008 – 2:26 am

Hotels in Goa have a lot to offer the tourist seeking a fun filled beach vacation. Goa’s idyllic tropical white sand beaches and warm tropical waters beckon to those who want to just relax. Its rich cultural blend of Goa’s Indo-Portuguese heritage as is reflected in its history, culture, cuisine and its people has its own appeal, especially to those wanting to explore Goa’s past. In Goa, English is widely spoken and understood. It has a well maintained infrastructure and a growing service sector.To the average tourist interested in having a good time, “Goa Beach Resort” is what Goa is all about. It has been widely publicized in the media, movies and adds to the mystique of Goa. This is not without reason because Goa possesses one of the finest stretches of sandy coastline in India. Goa is also famous for its Carnival and Goa Trance Rave Parties.

The first is the coastline that extends from Fort Aguada and Sinquerim beach areas and goes upwards along the coastline to Chapora beach and fort. The beaches along this stretch of coastline include the following in order: Sinquerim beach, Candolim, Sinquerim Goa beach, Calangute beach, Baga beach, Anjuna, Vagator, Chapora, Morjim beach and Arambol beach.The second is the coastline extending south of Vasco da Gama and Bogmalo beach and going down along the coastline to the southern tip of Goa and ending with Polem Beach. The beaches along this stretch of the coastline include the following: Bogmalo beach Goa, Velsao, Majorda beach, Colva beach, Benaulim beach, Betul beach Goa, Canaguinim, Agonda beach Palolem beach and Rajbhag.

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Bollywood stars go Sussegad in Goa!

May 8, 2008 – 10:48 pm

All Bollywood roads lead to Goa at some time. Right from the days when Shashi Kapoor rented a house here and brother Raj was inspired to make Bobby, his blockbuster of the 1970s, on the sunny, palm-fringed beaches with their picturesque fishing villages.

Now, with private airlines and jets, chartered flights, and better roads, Goa is almost an extension of Mumbai for Bollywood’s glam citizens to wipe off the grease paint and be sussegad over the weekends.

Salman Khan usually lands up here twice a year with his family and girlfriend Katrina Kaif. They laze around the beaches, feeding on blackened cajun prawns and haldi chilli paneer, soaking in the sun and riding the surf. Katrina recalled their last holiday, “We brought in the New Year in Goa. You can relax and let your hair down without anyone watching you.” Malaika and Arbaaz have come closer to Goa by buying a Portuguese villa here. Sister Amrita, says Goa provides everything, “From a wild beach party to a peaceful spot on the coastline.”

Tashan

Bollywood Badshah Shah Rukh Khan likes to spend quality time in Goa with wife Gauri and friends Karan Johar, Kajal Anand, Maheep Kapur, Bhavna and Chunkey Pandey. And Bipasha Basu and John Abraham, Rani Mukerji and family, Kareena Kapoor, Saif Ali Khan, Kajol and Ajay Devgan are others who frequent Goa more than twice a year. Shilpa Shetty’s earliest visit was a family outing. “Exotic locales, better still exotic food made Goa so fascinating. I remember we had gone to a shack on the beach and ordered a dish that we spotted on the other table. Later we realised it was octopus,” the lanky actress recalled.

As much as party revellers would like to believe, Goa’s not just about night-time highs. Those with daytime energy like Akshay Kumar participate in water sports or go on fishing excursions and trekking. Akki and wife Twinkle have also bought an old Portuguese bungalow on Anjuna Beach. “I like to soak in the beauty and the serenity of the place,” he said.
It’s not just Christmas and New Year that Bollywood celebrates in Goa, but also birthdays and Valentine Day. Bipasha celebrated hers with John, “It’s a very special place for John and me. Goa’s our regular stress buster.” And Shilpa, who celebrated Valentine’s Day here with boyfriend Raj Kundhra, said, “If you are with someone special, everything about the place becomes special.” Kareena Kapoor, too, celebrated her birthday in Goa with family and close friends. She was on a five-day vacation. Amitabh Bachchan too, who shot his first film Saat Hindustaani in Goa, has lovely memories. “It’s one of the most beautiful states India has. During those days, there were hardly any hotels, but dense jungles. Whatever one or two hotels they had, we would go to and stay in. It was so much fun then,” said Bachchan.

But there are some stars who needed marriage to visit Goa. Madhuri Dixit never visited Goa till she was married to Dr Sriram Nene. “Goa will always remain special because of that. We went to the beach and the temples. It was so beautiful,” she said.

Others who love Goa include Esha Deol. “Since I’m a beach bum, Goa is one of the best spots India has to offer me,” she said. Pooja Bedi, who goes to Goa at least three-four times a year, loves the fact that she can frolic on the beaches in a bikini without being harassed. Raima Sen loves the seafood and Rohit Roy treats Goa as a hotspot for family holidays. But Munnabhai aide Arshad Warsi sums up best what Goa means to Bollywood when he said, “I love Goa, the place slows me down.”

Courtesy: TOI

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Bartenders display their skills in Goa

May 8, 2008 – 10:30 pm

Bartenders from all over Goa displayed their bartending skills at the Bacardi Martini Grand Prix India regional rounds. The event, which was held at Butter, Candolim, saw participation from various bartenders from the city.

Twenty bartenders were short-listed for the regional final rounds. Judging the event were actress Mrinalini Sharma of Awaraapan and Showbiz fame, Jatin Bobb, the National Head-Key accounts of BMIL, and Kishore who is Bacardi’s Bar Consultant. Royce from F–Bar won in the Classic Cocktails category. Meanwhile, Richard Shaikrafi from Coctails & Dreams and Mony Chen from Island Bar won in the Working Flair category which focussed on the art of juggling with barware while making the perfect drink.

Party regulars Shawn and Debra were among those who chilled out with their drinks while the contestants sweated it out to gain points over each other. Bacardi Martini India Limited’s President and CEO, Mahesh Madhavan, was seen having a good time socialising with Mrinalini.

Courtesy: TOI