Tourism Minister Rohan Khaunte says kayaking points in Goa’s hinterland will be demarcated and regulated within the next 7–8 days, following High Court intervention; the move aims to ensure regulated operations in designated areas under Goa’s “Beyond Beaches” tourism approach, promoting hinterland, culinary, wellness, adventure, Ayurveda, yoga and spiritual tourism. • Tourism Minister Rohan Khaunte says the deadline for applications and renewal of tourism properties has been extended to October 31. Mandatory fire licences will apply to hotels, homestays, private shacks and other specified tourism activities, along with third-party insurance. • Tourism Minister Rohan Khaunte says A & B category hotels will be considered for five-year registration, subject to annual compliance, including fire safety norms. Renewals will be processed within 10 days, failing which they will be deemed approved. Inspections in Calangute, Candolim, Morjim and Ashwem found regulatory violations. • Goa’s Anti-Narcotics Cell has arrested Russian national Konstantin Isaev in Karnataka after a five-year search. Isaev was wanted in a 2019 MDMA case and had allegedly evaded authorities by changing SIM cards and staying in anonymous accommodations. He has been remanded to 14 days of judicial custody. • GCA President Mahesh Dessai says the association is ready with the required permissions, funds and preparations for the proposed cricket stadiums at Dhargal and Maulinguem. He said the ball is now in the government’s court, with the CM assuring that necessary work and the foundation stone will be completed by December. Dessai also said GCA is willing to take over and maintain Fatorda Stadium if the government offers it. • Former AAP leader Francis Coelho and AAP South Goa Joint Secretary, former Varca Sarpanch Salesiana “Selu” Fernandes have joined the Congress. Fernandes’ move comes after she resigned from AAP, following Coelho’s exit from the party, in the presence of senior Congress leaders. • GPCC President Girish Chodankar questioned why other political parties were targeting Congress’ ‘Goy Rakhonn Yatra’, saying the party’s message was clear — to defeat the BJP. He also questioned whether the Congress slogan, “Goy Vikpak Divchena, BJP-ik Jikpak Divchena”, had “hurt” other political parties. • Vijai Sardesai threatened to launch an agitation if the SGDH issue is not resolved within a month. He found patients on stretchers and wheelchairs due to a full 3rd-floor Medicine Ward, demanding the 4th & 5th floors be opened. He alleged Salcete & South Goa patients were being left to die and warned of a contempt petition over his party’s PIL. • The Election Commission of India’s high-level team will visit Goa on October 7-8 to review preparations for the upcoming Assembly elections. The team, led by Senior Deputy Election Commissioners Manish Garg and Pawan Kumar Sharma, will meet senior election, police and district officials to assess poll preparedness, voter registration, enforcement measures and other arrangements.
Tourism Minister Rohan Khaunte says kayaking points in Goa’s hinterland will be demarcated and regulated within the next 7–8 days, following High Court intervention; the move aims to ensure regulated operations in designated areas under Goa’s “Beyond Beaches” tourism approach, promoting hinterland, culinary, wellness, adventure, Ayurveda, yoga and spiritual tourism. • Tourism Minister Rohan Khaunte says the deadline for applications and renewal of tourism properties has been extended to October 31. Mandatory fire licences will apply to hotels, homestays, private shacks and other specified tourism activities, along with third-party insurance. • Tourism Minister Rohan Khaunte says A & B category hotels will be considered for five-year registration, subject to annual compliance, including fire safety norms. Renewals will be processed within 10 days, failing which they will be deemed approved. Inspections in Calangute, Candolim, Morjim and Ashwem found regulatory violations. • Goa’s Anti-Narcotics Cell has arrested Russian national Konstantin Isaev in Karnataka after a five-year search. Isaev was wanted in a 2019 MDMA case and had allegedly evaded authorities by changing SIM cards and staying in anonymous accommodations. He has been remanded to 14 days of judicial custody. • GCA President Mahesh Dessai says the association is ready with the required permissions, funds and preparations for the proposed cricket stadiums at Dhargal and Maulinguem. He said the ball is now in the government’s court, with the CM assuring that necessary work and the foundation stone will be completed by December. Dessai also said GCA is willing to take over and maintain Fatorda Stadium if the government offers it. • Former AAP leader Francis Coelho and AAP South Goa Joint Secretary, former Varca Sarpanch Salesiana “Selu” Fernandes have joined the Congress. Fernandes’ move comes after she resigned from AAP, following Coelho’s exit from the party, in the presence of senior Congress leaders. • GPCC President Girish Chodankar questioned why other political parties were targeting Congress’ ‘Goy Rakhonn Yatra’, saying the party’s message was clear — to defeat the BJP. He also questioned whether the Congress slogan, “Goy Vikpak Divchena, BJP-ik Jikpak Divchena”, had “hurt” other political parties. • Vijai Sardesai threatened to launch an agitation if the SGDH issue is not resolved within a month. He found patients on stretchers and wheelchairs due to a full 3rd-floor Medicine Ward, demanding the 4th & 5th floors be opened. He alleged Salcete & South Goa patients were being left to die and warned of a contempt petition over his party’s PIL. • The Election Commission of India’s high-level team will visit Goa on October 7-8 to review preparations for the upcoming Assembly elections. The team, led by Senior Deputy Election Commissioners Manish Garg and Pawan Kumar Sharma, will meet senior election, police and district officials to assess poll preparedness, voter registration, enforcement measures and other arrangements.
