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Articles by Nida Sayed
Rabies vigil in K’taka border areas after surge in cases
Panaji: Goa has intensified its rabies-control efforts along the Karnataka border after multiple cases were reported in Karwar and Ankola over the past six months, prompting authorities to extend intervention beyond the state to prevent the virus from entering Goa. Mission Rabies director (education) Dr Murugan Appupillai said around 40 cases were recorded in Karwar and Ankola during this period. Ankola, about 70 km from the Goa border, and nearby Karwar are being closely monitored.
Fisheries dept to sell subsidised chonak today
Panaji: The directorate of fisheries will sell farm-raised Asian sea bass, locally known as chonak, at Rs 500 per kg at the estuarine fish farm in Ela Dhauji, Old Goa , on Tuesday. Sales will start at 2.30pm and will continue until stocks last, with fish sold on a first-come, first-served basis, the department said. The sale is part of the directorate’s pilot project on Asian sea bass cultivation at the estuarine fish farm, aimed at supplying consumers directly at a fixed price.
Govt to enforce poultry transport rules, mandate vet health certificates
Panaji: Goa is moving to enforce existing rules on poultry transportation, including mandatory veterinary health certificates, traceability of consignments and safeguards against prolonged journeys, with the newly constituted Goa State Poultry Development Corporation set to regulate the movement of birds into and within the state. “These rules have been mandatory for ages. Unfortunately, nobody was following it.
Goa acquires 16th-century Kalbhairav sculpture from Mandrem
Panaji: The directorate of archaeology has acquired a Kalbhairav sculpture from Deulwada in Mandrem, Pernem, along with its pedestal, after the temple committee replaced the original idol with a new one. The sculpture, carved in schist stone, is believed to date to the 16th–17th century CE and will be preserved by the department.
Khet Bachao Abhiyan brings natural farming push to villagers
Panaji: For Karmali-based farmer Nandu Bhomkar, the end of the kharif season transitioned into rabi by default since time immemorial. From this season on, he focuses on natural farming, balanced nutrient management, soil health restoration, climate-resilient practices and crop diversification.
Stately guardian of a bygone Goa, the Figueiredo mansion has a story to tell
The 400-year-old Figueiredo mansion in Loutolim is more than a family home—it is a living museum where centuries-old artefacts, architecture and heirlooms preserve Goa’s multicultural heritage for future generations Not many can claim to have a museum within the walls of their own home, but Pedro Figueiredo can.
Goa braces for forest fire threat, early warning system in works
Panaji: With maximum temperatures in Goa touching 37°C in Oct and a potentially challenging dry season ahead, the forest department is preparing to issue an advisory on forest fire risks, while scientists are working on an early warning system to identify vulnerable areas and enable quicker ground-level responses. Conservator of forests Navin Kumar said that the department was assessing prevailing conditions and would formulate an advisory after further evaluation.
Anticipating water shortage, Agri dept to issue advisory to shift to short-duration crops
Panaji: With Goa recording its driest monsoon in five decades and rainfall falling nearly a third below normal, the agriculture department is preparing to advise farmers in water-stressed areas to reconsider paddy cultivation during the upcoming Rabi season and opt for short-duration vegetables and pulses instead.
Marigold cultivation rises 30% compared to last year
Panaji: The streets of Goa transformed into a canvas of golden hues as vendors lined up to sell marigolds for Dussehra . Marigold cultivation in the state has recorded an estimated 30% increase this season compared with last year, with harvesting expected to continue for several weeks beyond Diwali , according to the directorate of agriculture. “Four years ago, we started with 75 hectares. Today, the area under cultivation is estimated at around 120 hectares.
Health setback leads Shiroda farmer to full-time farming, yearly income rises to Rs 5 Lakh
Panaji: For Rahul Dhond, a Shiroda-based farmer, a health setback became the turning point that led him back to the land. After leaving his job in 2024 because of health issues and a slipped disc, he decided to devote himself full-time to farming on his family’s agricultural land. “In the first year, I cultivated less than an acre of land and earned approximately Rs 3 lakh. This year, my income has increased to around Rs 5 lakh,” he told TOI .
Two mini-RoRos proposed for Marcaim route
Panaji: Govt is considering a roll-on/roll-off (Ro-Ro) ferry service linking Marcaim with the Verna industrial estate, following representations from industry stakeholders and local representatives. “The proposed service is expected to benefit workers travelling to the Verna industrial estate, particularly those residing on the Marcaim side,” said director of river navigation department (RND), Vikramsinh Rajebhosale.
Underprivileged kids from 3 countries to write, translate, illustrate book
Panaji: Underprivileged children from Goa, Portugal and Brazil have joined a literary project, Stories from India and Beyond, by Goa-based Communicare Trust. The initiative brings students from different countries together through storytelling under the UN Sustainable Development Goal, Life on Land.
Launch of new RoRos at Divar-Sao Pedro pushed to Feb 2027
Panaji: The proposed roll-on/roll-off (Ro-Ro) ferry service on the Divar-Sao Pedro route has been delayed due to pending ramp construction, pushing its expected launch from Dec to the first week of Feb 2027. It will be Goa’s second Ro-Ro ferry route after Ribandar-Chorao. The service is, however, expected to become operational before the upcoming assembly elections. “One side of the ramp is completed, while work on the other side is going on.
Mercury dips to normal, showers may bring further relief
Panaji: After nearly a week of hot and humid conditions, Panaji’s maximum temperature returned to normal at 32.3°C on Friday, after remaining above 36°C daily since Sunday. “Goa’s spell of unusually high Oct temperatures does not qualify as a conventional heatwave, as we classify the prevailing conditions as ‘hot and humid weather’,” said IMD director Nahush Kulkarni. Panaji recorded maximum temperatures of 37.2°C on Oct 13 and 37.4°C on Oct 14, which were 5°C and 5.2°C above normal, respectively.
Govt lays out roadmap to manage coastal stray dogs
Panaji: State authorities have issued a set of recommendations to manage stray dogs along Goa’s beach belts and to shape a comprehensive statewide plan, following high-level discussions chaired by the animal husbandry secretary. The meeting at Porvorim, held after discussions with the chief minister, also reviewed directions from Supreme Court and Bombay high court, and came in the wake of the tourism department’s drive to place stray dogs on beaches for adoption and relocation.
WWF Goa creates habitat gardens in 6 schools
Panaji: Amid shrinking natural habitats and rapid urbanisation, WWF-India’s Goa office has developed habitat gardens in six schools across the state, encouraging students to embrace a more nature-friendly approach to gardening and conservation. Established in July, the gardens have been created to recognise and encourage the six top-performing schools under WWF-India’s Mission Prakriti Green Schools project.
25ha of paddy hit by Goa’s driest monsoon in 50 years
Panaji: The agriculture department’s preliminary assessment of crop loss shows that 25 hectares of paddy have been lost to poor rainfall this season. Agriculture director Chandrahas Desai said, “The assessment of crop damage is currently underway. Wherever crop losses have been reported in our areas, our officers are visiting the fields and estimating the extent of the damage.
ASI museum gives Goa’s 120 Portuguese viceroy portraits a chronological makeover
Panaji: Goa houses a collection of 120 life-size portraits of Portuguese governors and viceroys who administered the then-Estado da India. The chronological reorganisation of the portrait gallery at the ASI Goa circle’s Archaeological Museum of Goa is set to make the collection easier to explore for researchers, scholars and visitors. The revised arrangement places the rulers in chronological order, linking the viceroys to the Portuguese monarchs under whose reigns they served.
Weather conditions hit marigold growers ahead of Dussehra
Poor rainfall, rising irrigation costs hit marigold growers ahead of Dussehra Panaji: Marigold growers are bracing for a difficult festive season, with poor post-monsoon rainfall and rising heat reducing flower shelf life just days ahead of Dussehra. “The problem is mainly in fields located at higher elevations,” agriculture director, Chandrahas Desai told TOI. “Normally, we do not expect much rainfall after October 31.
Panaji records over 37°C for second consecutive day
Panaji: The state capital continued to reel under unusually high temperatures on Wednesday, with Panaji recording a maximum of 37.4°C, 5.2 degrees above normal, according to observational data by the India Meteorological Department (IMD). This marked the second consecutive day that temperatures in the state capital crossed 37°C, intensifying the unseasonal Oct heat after Panaji recorded 37.2°C, 5 degrees above normal on Oct 13.
Labour crunch keeps fishing trawlers anchored months after ban lifts
Panaji: Nearly two-and-a-half months after the annual fishing ban was lifted, Goa’s fishing industry is yet to return to full-scale operations, with a persistent labour shortage leaving several trawlers anchored at jetties across the state. “We didn’t have such a crisis even during the Covid-19 period,” said Jose Philip D’Souza, president of the Goa Fishing Boat Owners Association (GFBOA).
Panaji sizzles at 37.2°C, hottest Oct day in nearly 20 years
Panaji: Panaji recorded a maximum temperature of 37.2°C on Tuesday, its highest Oct reading in nearly two decades. The last comparable temperature was recorded on Oct 16, 2008. “This makes Oct 13 the hottest day in Panaji in around 20 years,” said IMD director Nahush Kulkarni. According to the India Meteorological Department’s (IMD) evening observations, Panaji’s maximum temperature was 5°C above normal, while the minimum temperature of 23.6°C was 0.6°C below normal.
Glowing bacteria, microbial art put marine science in spotlight at NIO Goa’s Foundation Day
Panaji: The petri dishes at Goa-based National Institute of Oceanography (CSIR-NIO), Dona Paula, on Monday featured artwork made with colourful bacteria, forming jellyfish, coral reefs and marine life. At CSIR’s 85th Foundation Day, three young researchers from NIO Goa — Vaishnavi Balaji, Anmol Verma and Yolanda Menezes — demonstrated how microorganisms produce pigments, light and gases, helping school students understand their role in marine ecosystems and the environment.
IMD extends hot weather alert as Panaji records 36.6°C
Panaji: India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a yellow alert for Oct 13, warning of hot and humid weather conditions. IMD classifies hot and humid weather as a situation where the maximum temperature is at least 3°C above normal and humidity remains above normal. IMD also issued a yellow alert for Oct 12. On Monday, Panaji recorded a maximum temperature of 36.6°C, which was 5.1°C above normal, according to IMD data. Mormugao recorded a maximum temperature of 35.8°C, 4.5°C above normal.
Panaji records 5°C above normal temperature as IMD issues yellow alert Original
PANAJI: The state capital, Panaji, recorded maximum temperature of over 5°C on Monday after the India Meteorological Department (IMD) Goa, issued a yellow alert for heat on Oct 12. Keeping with the weather warning Goa experienced unusually high temperatures on Monday, with Panaji recording a maximum of 36.6°C, which is 5.1°C above normal, according to IMD. Mormugao also witnessed elevated temperatures, recording a maximum of 35.8°C, which was 4.5°C above normal.
Goa’s GI products get a push to reach premium markets
Panaji: A new initiative aims to help Goa’s farmers, artisans and rural entrepreneurs turn geographical indication (GI)-tagged products into viable businesses through value addition, branding, packaging and improved market access. Launched by the Goa State Council for Science and Technology (GSCST), the one-year pilot will focus on generating rural livelihoods, strengthening farmer groups and helping local producers access better markets. Goa has secured GI tags for 15 local products.
DRDO scientist to shed light on India’s maritime and aerial surveillance
Panaji: In addition to military and reconnaissance satellites that capture high-resolution images, track radar signals and provide GPS services, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) are increasingly being deployed for continuous, real-time surveillance over specific conflict zones and along borders.
Nana Patekar, cinema’s angry, honest man, dies at 75 Original
Panaji: Veteran actor and filmmaker Nana Patekar , who rose from painting zebra crossings and printing movie posters to becoming one of Indian cinema’s most intense and earthy performers, died at his Goa home in the early hours of Thursday. He was 75. He is survived by wife Neelkanti and son Malhar. Patekar, whose searing presence could stand out even in an ensemble comedy, suffered a heart attack, doctors said.
In final public speech, Nana Patekar paid tribute to Manohar Parrikar’s humility Original
Panaji: On Sunday, four days before his sudden death, veteran actor Nana Patekar spoke at an event in Goa and recalled his close friendship with former defence minister and Goa chief minister Manohar Parrikar as he paid tribute to his humility. In what was likely Patekar’s last public speech, he described Parrikar as a friend he was proud to have had — someone he admired and looked up to. “Manohar Parrikar has been my friend. One should be proud of such a friend,” Patekar said.
‘I am here today, who knows about tomorrow’ Original
Panaji: Just four days before his death, Nana Patekar was smiling, dancing, and playing the shamel on a stage in Dona Paula. Dressed in a simple white kurta and scarf, the actor who once painted Mumbai’s zebra crossings for a living did not behave like a chief guest. He joined local folk artists mid-performance, clapped with them, danced with them, and tried his hand at the traditional Goan percussion instrument. Then he picked up the mic and said words that now feel like a farewell.
Days before death, Nana Patekar recalled friendship with Manohar Parrikar Original
PANAJI: Four days before his sudden demise, veteran actor Nana Patekar , while speaking at an event in Goa on Sunday, recalled his close friendship with former defence minister and Goa chief minister Manohar Parrikar and paid tribute to the late politician’s humility. In probably what could be Patekar's last public speech before his demise, he described Parrikar as a friend he was proud to have had and that he was someone that he looked up to. “Manohar Parrikar has been my friend.
Nana Patekar’s final hours in Goa: ‘Pain on left side’ message at 2.30am, 4am friend visit, CPR at home, hospital at 4.20am, death at 5.20am Original
PANAJI: Veteran actor Nana Patekar was "brought dead" to a hospital in Dona Paula, Goa, on Thursday following a suspected cardiac arrest. Dr Shekhar Salkar, the Chief of the Oncology Department at Manipal Hospital, said that the body has been sent to Goa Medical College for post-mortem.
'Who knows about tomorrow': Nana Patekar's words at last public appearance 4 days before death Original
PANAJI: "I am here today. Who knows about tomorrow." Just four days before his death, veteran actor Nana Patekar spoke about the uncertainty of life while attending an event in Goa, urging people to serve others and make the most of their time. Patekar, 75, was the chief guest at the October 4 installation ceremony of Rajshri Khandeparkar of Samrat International Club in Goa, former MP Narendra Sawaikar said. Merely four days ago, Nana Patekar said, "This is how life should be lived.
Goa logs over 10k reptile rescues in a year, 29 snakes per day Original
Panaji: Goa recorded more than 10,000 snake and reptile rescues, including crocodiles, between May 2025 and 2026, as the forest department’s 24 rescue squads responded to distress calls from across the state, said assistant conservator of forests (ACF) Urvashi Jain on the sidelines of the Wildlife Week celebrations. In all, 11,273 wild animals were rescued during the period. Of these, 10,778 were snakes and other reptiles — an average of 29 snake rescues a day.
Mitterwallner’s 1960s photographs offer window into Goa’s changing heritage
Panaji: Photographs taken by German Indologist and field researcher Gritli von Mitterwallner during her surveys of Goa’s temples, sculptures and architectural remains in the 1960s are offering a rare visual record of the state’s changing heritage. The directorate of museums is showcasing the photographs at a commemorative programme and exhibition, “Goa Then through Gritli’s Lens and Goa Now”, organised to mark Mitterwallner’s birth anniversary.
Goa’s declining bamboo craft seeks revival through ICAR-CCARI Original
Panaji: Curchorem-based Sonali Parwar (31) represents a generation of traditional bamboo artisans trying to keep an old craft alive while adapting it to a changing market. After specialised training, she has expanded from basket-making to value-added products such as lamps, décor items and hair clips. “Now it has been 18 years that I am doing this work,” she told TOI.
State’s only public observatory in the dark amid space crunch
Panaji: Goa’s only public astronomical observatory, run by the Association of the Friends of Astronomy (AFA) at Junta House in Panaji, has been left without a functional home. Its equipment, including telescopes and scientific instruments, has been shifted to the ground floor of an unfinished govt building at St Inez and placed in temporary storage. The relocation follows the impending demolition of the Junta House building.
In a first, Cotigao trails open to students with disabilities
Panaji: As part of Wildlife Week activities, the forest department is organising its first special nature-exposure visit to Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary on Monday for students living with autism . These are students from the Canacona-based school Lokvishvas Prantishtan. Nearly 15 students are expected to visit the sanctuary along with their teachers under the care of the deputy conservator of forests, assistant conservator of forests, range forest officers, forest guards and trekkers.
KTC breaks 46-year gender barrier with first woman bus driver
Panaji: For nearly five decades since the Kadamba Transport Corporation (KTC) was established in 1980, the steering wheel of its public transport buses has remained overwhelmingly a man’s domain. That is set to change with the induction of Pooja Vaingankar (32) who will become the first woman heavy-vehicle driver recruited by the state-run corporation. Vaingankar, however, is not stepping into the heavy-vehicle world as a novice.
Goa records driest monsoon in 50 years
Panaji: Goa has recorded its driest monsoon season in five decades, with the state receiving only around 80 inches of rainfall between June 1 and Sept 30 against the seasonal average of nearly 118 inches, resulting in a deficit of about 32%. The deficit is the highest recorded in the state since 2010 and marks a sharp departure from the high-rainfall years Goa has experienced in recent times.
KTC launches mini buses to boost rural connectivity
Panaji: To improve hinterland connectivity, the Kadamba Transport Corporation (KTC) has rolled out a new vehicle category in Goa in the form of 21-seater mini-buses. Three such compact mini-buses designed specifically for narrow village roads have arrived at the corporation and are awaiting vehicle registration with the regional transport office (RTO) in Panaji. Following which, they vehicles will undergo installation of onboard driver surveillance systems.
Stray dogs on beaches to be lifted, rehabilitated: Sawant
Panaji: Chief minister Pramod Sawant on Monday addressed the issue of stray dog bites on Goa’s beaches, saying the dogs would be “lifted and rehabilitated”. Inaugurating the World Rabies Day event in Panaji, Sawant said tourism department had reported 16 dog-bite cases on beaches so far this year, of which 10 occurred at Benaulim beach. “Many animal lovers and NGOs do great work for stray animals.
CM intervenes with Raj govt to ease hostility towards Mission Rabies
Panaji: Mission Rabies is replicating Goa’s rabies-control model across 36 districts in 12 states, after the state became India’s first to achieve 100% rabies control. The organisation initially faced difficulties securing permission to begin its programme in Rajasthan. Following the resistance, chief minister Pramod Sawant personally wrote to his Rajasthan counterpart, urging the state to facilitate the programme.
Goa records zero animal rabies cases despite 39 in neighbouring states
Panaji: Goa has recorded zero positive animal rabies cases in 2026, with all 123 animal brain samples tested in the state returning negative, even as 39 cases have been detected in neighbouring Karnataka and Maharashtra , official postmortem examination data up to Sept 26 show. The neighbouring states recorded 31 cases in Karnataka and eight in Maharashtra, with the cases concentrated in four border talukas.
KTC marks first induction of women traffic controllers among new recruits Original
Panaji: In a major step towards gender inclusion and operational reform, Kadamba Transport Corporation Ltd (KTC) has inducted its first cohort of female traffic controllers (TC) across the state’s major bus depots and transit hubs. “TCs play a crucial role in daily operations, tasked with managing bus schedules, monitoring driver departure times, maintaining depot discipline, and overseeing fleet movements,” said KTC general manager Mahendra Pednekar.
Gundhi bug infestation raises alarm in South Goa Original
Panaji: A recurring Gundhi bug infestation has been threatening paddy yields in South Goa , with estimates that 3% to 5% of the district’s 5,200 hectares under Kharif cultivation may be affected. The pest, scientifically known as Leptocorisa acuta or the rice earhead bug, has expanded beyond its minor-pest classification in recent years, crossing critical economic threshold levels during field inspections, according to zonal agricultural officer (ZAO) Margao, Sheriff Furtado.
KTC turns to driver efficiency to tackle rising diesel costs
Panaji: Amid rising fuel costs from the ongoing geopolitical conflict in West Asia, Kadamba Transport Corporation (KTC) has introduced measures to improve operational efficiency and contain losses. “Surging retail and institutional diesel rates have pushed monthly operational expenditure gaps to between Rs 60 lakh and Rs 70 lakh. We have heightened driver efficiency tracking as a result,” KTC general manager Mahendra Pednekar told TOI .
F N Souza paperwork fetches record Rs 15.6 crore at auction Original
Panaji: A 1965 artwork by F N Souza, titled Hanuman the Monkey God, was sold for Rs 15.6 crore at Saffronart’s Autumn Auction, establishing a new global auction record for the highest-value individual work on paper by the artist. The milestone buy was a ‘white glove’ season for Saffronart, which achieved a 100% sell-through rate and a combined total of Rs 250.6 crore across its Sept 19 live sale and Sept 21–22 online auction.
Goa monsoon deficit reduces fungi, threatens forest ecology Original
Panaji: The shelf-like bracket fungi on trees are appearing thin, leathery and shrivelled. While a drying mushroom may seem insignificant, fungi are highly sensitive to forest humidity and depend largely on moisture in the air. “Bracket mushrooms need continuous moisture to grow. Without it, the canopy microclimate can change within hours,” said naturalist Parag Rangnekar.
KTC earned Rs 60L during Chaturthi festive surge
Panaji: Kadamba Transport Corporation Limited (KTC) earned Rs 60 lakh during this festive week, said chairperson Ulhas Tuyekar on Wednesday. To manage the surge in commuter movement during Ganesh Chaturthi 2026, KTC deployed special services in two primary phases - from Sept 11 to 13 and from Sept 16 to 20. During this period, the corporation operated over trips utilising a fleet of 78 regular buses alongside 30 additional buses, comprising AC Sleeper, Volvo, Luxury and Semi-Luxury coaches.
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