Panaji, 07 April 2026 ::A power shut down has been arranged on April 09, 2026 from 09.30 am to 01.30 pm at 11 KV Chinchinim feeder, Margao to carry out urgent maintenance works. Affected areas are Health Centre, Chinchinim Bazar, Succofarm, Devasa, Ice factory, Orlim Bridge, Coddeawaddo, Bypass Deussa, Vellur, Corporation Bank, Band fall and Gabrial Garage.

Panaji, 07 April 2026 :A power shut down has been arranged on April 12, 2026 from 07.00 am to 04.00 pm in entire Talukas of Salcete, Canacona, Sanguem, Quepem, Mormugao, part of Dharbandora taluka i.e. V.P. Kirlapal-Dabal, Shigao-Collem, Mollem and parts of Ponda taluka i.e. V.P. Panchawadi and Salaulim water works at Xelpem, as the Electricity Department has planned Annual Shutdown for maintenance work of 220 KV EHV Sub-Station in South Goa at Xeldem and Cuncolim and 110 KV Verna Sub-Station and 220 KV interstate and intrastate lines. However, Areas of Raia, Curtorim, Loutolim and Macazana will have power supply.

Panaji, 07 April 2026:A power shut down has been arranged on April 12, 2026 from 07.00 am to 02.00 pm at Majorda Sub-Station, Verna to carry out Pre-Monsoon maintenance work. Affected areas are entire Villages of Majorda, Utorda, Calata, Cansaulim, Arossim, Cuelim, Velsao, Pale, Issorcim, Consua, Nuvem, Duguem, Verna, Nagoa and IDC Phase 1A and parts of Betalbatim.

Panaji, 07 April 2026::General Administration Department has declared Thursday, April 09, 2026 as a “Paid Holiday” in view of Bye-Election to 21-Ponda Assembly Constituency, to every person employed in any business, trade, industrial undertaking or any other establishment and entitled to vote at the Bye-Election, throughout the State of Goa.

The paid holiday shall be applicable to person who are entitled to vote at the Bye-Election such as workers of all establishments including commercial and industrial undertakings in the State of Goa; daily wage/casual workers employed in any business, trade, industrial undertakings, Government departments, State Government Industrial Departments or any other establishment.

Panaji: April 06, 2026

The third training session for 270 polling personnel for the Bye-Election to the 21-Ponda Assembly Constituency was conducted today at GVM’s Dr. Dada Vaidya College of Education, Ponda.

The session focused on familiarising polling personnel with their roles and responsibilities, including those of Presiding Officers and Polling Officers. It also included hands-on training on the operation of EVMs and VVPATs, along with clear instructions on mock poll procedures, sealing protocols and statutory requirements to ensure smooth and compliant conduct on polling day.

Polling personnel were guided on the correct conduct of mock polls and the issuance of mock poll certificates. Demonstrations using “Training and Awareness EVMs” were conducted to help staff effectively communicate the voting process to voters, particularly assisting those who may require additional support.

A total of 45 polling stations has been set up across the Ponda AC.

Panaji: April 06, 2026

District Magistrate(DM), South Goa, has banned unlawful assembly of more than 5 persons and prohibited holding of meeting and any procession or rally to prevent any nuisance disturbances and law and order problem from 06.00 pm of April 07, 2026 to 06.00 pm of April 09, 2026 in the jurisdiction of 21 – Ponda Assembly Constituency in Ponda Taluka.

DM South has further stated that, No loud speaker will be permitted to be used for the purpose of elections during the said period of 48 hours proceeding with the poll closing time.

Vehicles permitted to all Contesting Candidates by the Returning Officers for campaigning shall not ply on roads during the said period to avoid any distribution of money or gifts or liquor and to prevent any nuisance and law and order problems, except for vehicles authorized by the Returning Officers on the day of Poll.

All private vehicles shall be subject to inspections in a dignified manner as per rules to avoid their misuse for distribution of money, gifts or liquor and for causing any nuisance also to avoid any harassment to private persons.

No liquor shops, hotels, restaurants, clubs and other establishments selling or serving liquor shall be permitted to sell/serve liquor to anyone whosoever.

Non-proprietary clubs, star hotels, restaurants, etc. and hotels functioning under different categories of licenses for possession and supply of liquor, shall also not be permitted to serve liquor on these days.

The storage of liquor by individuals shall be curtailed during the above period and the restrictions provided in the Excise law on the storage of liquor in unlicensed premises shall be vigorously enforced.

There shall be no restrictions on house – to – house visits during 48 hours in connection with door to door campaigning.

The instructions also has been issued with respect to the Election Booth (temporary Offices) on poll day such as, No election booth shall be set up within a distance of 100 meters from the entrance of the polling station. Even where more than one polling station has been set up in the same polling station location or premises, the election booth of a contesting candidate for such group of polling stations/booths shall not be set up within a distance of 100 meters from the entrance of any of these polling stations.

Only one table and two chairs shall be provided at each of such polling station with an umbrella or a small tent measuring not more than 10 X 10 ft. to protect from weather conditions.

No electioneering shall be allowed within 100 meter area around the Polling Station on the date of Poll.

Panaji: April 06, 2026

District Magistrate (DM), South Goa, has prohibited all Restaurants, Bars, Tea shops, Tavern, Paan shops, Eateries and other Food shops/joints (Dhabas, Gaddas) etc., situated within 100 meter radius of all polling stations situated in 21 Ponda Assembly constituency in Ponda Taluka in South Goa District jurisdiction w.e.f. 06.00 am to 09.00 pm on the day of poll on April 09, 2026.

DM, South has also ban any gathering or crowd comprising of more than 5 persons within 100 meters of polling stations within the area of 2l – Ponda Assembly Constituency in Ponda Taluka in South Goa District.

The restrictions will not apply to public servants on duty and to bonafide marriage or funeral processions or religious processions/ functions. Also, it will not apply to the authorised officers on Election duty including the Polling Officials, Magistrates, Police Officials and Government Staff.

Panaji: April 06, 2026

A power shut down has been arranged on April 07, 2026 from 09.00 am to 04.30 pm at 11 KV Dando feeder, Sanguem to carry out urgent maintenance works. Affected areas are Dabamol, Cotarli, Velipwada, Piraraj, Zariwada, Part of Xelpem and surrounding areas.

Also, a power shut down has been arranged on April 08, 2026 from 09.00 am to 01.00 pm at 11 kV Vasco-2 Feeder to carry out urgent maintenance works. Affected areas are Chicalim Panchayat, Sai Service and surrounding areas.

Panaji: April 04, 2026::A power shut down has been arranged on April 06, 2026 from 09.00 am to 01.00 pm at 11 kV Vasco-2 feeder to carry out urgent maintenance works. Affected areas are Chicalim Podt Office, Waterways Shipyard and surrounding areas.

Similarly also, a power shut down has been arranged on April 07, 2026 from 09.00 am to 01.00 pm at 11 kV Cortalim feeder  to carry out urgent maintenance works. Affected areas are Shindolim, Bandar and surrounding areas.

Panaji:  April 4, 2026::Ms. Egna Cleetus, IAS, Collector & District Election Officer, South Goa, in the presence of Ms.Sharyu Adhe, IAS, Expenditure Observer, Shri Santosh Desai, SP (South), Shri Ramesh Gaonkar, Additional Collector-II and Shri Velton Tellis, Deputy Collector, South-I held  a review meeting with all Nodal Officers to ensure preparedness, including the law and order situation in view of the upcoming Bye-Election to 21-Ponda Assembly Constituency.

The meeting was attended by senior officials including SP (Elections), ADM (Law & Order), DySP Ponda, RO, ARO, CEO–Zilla Parishad, and representatives from various departments.

All Nodal Officers reviewed the status of election-related arrangements. The Expenditure Observer directed strengthening of surveillance measures, including check posts at all entry and exit points and close monitoring of suspicious cash transactions. Vigilance on liquor, narcotics and other inducements was intensified, with law enforcement agencies instructed to take prompt action on any violations.

Emphasis was placed on ensuring compliance with Assured Minimum Facilities (AMF) at all polling stations, with directions to complete pending repairs. Proper management, timely dispatch and secure storage of postal ballots were also stressed, with CCTV surveillance and strict monitoring mechanisms to prevent any irregularities.

The security of strong rooms was reviewed, with directions for robust arrangements, continuous CCTV surveillance and regulated access. Special focus was given to accessibility measures for PwDs and senior citizens, including ramps, wheelchairs, and volunteer assistance.

Attention was given to preparing Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), particularly for the critical 72 hours prior to polling day, while all departments were instructed to maintain close coordination and strictly adhere to Election Commission of India guidelines.