Cortalim Congress leader Mahesh Nadar along with locals while addressing the media outside the cyclone shelter in Zuarinagar.
VASCO
Cortalim Congress leader Mahesh Nadar on Sunday launched a scathing attack on Cortalim MLA Anton Vas, the local panchayat, and the ruling BJP over the deplorable condition of basic amenities at the new cyclone shelter in Zuarinagar. Nadar alleged that the washroom facilities at the multipurpose facility have remained non-functional and without running water since 2022, causing severe hardship to the public, especially women and children.
Addressing reporters, Nadar expressed deep outrage over the local governing body’s failure to maintain the venue despite aggressively collecting rental fees for private and public functions. He pointed out the absurd reality residents face when booking the hall, stating that citizens might soon have to carry water buckets from home just to use the toilets during events.
"The MLA Anton Vas and the panchayat have failed miserably," Nadar said. "The panchayat generates significant revenue by charging people for every small function hosted here, yet they cannot even provide running water in the toilets. Women and children attending events here face immense embarrassment and hardship due to this absolute apathy."
Taking direct aim at the ruling party, Nadar questioned how BJP leaders and ministers could turn a blind eye to the facility's neglect. He noted that top BJP leaders and ministers have frequently attended official programmes and party events at this very venue, sarcastically wondering where visiting dignitaries and ministers went when they needed to use a washroom during those functions.
Nadar challenged the authorities to step aside if they are incapable of maintaining basic public infrastructure. He offered to take personal responsibility for the venue's upkeep, stating he is ready to fund and manage the maintenance of the sanitation facilities if the panchayat and MLA issue him a No Objection Certificate (NOC).
The multipurpose shelter was constructed to act as an emergency refuge during coastal calamities and a community hall during normal periods. However, without functional water supply and proper maintenance, locals feel the building fails its primary public purpose.
Nadar demanded immediate intervention from the district administration and public works department to restore water connections and repair the sanitation systems before any major emergency arises. He warned that if the MLA and Panchayat fail to address the issue swiftly, local residents and Congress activists will escalate their protest against the apathy of the authorities.
