the goan I network
VASCO
In an unusual situation, several banners have been placed at various key locations in Vasco seeking to know the Ganesh Visarjan sites next year, if MPT acquires Kharewado and Baina beach as part of its ambitious expansion plans.
The banners, written in Marathi and English, have been specifically set up near Kharewado beach, Baina Beach and other water bodies in Vasco, where people immerse Ganesh idols during visarjan.
The banners have evoked mixed reactions from various people and Vasco-based social activists have voiced concerns over the contents displayed by the banners.
Speaking to reporters, Niz Goenkar Revolutionary Front Spokesperson Chandrashekar Vasta on Tuesday said the MPT should come out with clear provisions for Ganesh visarjan sites, if the beaches were to be acquired.
“If beaches are acquired, it would affect a large number of Hindu families who immerse Ganesh idols at Kharewado annually during the Ganesh Chaturthi festival. If the berths are built what provision would be made for the people during Ganesh visarjan,” he asked.
Vasco-based social activist Vikram Sarmalkar feared that MPT could erect a compound wall and block the entire Kharewado beach, as part of MPT’s expansion in Kharewado.
“The MPT has already built a jetty in Baina and put up a board. There will be a compound wall as per ISPS rules and it will be a concern of national security,” said Sarmalkar.
Unaware about banners, but it’s a wrong message: MPT
VASCO: Rubbishing the claims of the banners erected in the city, MPT Acting Chairman G P Rai on Tuesday insisted that MPT had never stopped any activity till date.
“We are unaware of any such banners in the city, but I want to clearly state that we at MPT have never ever disturbed the social fabric of society,” said Rai.
“As per the act, the water limit of up to 50 yards becomes a part of MPT. We are not stopping any activity whatsoever until it is objectionable. Such banners have been sending a wrong message against MPT,” Rai added.
