MAPUSA: Calangute may soon have a statue honouring its agricultural heritage, with panchayat member Geeta L Parab proposing a monument depicting a farmer ploughing a field. In a letter dated October 30 to the sarpanch, Parab has urged the panchayat to install the statue as a tribute to generations of farmers who sustained the village through agriculture before tourism transformed it into a popular destination. She has suggested three possible locations for the monument — near the Calangute police station, Flamingos at Vaigan and Bodko Vod, leaving the final decision to the panchayat. Parab said that while Calangute is widely known for its beaches and tourism, its roots lie in agriculture and the contribution of its farming community. The proposed statue, she said, would not only enhance the village’s surroundings but also remind residents and tourists of its agricultural past. A reference photograph of the proposed statue has also been submitted to the panchayat for consideration.
