PANAJI:
CCP Mayor Rohit Monserrate said the Corporation will take up the issue of the Campal Football Ground, which has remained closed for around one-and-a-half years, citing the shortage of open spaces for youth in Panaji.
Speaking to the media after the CCP meeting on Wednesday, Mayor said the Corporation wants to ensure that the ground is accessible to the public, including the use of its parking area and jogging track.
“Panaji does not have a lot of open spaces, and our youth need a place to play. We want an area where the youth can have programmes and families can spend time together. We will make sure we choose the right one,” he said.
Calling the prolonged closure of the ground unjustified, Mayor said the Corporation would take up the matter and work towards opening it for public use.
He acknowledged that some councillors had objected to the proposal but said the Corporation would act in the best interests of the public. He also indicated that certain charges may be necessary to cover the high cost of maintaining the ground.
Panaji MLA and Revenue Minister Atanasio Monserrate has written to the Urban Development Department seeking the handover of the ground to the CCP. The CCP Council thanked and congratulated him for the initiative.
Mayor also raised concerns over the shortage of parking spaces in Panaji, particularly in areas frequented by residents, businesses and tourists. He said the Corporation would explore proper trials with the police department to address traffic-related issues, including double parking.
Further, he also said the Corporation supports the Revenue Minister’s stand against privatising the new Captain of Ports jetty or handing it over to a private entity for 30 years. Mayor said the Corporation was in favour of keeping the jetty from being handed over to a private operator for such a long period.
