MARGAO
In a strange turn of events, land acquired by the government near Ravindra Bhavan, Margao, for the construction of a hockey ground has instead turned into a dumping ground for garbage and construction debris.
The land, acquired with the avowed objective of promoting hockey in the commercial capital, has seen no progress towards the promised sports infrastructure. On the contrary, it now plays host to heaps of waste, raising serious questions about the government’s commitment to the project.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Margao in early 2024 to launch the Viksit Bharat programme had briefly raised hopes among hockey promoters and fans. For the occasion, authorities shifted the Kadamba Transport Corporation (KTC) bus stand from its usual location to the acquired land, as the existing Margao bus stand was earmarked for the Prime Minister’s public meeting. The land was filled and levelled to accommodate a temporary bus stand, sparking optimism that development of the hockey ground would finally begin.
However, the optimism proved short-lived. Instead of further development, the land soon became a dumping site in gross violation of prevailing garbage management rules. The Margao Municipal Council was the first to begin disposing of garden waste on the plot. This was followed by real estate developers and contractors dumping construction debris, taking advantage of the open space and apparent lack of enforcement.
Over time, unscrupulous elements began dumping mixed waste on the acquired land, with no visible action taken against the offenders. The continued inaction of the authorities has drawn sharp criticism from residents.
Residents of Fatorda and surrounding areas have demanded an immediate halt to the illegal dumping. They have questioned how authorities can remain silent spectators while government-acquired land is misused in such an unauthorised manner.
Meanwhile, questions are also being raised about whether the government still intends to pursue the hockey ground project on the site or whether the land is being quietly diverted for other purposes. With no official clarification forthcoming, concerns continue to mount over the fate of the long-promised sports facility.
