the goan I network
MARGAO
Margao Municipal Council land located opposite the Sonsodo waste dump will soon play host to urban forest under the Shahar Van project with the objective of setting up an eco-park on the land.
The revitalization of the old market talli (water tank) and the Talsan zor spring, besides beautification of the old market garden and the open spaces is also on the anvil.
Deputy Chief Minister Vijai Sardesai, who also holds the forest portfolio, inspected the land in question along with Curtorim MLA Reginaldo Lourenco and Raia panchayat and MMC officials to identify the site for the Shahar Van project.
After inspecting the site, the Forest Minister said the land in question was acquired by the Margao Municipal Council over a decade ago for phase II of the Sonsodo project. He, however, said the Phase II Sonsodo project could not take shape due to strong objections from the residents of Raia. The land in question already plays host to thick vegetation
He pointed out that project will kick start from Sunday with the Vanamahotsava project (tree planting) at the site in question, before planting trees across the state. He said the open space admeasuring 5000 square meters in Fatorda will also be taken up for beautification.
Meanwhile, the Deputy Chief Minister said that a study will be conducted of the old market talli (water tank) which was taken up for revitalization under the old market plan. After inspecting the water tank along with ward councillor Glen Andrade and other officials, Sardesai said since the talli appears contaminated with polluted water, a detailed study will be carried out after the monsoon.
He said the old market garden, which was taken up by ex-MP Narendra Sawaikar under the MPLAD scheme, will be handed over to the forest department for maintenance. “We have found that there’s better upkeep and maintenance when the gardens are with the Forests,” he said.
On the Dambab talli at Fatorda, he, however, said that Chowgules has declined to give NOC for the revitalization of the water tank.
On the talsan zor spring on the Fatorda-Margao border, Sardesai directed the officials to prepare the plan on priority so that work on the project is executed at the earliest.
