MARGAO
The historic Lohia Maidan, Margao -- symbolizing free speech and expression, may have received a face lift earlier this year after craving for attention for years.
Changes mooted to the main stage, which might have played host to national and state leaders, besides civil society members, post-Liberation era, haven’t yet seen light of the day. That’s not all. The power transformer is still standing tall adjoining the life-size statue of Dr Ram Manohar Lohia, with the electrical equipment blocking a full view of the statue from outside.
In fact, it’s now a little over three months since requests came pouring from all quarters over the main stage, whose size has significantly narrowed down during the beautification of Lohia Maidan.
That the renovation project has added beauty to the stage is not in question, but what has been observed by all and sundry is that the size of the stage has been drastically reduced, raising fears that the platform may not accommodate speakers and guests during public meetings.
A case in point was the Goa Revolution day function held on June 18 last, the first official function to be held post-beautification. While Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, Minister Mauvin Godinho and Nilesh Cabral along with MLAs Digambar Kamat and Ulhas Tuemkar were all seated on the front row, Margao’s First Citizen, Margao Municipal Chairperson Damu Shirodkar was forced to take a back seat for want of space.
Following this episode, Margao MLA Kamat along with MMC Chairperson Damu Shirodkar, the president of 18th Kranti Din Committee Avinash Shirodkar, the GSUDA appointed contractor and others had inspected the Lohia Maidan in June last, wherein it was suggested to suitably increase the size of the stage.
Reason: It was pointed out that since Lohia Maidan is a symbol of free speech and expression, the very significance of the historic place would be lost if the stage cannot cater to public meetings.
Taking note of the sentiments, Kamat had instructed the contactor to prepare a prototype of the expanded stage so that work on the same could be executed to effect the desired changes.
Three months down the lane, the ground reality, however, has remained unchanged. Neither the stage has been expanded to cater to the requirements nor has the Power department shifted the power transformer to the western side of the Maidan.
In fact, when The Goan called up an official of the Goa State Urban Development Agency (GSUDA) to shed light on the shifting of the power transformer and expansion of the stage, the official said GSUDA has written to the Electricity department to shift the transformer at the earliest.
As far as the stage is concerned, the GSUDA official said he would find out the nature of the request for the expansion of the state, saying a decision will be taken in due course of time.
“No doubt, GSUDA has added aesthetics to the stage, but the stage seemed to have been built to cater to an entertainment programme, when the Lohia Maidan symbolizes free speech and public meetings”, remarked a citizen.
