the goan I network
MARGAO
The historic Lohia Maidan “ symbolising freedom of speech and expression “ will retain its character as a place where individuals can make free speech and hold public meetings, but plans are now afoot to make the sprawling grounds user friendly for senior citizens, students, tourists et al.
As the government plans to give a facelift for the historic maidan “ named after the great nationalist Dr Ram Manohar Lohia, from where he gave a clarion call to Goans to oust the oppressive Portuguese regime “ the powers that be and authorities rushed to reassure freedom fighters, citizens and Madgavkars alike that there isn’t going to be any dilution of the importance of the place known for free speech and expression.
Thursday saw the freedom fighters, citizens, City Fathers, besides TCP Minister Vijai Sardesai and Margao MLA Digambar Kamat deliberating on a draft plan mooted by the Urban Design and Architecture Initiative (UDAI), an agency that has been roped in to give a facelift to the Lohia Maidan.
While the initial proposal to have an amphitheater at the maidan is shelved as the powers that be have finally decided not to effect changes that would come in the way of public meetings, the draft plan has mooted a walking track all round the place with a provision for urinals. The power transformer is proposed to be shifted to the far corner of the maidan, while the stage, which is in the form of a rectangle, will now be circle shaped.
The entire maidan will have LED lighting and plans to give a new look to the South Goa Administrator of Comunidade building if the government decides to renovate the imposing structure.
Margao MLA Digambar Kamat said the draft plan is quite alright, but hastened to add that car ought to be taken to ensure there’s no reduction of space because of the proposed walking track and other amenities. “Lohia Maidan symbolises free speech and expression. Anyone can come and speak there, right from a mere 5-20 people to thousands. The consultant Pritesth Bafna of UDAI has been told to incorporate the changes mooted by the stakeholders before further discussions takes place,” Kamat said.
TCP Minister Vijai Sardesai, however, sought to allay apprehensions. “There won’t be any reduction in the space for public meetings. What is being planned is that the space will be made user friendly for senior citizens and students. The consultant will prepare the final design within two weeks before it gets a nod from the freedom fighters, MLAs and the citizens,” Sardesai said.
Saying that the proposal will go to the Margao Municipal Council once the stakeholders give its nod for the plan, the TCP Minister said the Goa State Urban Development Agency (GSUDA) will execute the plan at the earliest.
The beautification plan has found favour with the freedom fighters. Noted freedom fighter Gurunath Kelekar said the plan will not reduce the seating capacity of the Lohia Maidan and all public meetings will continue to take place unhindered. “We have suggested some measures including an urinal and to cover the stage,” Kelekar said, adding the consultant will come back to the stakeholders after two weeks.
