the goan I network
MARGAO
Well, this question has come to the fore as the historic maidan is craving for attention with overgrown wild grass literally the order of the day. That’s not all. Though a provision has been made for illumination of Lohia’s life-size statue installed inside the maidan, there’s virtually a blackout all over the place in recent weeks.
That the maidan dedicated to the great nationalist had been in the news last week after a group of tourists were confronted by locals for consuming liquour has not spurred the local Margo civic body to step in clear the place of the wild grass.
When The Goan contacted freedom fighter Gurunath Kelekar for his comment on the condition at the Lohia maidan, he said the authorities have been found wanting in its upkeep and maintenance. “The Margao civic body ought to have cleared the maidan of the wild grass. Independence Day is fast approaching and I wonder whether the civic body will step in only on the eve of the great occasion,” Kelekar said.
He lamented that unscrupulous persons use the Lohia Maidan day in and day out in order to answer nature’s call. The freedom fighter pointed out that the office provided to the freedom fighters’ association is also craving for attention. “The office walls may crumble if immediate repair work is not carried out by the authorities,” he said.
When The Goan called up Margao Municipal Chairperson Babita Angle to shed light on the poor maintenance of the Lohia Maidan, she lamented that the civic body has no mechanism in place wherein upkeep and maintenance forms part and parcel of the routine duties of the staff concerned. “I will discuss the matter with Chief Officer Y B Tawde to put a mechanism in place to ensure the upkeep of the maidan,” Babita said.
