MAPUSA
The Deputy Speaker and Mapusa, MLA Joshua D’Souza, announced on Monday that the Arts and Culture Department is set to take a decision soon regarding the land acquisition process for the construction of a Ravindra Bhavan in Cunchelim-
Mapusa.
D’Souza along with members of the Cunchelim Comunidade held detailed discussions with officials from the Art and Culture Department on the steps needed to acquire Comunidade land for the project.
“We had a review meeting with the Director of Art and Culture, the Administrator of Comunidade, North, and members of the Cunchelim Comunidade to discuss how to proceed with acquiring land for the Ravindra Bhavan in Mapusa,” D’Souza said.
Initially, it was estimated that approximately 19,000 square metres of land were available for the project. However, recent findings have revealed that around 36,000 square meters are actually available.
The Arts and Culture Department has expressed interest in acquiring the entire 36,000 square meters for the project.
“Now, it is up to the Cunchelim Comunidade to determine how to transfer the 36,000 square meters of land to the department,” D’Souza added.
He further stated that the government will decide whether to lease the land or purchase it outright.
Emphasising the importance of the project, D’Souza said, “It’s a Ravindra Bhavan for Bardez. I want it to happen as soon as possible. The government should purchase the land under grant and prioritise the commencement of
work.”
The decision to shift the project to Cunchelim came after the initial plan to construct the Ravindra Bhavan opposite the Bodgeshwar Temple in Mapusa encountered legal obstacles.
The Minister for Art and Culture, Govind Gaude, has agreed in principle to proceed with the construction at the new site in Cunchelim, following the local Comunidade’s willingness to provide the necessary
land.
The Cunchelim Comunidade has already given its consent for the project and is now awaiting the government’s approval of its terms and conditions.
