the goan I network
VASCO
The steps were missing from the renovated platform, which is 1.5 metres above the sand, and laterite stones had been loosely placed, making it difficult and unsafe for devotees to access the area during the Ganesh immersion ceremony, which begins from Saturday.
Reacting swiftly to The Goan report, Naik had assured to immediately build steps at the renovated platform at Baina beach.
Acting on his promise, construction material arrived at the beach site within 24 hours of the The Goan report and wide steps were built by a contractor on top priority near the Maruti Temple at the beach, considering the fast approaching Ganesh Chaturthi.
When contacted, a supervisor at the construction site said they were instructed by the MLA to construct wide steps at the entrance to Baina beach.
"We were asked to make wide steps to ensure that people walking with Ganesh idols on their heads do not have problems accessing the beach. Work was in progress since the last two days," said the contractor.
Residents appreciated the MLA for addressing their difficulties and taking swift action to build the steps.
When contacted, Mormugao MLA Milind Naik said he had been getting positive response to the steps built at Baina beach.
"The plan for the steps was definitely there and entry to the beach was planned at two places. A large number of people visit Baina beach and many people visit Maruti temple on Saturdays. I was aware of the possible hardship that people would have encountered
during the Ganesh immersion ceremony in the absence of steps and hence, I instructed a contractor to construct wide steps at the entrance to the beach," said Naik.
"I wish I had some more time as I would have put pavers on the steps to have made them even more beautiful. But this is a temporary arrangement and as the beautification work begins, I will make sure the beach gets better facilities," he added.
