MARGAO
The iconic Margao Municipal Garden has once again come under the spotlight after a group of migrants was allegedly involved in a violent scuffle inside the premises, raising fresh concerns over security and public safety.
Taking serious note of the incident, Margao MLA and PWD Minister Digambar Kamat has directed Margao Municipal Administrator Srinet Kothwale and Chief Officer Madhu Narvekar to ensure round-the-clock security at the garden.
However, Kamat dismissed allegations that the garden has become a hub for prostitution.
“The police have briefed me that there is no prostitution in the Municipal Garden. The garden has become a meeting point for migrants arriving in the State for work. After alighting at the Margao railway station, they walk to the garden, where contractors later pick them up for work at various locations across Goa,” the Minister said.
To curb nuisance and anti-social activities, Kamat said he has issued clear instructions to the Margao Municipal Council (MMC) to deploy security personnel round the clock.
“The garden belongs to the Margao Municipal Council. It is their duty and responsibility to ensure the premises are properly secured by deploying adequate security,” he added.
Meanwhile, Madganvcho Awaaz youth leader Prabhav Naik strongly condemned the incident, saying a public garden cannot be allowed to turn into a “freestyle fighting arena.”
“The shocking broad-daylight assault inside the Margao Municipal Garden exposes a complete breakdown of security and administration. An FIR must be registered against the Chief Officer of the Margao Municipal Council for failing to ensure the safety and security of citizens visiting the garden,” Naik demanded.
Reacting to the incident, Naik said the violent clash once again highlighted the alleged negligence of the Margao Municipal Council in maintaining law and order at one of the city's busiest public spaces.
“A public garden should be a place where senior citizens, women, children and families can spend time without fear. The administration cannot escape responsibility for such a serious lapse,” he said.
Referring to information obtained under the Right to Information Act, Naik pointed out that the Goa Human Resource Development Corporation has deployed 25 security personnel to the Margao Municipal Council.
“If these security guards have indeed been deployed, where are they posted? Why were they absent when this incident took place? The people of Margao deserve answers, and accountability must be fixed,” Naik said.
