MAPUSA
Maintaining that no hill cutting was undertaken during the restoration of the former Aguada jail, Ports Minister Michael Lobo appealed to NGOs to do a rethink over cases filed in the courts in larger public interest.
“We have not done any hill cutting for any construction. We are doing pitching work on the hill so that the hill does not collapse. I request the people who have filed cases in courts to think about larger public good,” Lobo said.
The Ports Minister was addressing the media while conducting an inspection of the ongoing restoration work of the erstwhile Aguada jail which is sought to be converted into a museum.
Candolim Sarpanch Blaize Fernandes, other panchayat members, GTDC officials and others were also present for the inspection.
Continuing, Lobo said 90 percent of the restoration work was complete and the balance civil work will be completed by December. “After the completion of the civil work, we will begin the process of installing the exhibits in the museum. The museum is expected to be thrown open to public by February next year,” he said.
The minister said he respected the NGOs but condemned objections being raised for every small thing which finally affects development.
“I fully respect the NGOs. But what is the objection for? We are not selling the property to any Delhi party. The area under legal scrutiny is required for parking. We will do pitching work and build a protection wall. We had informed them. It’s now in the High Court. The High Court will decide in larger public interest. We also don’t want to cut any trees. Once restoration work is completed, we will plant more trees,” he said.
Besides depicting Goa’s freedom struggle, the museum will also have galleries showcasing Goan artifacts.
“This museum will be one of its kind. It will depict the freedom struggle and the Independence movement too. We want to showcase Goa during the Portuguese era and after Portuguese era. All the artifacts will be displayed here. I appeal to Goans who have historical artifacts to come forward and donate them,” he said.
He said Nandan Kudchadkar, the owner of the Calizz private museum in Candolim has agreed to hand over his collection of Goan artifacts to the museum.
Lobo said the restoration work of the erstwhile Aguada jail was being done at a cost of Rs 25 cr through central funds.
Candolim Sarpanch Blaize Fernandes said he was happy with the fast progress of the renovation of the jail/museum work. “We are happy for the villagers of Candolim and Goa. I hope the parking issue which is in the High Court gets resolved quickly. We will see nothing is damaged. We will also ensure more trees are planted but we need parking here,” Fernandes said.
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‘Recent drugs raid has tarnished Goa’s image, but Goa Police doing a good job’
MAPUSA: Ports Minister Micahel Lobo admitted that the recent drugs related raids have tarnished Goa’s image but gave a clean chit to the Goa Police for handling the issue with tact.
He also said there was no pressure on the Goa government whatsoever and the BJP-led government will continue to work under the leadership of CM Pramod Sawant until 2022.
“There’s no doubt that because of drugs the image of Goa has suffered. Goa is a tourist destination. We want good tourists. We want small parties to happen but without drugs,” Lobo said.
Lobo was reacting to the recent underground party along the Anjuna coast and the drugs raid by the crime branch in the village.
On Thursday, a team of the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) arrived in Goa to investigate a trail of drugs which emerged from the probe into the Bollywood actor Sushant Singh Rajput’s death.
Continuing, Lobo said nailing those people who are involved in the drug trade was crucial and police in Goa were doing a fine job.
“The crime branch raid has passed a strong message that drugs party cannot and should not happen in the State. Crime branch has arrested some people and it’s a good thing. Now, opposition will always come with allegations which have no meaning. Finally, action speaks and Goa Police have acted,” the minister said, defending the men in khaki.
He said the State government has given a free hand to police to arrest any suspects they feel were into drug business.
