MAPUSA
The scenic Parra road, celebrated for its palm-lined allure featured in the Bollywood film ‘Dear Zindagi,’ has gained a new attraction, ‘Madanni,’ a sustainable community park designed for both locals and tourists.
This idyllic road, flanked by palm trees and lush green fields, already draws numerous tourists seeking the perfect selfie. Now, they have an additional reason to visit “ a unique park that combines art, innovation, and sustainability.
Inaugurated by the Parra panchayat along with the Calangute and Siolim MLA couple, ‘Madanni’ integrates sculptures by local artists that resonate with Goan culture. The park offers a picturesque sit-out area with toilets and changing rooms.
The park is free for Goans, while tourists are charged a fee of Rs 50 per head. To accommodate visitors, the Parra panchayat has created parking facilities for 50 cars and 70 two-wheelers at two separate locations.
“There were demands from one section of the people to ban tourists from creating a nuisance on this road. I don't think we can stop tourists from coming and photographing. We will provide adequate facilities to everyone. This park will only grow as we have asked for more space from the comunidade,” stated Calangute MLA Michael Lobo during the park's opening.
Looking ahead, there are plans to develop a children’s park nearby, pending additional land acquisition from the local comunidade. Efforts are also underway to construct footpaths along both sides of the road, ensuring that tourists can walk safely without disrupting traffic.
“Parra is a beautiful village, and we want to keep it green. This village needs to set an example for other villages and become a model village,” Lobo emphasised.
The Parra road has been a focal point of both admiration and controversy. Tourists often block the thoroughfare for photo shoots, sometimes engaging in dangerous stunts like driving while sitting on the car bonnet.
These actions have caused frustration among locals, leading to demands for better management of tourist activity.
The Parra panchayat previously faced criticism for imposing a controversial photography tax and later a garbage tax. With the establishment of ‘Madanni,’ a more structured approach to managing tourism and preserving the local environment seems to be taking shape.
This new development promises to enhance Parra’s charm, offering tourists a well-equipped spot to enjoy the village's beauty while respecting the needs and privacy of the local community.
