Panchayat Minister Mauvin Godinho on Thursday inspected the newly built ramp for Ganesh immersion at Vaddem lake. Several Hindus from areas of Vaddem, New Vaddem and Chicalim immerse Ganesh idols in the lake during Ganesh Chaturthi for the past many years.
VASCO
The lake, which is the property of St Andrew's Church, was taken up for beautification-cum-upgradation by Goa State Urban Development Agency (GSUDA) somewhere in August 2014. The beautification was an initiative of Godinho, who had stated that the lake would attract more tourists and benefit Dabolim and Vasco constituencies.
Some days back, a few Hindu families from the nearby locality had expressed concern whether the ramp would be built due to code of conduct. They had also expressed concern over hygiene and cleanliness in the lake water.
Later, Godinho convened a review meeting to take stock of the project and officials of GSUDA, Mormugao Municipal Council (MMC), Vasco Church authorities and other agencies involved in the project attended the meeting. With Ganesh Chaturthi fast approaching, the contractor was instructed to clear a certain area for the ramp for Ganesh immersion.
On Thursday, Godinho decided to personally inspect the ramp and also instructed his staff to make various arrangements that are needed for the Hindu community during the Visarjan.
"For the last 7 years, I have been building this strong ramp at my own cost. This ramp is temporary but with beautification of the lake, there will be a
permanent ramp and arrangements to immerse Ganesh idols at Ganesh Chaturthi," said Godinho.
"This lake will have sidewalks, boating and walking tracks for senior citizens of the area. A small area next to the lake will be alloted for an amphitheater for St Andrew's hss. This lake is the gateway to Vasco and it will be a big milestone with a feel great factor," he added.
