VASCO
With the fast-approaching Ganesh Chaturthi, the Hindu community in Vasco is already planning schedules and ceremonies,
but residents have been left worried as they proceed in large numbers to immerse the Ganesh idols at Baina beach.
The entry to the beach is incomplete and steps are missing from the renovated platform, which is 1.5 metres above the sand and laterite stones have been loosely placed making it difficult and unsafe to access the area during the Ganesh immersion ceremony.
It may be recalled that the foundation stone to the Baina beach beautification project, estimated to cost Rs 2 crore, was laid on February 1, 2016, by then tourism minister Dilip Parulekar in the presence of Mormugao MLA Milind Naik.
This Baina beach beautification project taken up by the GTDC was to include a garden, pathways, measures to contain soil erosion and seating arrangements. This project turned controversial when a social activist challenged the construction before the National Green Tribunal bench at Pune.
"We have to carry the Ganesh idols on our heads while walking without footwear as a part of the immersion ritual. However, there are no steps at the renovated platform leading to the beach and is at a height of about 1.5 mtrs from the shore. Besides, the platform is full of sharp laterite stones," said Sanjay Tari of Baina.
"It's dangerous to walk with Ganesh idols on our heads. I hope our MLA makes some immediate arrangements, considering the fast-approaching Ganesh Chaturthi," said Tari.
Added another resident, Ramesh Naik: "I wonder how should we go ahead with the immersion ceremony, given the difficulty in walking from the platform to the beach and back."
With the fast-approaching Ganesh Chaturthi, the Hindu community in Vasco is already planning schedules and ceremonies,
but residents have been left worried as they proceed in large numbers to immerse the Ganesh idols at Baina beach.
The entry to the beach is incomplete and steps are missing from the renovated platform, which is 1.5 metres above the sand and laterite stones have been loosely placed making it difficult and unsafe to access the area during the Ganesh immersion ceremony.
It may be recalled that the foundation stone to the Baina beach beautification project, estimated to cost Rs 2 crore, was laid on February 1, 2016, by then tourism minister Dilip Parulekar in the presence of Mormugao MLA Milind Naik.
This Baina beach beautification project taken up by the GTDC was to include a garden, pathways, measures to contain soil erosion and seating arrangements. This project turned controversial when a social activist challenged the construction before the National Green Tribunal bench at Pune.
"We have to carry the Ganesh idols on our heads while walking without footwear as a part of the immersion ritual. However, there are no steps at the renovated platform leading to the beach and is at a height of about 1.5 mtrs from the shore. Besides, the platform is full of sharp laterite stones," said Sanjay Tari of Baina.
"It's dangerous to walk with Ganesh idols on our heads. I hope our MLA makes some immediate arrangements, considering the fast-approaching Ganesh Chaturthi," said Tari.
Added another resident, Ramesh Naik: "I wonder how should we go ahead with the immersion ceremony, given the difficulty in walking from the platform to the beach and back."
