Vasco MLA Krishna Daji Salkar on Wednesday pointed out that Tilak Maidan in Vasco was used for only 30 out of 365 days in a year. In response Sports Minister Govind Gaude reportedly said that the ground will be kept open for the public from 4.30 to 6.30 in the evening subject to compliance of certain conditions. This ground was open to the general public throughout the year. The port town hardly has any open space for the citizens to carry out daily exercises like walking and jogging. The only other open space nearby is the joggers park at Chicalim. Senior citizens from Vasco cannot be expected to go all the way to Chicalim every day for their daily dose of exercise. Regular exercise can improve cardiovascular health and mobility, allowing seniors to maintain their independence and enjoy a higher quality of life. When the government creates such infrastructure like playgrounds, it should not be only for the use of sportspersons and athletes but for the general public as well. Various grounds across the state need to be kept open during the daytime for the use of the citizens.
