The residents have demanded that the ground be reserved as a playground space and also to cancel its zoning as a Commercial Zone in the ODP. The residents have warned that if the authority fails to do the same they will be compelled to approach the Court of law for appropriate relief.
The residents, in the letter to the SGPDA, said that the playground has been used daily for more than 100 years, and continues to be so used till today, freely, openly and peacefully by the residents of Margao i.e. Aquem Alto, Malbhat, Vidhyanagar, Aquem Baixo, Gogol, and the other adjoining areas, as a traditional venue for social, sports, cultural and political activities.
“Recently the said Costa Ground was used by the Margao MLA to host his birthday celebrations. Fitness enthusiasts use the said playground for jogging and other health activities,” says the letter.
“The problems which will be caused due to a construction will deprive people from using the playground for activities; bring stress on electricity and sewage system of the area, increase in traffic and problems of garbage and sanitation in the area. It is therefore of utmost importance and need that the said Costa Ground should be reserved as a playground in the ODP, and marking it as a Commercial Zone be cancelled,” says the letter to the SGPDA.
The issue of the Aquem ground till date has undergone several ups and downs and has become a reason for several political fights too. However, the classification of the space as commercial has now caught the people by surprise.
