The iconic Lohia Maidan ground that triggered Operation Vijay for the liberation of Goa has been the center stage for several agitations and movements against the governments in Goa.
The movements may have made fortunes and catapulted several individuals into the limelight many of whom are now political leaders, but time seems to have stopped for this iconic location. Till date there has been no major plan for giving this historical location a facelift or provide substantial improvement in term of facilities. The ground that has seen people rise and improve has unfortunately not received much-needed improvement of any sort.
Unattended and uncared, Lohia Maidan will play host to another public meeting opposing PDA on April 27. In fact, this is the first name that comes to the mind of an activist or an opinion maker when he aims to make a name for himself or herself.
And though the size of the Lohia Maidan has remained the same over the years, there has been a gradual rise in the number of people attending, including the number of vehicles that are parked around the Lohia Maidan.
In addition to that, there has been a rise in the anti-social activities happening here and the freedom Fighters Association that has been looking after the affairs of Lohia Maidan have raised their voice several times over the issue. In fact, the Freedom Fighters Association of Margao had written to the Chairperson of the Margao Municipal Council to put things in order at the historic site.
As readers will know, this request came after Herald exposed a group of tourists enjoying liquor at the Lohia Maidan a few months ago.
The Freedom Fighters have also categorically alleged that the Lohia Maidan is misused by the rickshaw drivers and taxi drivers, besides nearby shop owners and pedestrians, who urinate near the statue.
There is no security during the day and night people often jump from the compound wall and even open the gates to carry out illegal activities or throw garbage and waste near the electricity transformer, which is compounded by a wire mesh.
There has been a demand to increase the height of the compound wall and to put up prohibition banners. Again, the demand to illuminate place and also to direct police to take strict action against culprits has been made on several occasions, but there seems to be no response.
Perhaps no improvement takes place here because Lohia Maidan has only been the stage for the people opposing the ruling dispensations right from the year 1961.
however, there is an urgent need for the improvement of the Lohia Maidan for now. The TCP Minister Vijai Sardesai has been on record, earlier, claiming that he plans to make Lohia Maidan a more vibrant and well-designed place to suit the historic city of Margao.
However, there is nothing in black and white, regarding this plan till date and lip-service is all that this historic ground has got till date.
