Hidden political agenda behind PMC plan to oppose
HERALD: What is the purpose of the beautification of the Kranti Maidan?
Lavoo Mamledar: The Kranti Maidan beautification work was undertaken to provide information to the young generation about Goa freedom fighters and struggle for Goa’s liberation. Besides the beautification with pavers, there will be pillars containing information about freedom fighters and martyrs.
HERALD: Please give us some details about the beautification project? What is being planned and what is the cost of the project.
LM: The project will include around 36 concrete pillars and four statues of lions to symbolize the Kadamba rule in Goa. Besides, there will a fountain at the entrance. A Kundapur (Karnataka) contractor has been awarded the contract. The work is being undertaken at a cost of about Rs 4.26 crore.
HERALD: The PMC and a large number of people are opposed to the beautification project arguing that it would reduce the size of Ponda’s only large ground?
LM: The work was started last year by the State government and the foundation stone was laid by Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar in the presence of PWD Minister Sudin Davalikar, the PMC Chairperson Radhika Naik, freedom fighters.
Only a few people with political interests are opposing the work. The beautification work will not reduce the seating capacity at Kranti Maidan and around 2,500 people can easily be accommodated at the site for any function.
HERALD: First, it was the Sopo tax controversy and now, it is the Kranti Maidan beautification project controversy. Why are you and the PMC opposed to each other on issues like these?
LM: The PMC is opposing the Kranti Maidan development due to political interests. The PMC had passed a resolution on February 20, 2013 supporting the Kranti Maidan development work. The architect of the Kranti Maidan project met PMC councillors with the plans at least four times and the councillors passed the unanimous resolution in the matter. The plan was also sent for PDA approval.
Suddenly on September 29 this year, the PMC passed a resolution to revoke the resolution and five councillors opposed. I don’t understand why the PMC changed its mind. It may be a hidden political agenda of some councillors to oppose the beautification plan. Now, if the government stops the work, the contractor might approach a court for arbitration and court could well direct the government to compensate the contractor.
Further, PMC Chairperson Radhika Naik herself has been writing letters to PWD to stop the work. According to law, it is the responsibility of chief officer to look after administrative matters. If chairperson does the work of a chief officer, the government should reconsider the appointment of a chief officer at PMC.
No politics, people of Ponda are opposing the project
HERALD: Why is the PMC opposed to the beautification of the Kranti Maidan?
Radhika Naik: PWD started beautification work in December last year, but PMC came to know about the nature of work only after some trees were cut at Kranti Maidan. It was not the same plan that was presented to us last year by PWD. The SGPDA has directed the PMC to submit the revised plan and SGPDA also raised objection for starting the work without its permission. Hence, PMC withdrew the NOC given to the PWD allowing the beautification work.
HERALD: Please give us some details about the beautification project? What is being planned and what is the cost of the project.
RN: The PWD has not submitted the plan to the council and PMC is unaware of the construction work. The Kranti Maidan is required to celebrate religious and cultural programmes. We are not opposing the development work, but the PWD should have sought PDA approval for the project.
HERALD: The local MLA and many freedom fighters are supporting the beautification project and insist that the space for public events at Ponda’s only large ground will not be reduced. What is your opinion?
RN: The present work is not as per PMC’s expectations and people are also opposing it. The Kranti Maidan issue is presently a burning issue in Ponda, as Ganesh Mandals, Christmas committee and prominent citizens of Ponda are not happy with the type of work going on at the moment.
These organizations have submitted memorandums stating that they want the Kranti Maidan for the programmes and at least 1,500 people gather during Ganesh or Christmas festivals at Kranti Maidan. The present work will only accommodate 400-500 people.
HERALD: First, it was the Sopo tax controversy and now, it is the Kranti Maidan beautification project controversy. If the local MLA and local civic body do not agree on major issues, how will development of Ponda town take place?
RN: Whether it is the Sopo issue or Kranti Maidan issue, we are not against any development and neither is there is any politics involved.
We take the best decision in the interest of people and the PMC, for which people have elected us.
