It is not often that projects devoid of commercial and political interests are planned along the Calangute coast.
Hence, it has come as a pleasant surprise when former Calangute sarpanchas Laxman and Geeta Porob suggested a plan for a footpath along the nullah, with facilities for canoeing, walking, cycling and bird-watching without affecting the paddy fields at Dongorpur-Naikka-Gaura Vaddo, Calangute.
Laxman and Geeta Porob have submitted the developmental project ‘Healthy Living: A path to live a stress free life’ to Calangute MLA Michael Lobo for his approval and subsequent implementation.
Explaining the project, Laxman said: “As part of road-widening works in Calangute, our health walks have been curtailed due to traffic on roads. Hence, I thought of having a project on the nullah as an alternative to meet the growing needs of our villagers.”
“A project between the paddy fields would be safe and environmental friendly over the existing nullah between Dongorpur, Naikka Vaddo and Gaura Vaddo in Calangute. The nullah has not been maintained for long and when such repairs are undertaken, it will be the right time to undertake this healthy living project through the State government,” he added.
“The project will encourage families in Calangute to have a safe walk over the project. The cultivation of vegetables or fruit-bearing trees along the project will add to the environment and would attract birds and other animals in the area. Farmers will also be encouraged to cultivate their paddy fields, which have remained barren for many years due to lack of support and encouragement from successive governments.”
“Hopefully, the government will execute this project in the interest of Calangute villagers,” said Porob.
When contacted, Lobo said he was happy that an elected member of Calangute Panchayat had come forward to design a project over the existing nullah without disturbing the existing paddy fields.
“I am impressed with the project and will place it before the government for consideration. The project has been designed by the ex-sarpanchas of Calangute Laxman and Geeta Porob through an architect with facilities like walking, canoeing, cycling, etc. The project will be ideal for the villagers and it can be a reality,” said Lobo.
“I am pleased with the developmental plans of Calangute Panch Geeta Porob and will request other panchas of Calangute and Candolim to come forward with their proposals for the development of their wards and villages,” added Lobo.
