PORVORIM: Chief Minister Pramod Sawant has assured to provide legal support to Goans fighting to save Goan Kudds in Mumbai.
The Goan kudds or clubs in Mumbai, were mostly to support Goan bachelors who went in search of jobs. They were also used by Goan seafarers, as a cheap source of accommodation.
The Goan kudds in Mumbai developed a culture of their own such that much has been written about them even in the national media. Sometimes each Goan village or a couple of villages had one kudd in Mumbai.
Many people including singers, musicians and businessmen from Goa have shone in the Big Apple of India –Mumbai (then Bombay) by getting a foothold in the metropolis by initially living in these kudds. Now the kudds are more than 100 years old and rickety, located at Dhobitalao, Chira Bazar, Mazagaon and other places.
MLA Alton D’Costa raising the issue during Zero Hour, said that the kudds located at Dhobitalao, Chira Bazaar, Mazagaon and other places are on the verge of collapsing. He said, “Action needs to be taken by the government to preserve and safeguard this heritage homes which are illegally being encroached by builders. Some three clubs are fighting for over 10 years in court against these builders.”
“Builders are trying to take over the clubs,” he added and asked the government for help.
Assuring help, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant said, “We are ready to support them legally. Let them give a representation. We will look into it.”
