Team Herald
CUNCOLIM: The Pride of Cuncolim and Goa, two historical monuments of Cuncolim freedom fighters and Chieftains memorial are in a miserable condition. Due to the negligence of Municipal Council both memorials are now abandoned and have lost their glory.
Exactly ten years before former MLA of Cuncolim Joaquim Alenao had constructed a large freedom fighters memorial near Cuncolim bus stand, the government had spent about fifty lacs to erect the freedom fighter’s memorial which was constructed as a mark of respect to all freedom fighters who had shed their blood for liberating Goa. This memorial which is a pride of State and a landmark of Goas liberation movement was constructed with a special theme. Names of all freedom fighters were erected on the walls of the memorial. The memorial depicted the theme of victory of good over evil. A huge red pillar in the front and black marbles on the floor with huge mirror was depicting the injustice done by Portuguese and red pillar was depicting the bloody protest by the Cuncolkars. At the side of the memorial a small children park was also constructed. It was like the centre of attraction to all patriotic Goans.
Unfortunately, the CMC failed to maintain it and hence this memorial lost its glory
All playing instruments and other facilities provided for students have been broken. Not a single playing equipment is in order. There is no cleanliness inside the memorial huge forest weeds have encroached on the Memorial. The freedom fighters name plates have been destroyed. Benches kept for senior citizens are not in order. This memorial has been misused by some miscreants for parties. Due to the poor condition of monument no body is visiting the place. Negligence of the CMC has put this historical important monument in a miserable condition.
The second monument which CMC kept in the dark is the Chieftains memorial at Talebhat. CMC had renovated this memorial under the Goa governments Goa Liberation Golden jubilee fund. CMC had spent Rs 35 lac to construct this memorial. In the second phase CMC was supposed to do illumination of the memorial. Cuncolim Municipal Councils ignorance and negligence kept this memorial in bad shape. The fountains which was installed by the contractor has been destroyed by the miscreants. Water pond has been spoiled it has been turned into an area where mosquito’s breed. Wild weeds have grown all over the monument.
With the entrance gate of the memorial always kept open, some boys play football in the memorial apart from indulging in other unwanted activities. It has now been turned into a cow shed. CMC and some other private vehicles owners are parking their vehicles close to the memorial entrance gate.
This memorial has been erected in respect of the sixteen chiefs. Cuncolim had fought the first battle against the Portuguese. Taleabhat is a place which has historical and emotional importance and needs to be maintained. CMC sources reveal are only saying they will maintain both memorials but there is problem of funds
Cuncolim Chieftains committee will serve memorandum to council for urgent repairs of both memorials. will CMC initiate action to maintain n repair both Historical Monuments?
