Team Herald
MARGAO: The authorities have yet again missed the deadline of completing the beautification works and handing over of historical Lohia Maidan to the Margao Municipality, even as hundreds of Margao residents eagerly wait to see the beautified face of this historical site.
December 31, 2022 was the last deadline given to the contractor engaged by GSUDA, following the inspection of Margao MLA Digambar Kamat and other concerned ones. Now, ten days have passed and the works regarding electric connections, besides a few other minor works are yet to be completed.
As per the work order, the stipulated date of completion of the long-overdue revamp of the Maidan was February 10, 2022.
Earlier, the contractor blamed the delay on some modifications that needed to be done.
It may be recalled that the beautification work had courted several controversies like power supply transformer erected by the Electricity Department inside the compound wall and provision of a door behind the stage.
“The work is not yet completed and the handing over of the Lohia Maidan to the Margao Municipality is still pending,” said Damodar Shirodkar, Chairperson, MMC.
However, Avinash Shirodkar, President of 18th June Kranti Din Samiti said that they are expecting the authority to complete the work and hand it over to the Municipality by January 26.
“I am also personally monitoring the beautification works of the historical Lohia Maidan. It has been brought to our notice that the erection of electric poles and the illumination is yet to be completed, besides connection of water pipeline is also pending,” he informed.
He said suggestions have been made to the contractor to build a separate urinal for the rickshaw owners behind the main stage of Lohia Maidan, so that nuisance is not created at the site.
“We have also urged deployment of security guards round-the-clock at the site in order to stop the nuisance created by the beggars, mostly during the night time,” said Shirodkar.
