MARGAO: The misuse of the historic Lohia Maidan of Margao seems to be unending. The maidan is being now used by ragpickers for stay and some Goans too as an open urinal.
Garbage is seen in front of the statue of Lohia and unattended for days. The President of 18th June Kranti Din Samiti Avinash Shirodker has expressed hope that the work of fencing and preventing the nuisance at this place will stop. “The rickshaw taxi owners who have a stand here are passing urine at the corners of the maidan. We have removed the ragpickers and others who have made the maidan their home but they come back even after being driven away,” said Avinash.
Auda Viegas of Bailancho Ekvott said, “We say ‘Swachh Bharat’ for cleaning the country, but this Lohia Maidan, which is an important place for the freedom movement of Goa and an iconic place for the country has become a victim of the careless attitude of the all the persons who are responsible for the upkeep of the same” said Auda.
“It is clear how important Lohia Maidan is for the Margao Municipal Council (MMC),” added Savio Coutinho, MMC’s former chairperson.
