Team Herald
MARGAO: In an unsavoury development, the migrant labourers engaged in the beautification works of the Lohia Maidan at Margao have turned the historical site into an open bathroom.
The incident has drawn the ire of several Margao residents, who have demanded that the sanctity of the place be maintained.
On Monday evening, a few labourers engaged in works pertaining to beautification of the Lohia Maidan were found having bath inside the historic place. The beautification of the historic maidan has been going on for the last several months.
When questioned by the media for bathing at the historic site, a labourer preferred to remain mum, but continued having his bath.
The beautification of the historic Lohia Maidan is nearing completion. Recently, 76th Goa Revolution Day was celebrated here on June 18, with lots of programmes.
MP Luizinho Faleiro is on record appealing to the government to declare the Lohia Maidan as a national monument. However, the incident reported on June 20 has shocked many.
Vinayak Mordekar, Treasurer of the 18th June Kranti Din Committee, condemned the act and demanded action.
“It is very much shocking to witness the incident wherein the labourers are seen engaged in bathing at the historic Lohia Maidan. We never knew that such incidents are happening over here”, he said.
He said a bathroom and toilet are operational at the Lohia Maidan, and having a bath in the open at the Lohia Maidan is totally condemnable.
A place has been provided for those workers at the site, and such activity was not expected at the historic site.
“It is an insult to Dr Ram Manohar Lohia. Such mischief at the holy place cannot be tolerated at any cost”, said Mahesh Naik.
He demanded that the police authorities register an offence against the labourers and even the concerned contractor.
On the other hand, it has been also observed that public water is being wasted here at the behest of the Margao Municipal Council.
“It is a duty of the contractor to bring water for the construction works and not use public water”, said Savio Coutinho, former MMC Chairperson.
