A proposed construction of a building with in the municipal garden in Margao has sparked wide spread opposition, with protests intensifying on Friday and a hunger strike launched by local citizens and activists. The agitation is being led by Congress leader Chirag Naik and activist Andrew Sequeira, with participa tion from former Chairper son Babita Angle and sev eral concerned residents. Protesters argue that the municipal garden is a vital green space for the com munity, and constructing a building would compro mise its ecological and so cial value. The demonstration es calated when police inter vened, raising concerns over arrangements at the site, including a mattress placed for the hunger strike. Protesters criticised the action, alleging that au thorities were preventing them from exercising their right to peaceful protest while ignoring other al leged illegal activities in the garden. Despite police objections, Naik and supporters con tinued their hunger strike. Speaking to reporters, Naik said, “We had already informed the authorities about our protest, but to day police objected to our peaceful demonstration. Yet illegal activities con tinue unchecked in the garden. This selective ap proach is unacceptable.” He reiterated that the garden belongs to the public and destroying it for a parking facility does not constitute development. “Authorities should explore alterna tive solutions that do not harm public spaces,” he added. Fatorda MLA Vijai Sarde sai also commented on the project, questioning the purpose of the proposed building and the activities to be carried out there. “The garden has a long history and represents the wealth of MMC residents. The council has failed to resolve parking issues effectively, and adding a structure in this area seems thought less,” he said. Other residents echoed similar concerns, highlight ing the rapid urbanisation of Margao and the urgent need to protect remaining green spaces. “Parking fa cilities can be created else where without destroying public gardens,” one pro tester said. Protesters also criti cised the Margao Munic ipal Council for a lack of public consultation in the decision-making process, demanding that the council engage with citizens and re consider the proposal. As of now, the Margao Municipal Council has not issued a formal response to the agitation. Participants in the protest have vowed to continue their hunger strike until the project is scrapped, signalling that tensions over the proposed parking facility are likely to escalate further in the coming days.
Margao garden project sparks protest, hunger strike begins
