Team Herald
PANJIM: Even as Mapusa, the commercial capital of North Goa, is in a mess with frequent flooding, a congested bus stand and a filthy vegetable and fish market, the State government has announced a Ravindra Bhavan ignoring the priorities.
Art and Culture Minister Govind Gaude, speaking to reporters after chairing a meeting with Bardez MLAs, said land has been identified for a Ravindra Bhavan. “Mapusa is the capital of art and artists and hence it is imperative to have a Ravindra Bhavan which would benefit several artists,” Gaude said.
He said that 8,000 sq meters of land had been identified earlier but this was too small for a Ravindra Bhavan. “We have identified land between Bodgeshwar temple and Morod which is around 22,000 sq metres. Some people have shown their willingness to part with their land,” he said.
He said the land has some tenants and some owners, and the government is trying to convince them to give an NOC. “We will meet in few days and chalk out a plan and decide on acquisition,” he said.
The meeting was attended by Mapusa MLA Joshua D’Souza, Revenue Minister Rohan Khaunte and Fisheries Minister Vinod Palyekar.
D’Souza said, “I am thankful to the CM and Minister Gaude for granting us a Ravindra Bhavan finally,” he said.
Asked why was he insisting on Ravindra Bhavan when there are pending demands of Mhapshekars like a bus stand and market, he said he has been following up with the chief minister on other issues. “Mapusa bus stand remains the priority and I have been following up with the CM continuously,” he said.
“I have become MLA just recently and I am working to resolve all issues and you will see results soon,” D’Souza told Herald.
