Team Herald
VASCO: The Japanese Garden, which was once a gem of Mormugao taluka and a popular tourist spot has gone to the dogs. So much so that it’s most frequent visitors are stray dogs. According to locals, they are a haven for roadside Romeos and couples.
Located at Headland Sada, the garden was actively used in the early 90’s for several recreational activities, Beat shows and used to attract a lot of foreign tourists who wanted to catch its scenic sea view. It used to be famous for its sunsets and cool breeze but its deserted looks do not sport a welcoming appearance for tourists.
While it is currently lacking its original charm, locals feel that there is still a lot of potential and that it can be brought back to its former glory.
For starters, they feel that it is imperative that the garden has proper illumination. The absence of which, is the reason, they say, the area has become a hot spot for miscreants and anti-social elements who consume alcohol here at night. They point to the plastic waste and empty liquor bottles left behind as proof.
They also call for giving the plants a distinctive style, similar to the Ikebana style of Japan, to make it more attractive as well as maintaining the garden regularly.
On the other side, where the current sewerage treatment plant is located, there used to be beautiful plants and seating facilities for tourists. Now, the area is popular for couples, locals lament.
They question why there is not enough security at the garden. There are also spots at the garden which are dangerous like the iron railing, which was erected a few years back to protect people from slipping down is in a very bad shape. The concrete footsteps, which go down to the beach are also damaged.
While MPT officials were unavailable for comment with regard to the beautification of the garden, Mormugao Police Inspector Pravin Powar stated that, he along with his team conduct regular patrolling of that area. “In the recent past, we had also requested people to inform us about any miscreants drinking or creating any ruckus in the garden, but so far nobody called us” added PI Powar mentioned.
