Vasco: The Mormugao Municipal Garden and Children’s Park in Vasco have turned into a safe haven for the road romeos and ant-social elements.
Visitors complain that the municipality has totally forgotten to keep a watch and maintain these two places. They also feel that a vigil needs to be kept on such places to avoid any untoward incidents from occurring.
Ninio Correia, a local, said, “The State government is pushing some big projects which people are opposing. Instead of that the government should focus on doing maintenance, beautification of the existing infrastructure and recreational places such as children parks, gardens. Given that Vasco is a Port town and which houses many tourism-oriented places such as Cruise terminal, MPT etc, the local governing body should think of keeping gardens, recreational infrastructure in proper shape so that tourists get attracted towards it” he added.
Kiran Naik, a social worker from Vasco pointed out that the very existence of these municipal gardens and the children park is to cater to the children, families for their recreational activities.
But in reality, locals pointed out, these places are totally neglected by the authorities as well as by the people. Visitors must also remember their responsibility and keep these places neat and clean, locals added.
“There should be CCTV surveillance in both parks as these are meant for children for their safety. The municipality should also consider deputing one lady employee or worker at the park to take care and attend to the children in case of any assistance is required. A security guard should be appointed at these parks to avoid unwanted guests such as beggars, and anti-social elements who misuse these places,” Naik suggested.
“It is a fact that couples of all ages are found indulging in obscene acts in the MMC owned properties. The recent death of a young boy during saptah occurred after a sexual threat,” he added.
Sid Tikam from Vasco also concurred with the present state of affairs and what the parks and gardens should be used for.
“Sadly, this place is not maintained properly and if it is maintained and beautified, then it could attract more children and people,” he added.
Locals also pointed out that these places do not have drinking water facilities, proper illumination and that the water fountains are non-functional.
