Apathy and negligence of civic authorities has left the Patto garden – facing the plush four storey Paryatan Bhavan – in shambles. At the time when the State government is leaving no stone unturned to upgrade tourism infrastructure and introduce related activities to boost tourist inflow, it has turned a blind eye towards developing the ‘Patto Garden.’
Located along Rua De Ouerem creek, the garden – spread across 2000 sq mtrs approx was built almost two decades ago for its visitors to enjoy some leisure time. In the present situation, the dilapidated garden has virtually lost its existence.
It unarguably cries for attention as the broken benches, damaged concrete pavers, absence of proper fencing and some homeless migrants spending nights has become an eye-sore for residents, office goers and other passers-by.
According to credible Secretariat sources, the tourism department’s property was included in a project called ‘Goa Hatt’ about two years ago only to be dropped later.
“The Goa government, as a part of overall development of tourism infrastructure had introduced ‘Goa Hatt’ wherein this garden had to be revamped. It was under the scheme to avail funds from the Centre but due to unknown circumstances, the entire project was dropped,” an official said, requesting anonymity.
Nevertheless, the department now intends to put forth a fresh proposal before the State government to give back its charm.
“Though the place is illuminated, we still come across people who fearlessly consume alcohol and litter the premises. There are migrants who sleep on the benches, spend nights, and dirty the area. With no fencing and guard to watch the place around, such activities continue,” Amit Desai, a private firm employee at EDC complex, Patto told this reporter.
Absence of basic facilities like a public toilet has also created an unhygienic atmosphere. The tourism department has, however stated that it has deputed women sweepers to clean the garden and the surrounding. “We cannot stop people from spending time or sleeping here,” he commented.
Unfortunately, it has been witnessed that the waste collected is burnt around the same area and the rest is dumped near River Mandovi. “Things will be put into place once the fresh proposal gets a go-ahead from the government. It will be like any other city garden where people will prefer spending their time,” a senior official said committing the project to be taken on priority.
As far as their ongoing cleaning work goes, the department is yet to obtain permission from the Forest Department to trim trees. “We had written to the forest department seeking permission to trim some portion of the trees but an NOC is still awaited,” a tourism official said.
