Team Herald
MARGAO: The Margao Municipal Council is considering increasing the rent charges for the recently renovated and beautified Lohia Maidan from Rs 500 to Rs 1000, with an additional sanitation fee of Rs 200. The decision, however, is still pending final approval from the council.
The council had previously attempted to implement a security deposit of Rs 10,000 before allowing citizens to utilize the Maidan, but this was met with strong opposition.
According to reliablesources, the council now plans to double the charges for the Maidan, and justifies this move as the Maidan has been recently renovated and beautified, and therefore the fee increase is necessary. The historical Lohia Maidan, located in the heart of Margao town, has been a focal point for political parties, NGOs, and social activists in Goa to voice their concerns about various issues.
“The proposal regarding the increase in charges of the Lohia Maidan will be put before the council for approval. The fee of Rs 500 is a very small amount, and there are a lot of things to be taken care of at the Lohia Maidan. Many times, the Maidan is returned to us a mess, with garbage strewn all over, after an event, and hence the civic body has to clean it,” said an MMC source.
The Maidan, which was closed for more than two years for the revamp, which missed multiple deadlines, was inaugurated recently by Margao MLA Digambar Kamat. The proposal for increased charges will soon be put before the council for final approval.
