TEAM HERALD
CANACONA: Two projects proposed for Chaudi-Canacona seem to have ruffled the feathers of locals in the area.
Unhappy that the proposed Ravindra Bhavan is to be set up on space initially allotted for sports activities, the residents are also aggrieved that the lone open space at Chawdi-Canacona has been earmarked for the proposed indoor stadium.
Incidentally, the two projects are among the six major works to be launched on Saturday to mark the birthday celebrations of Sports Minister Ramesh Tawadkar.
Former Canacona MLA Vijay Poi Khot, Poinguinim ZP member Daya Pagui, Agonda Panch Sapnesh Dessai and ex-Poinguinim sarpanch and former youth Congress vice president Janardhan have strongly opposed the two projects.
Coming out openly against his former colleague, Poi Khot told reporters: “The Shri Gaitonde Mini Ground complex in the heart of Chaudi town is the only open space available for the people of Canacona. It is in fact a multi-faceted locality involving all sorts of activities, including Shigmosthavs, dramas, school activities, meets and rallies, including parking space. We will not allow anyone to convert the open space into a concrete jungle for the so-called indoor stadium,” warned Poi Khot.
Commenting on the proposed Ravindra Bhavan on land acquired by late sports minister Sanjay Bandekar for a swimming pool and indoor sports facilities, Pagui hit out at Tawadkar for handing over land acquired by the Directorate of Sports & Youth Affairs (DSYA) opposite KTC bus stand for the construction of Ravindra Bhavan.
“This ground is presently being used by locals and students of St Thereza of Jesus School, Chaudi, for their sports activities,” he said.
A display board put up by the Director of Sports & Youth Affairs Authority of Goa still exists at the site, where the soil testing work was recently conducted for the proposed Ravindra Bhavan.
Incidentally, the South Goa Zilla Parishad at a meeting on June 12 had unanimously passed a resolution against the proposed indoor stadium at Shri Gaitonde Mini Sports complex and Ravindra Bhavan at the SAG ground. Copies of the resolution had been forwarded to Chief Minister Manhar Parrikar, the sports minister and the SAG director.
