Goa needs public spaces

Avinash Tavares

Public spaces in Goan towns are shrinking. These spaces, which are commonly referred to as open spaces, are the target of illegal encroachments, government projects, garbage disposal etc. When we go to towns and cities aboard, we marvel at the beauty of their public spaces. Whether it is the Safa Park or the Mamzar Beach Park in Dubai, Gardens by the Bay in Singapore or even Mumbai’s hanging garden, famous public spaces don’t happen by accident. They need political will, incredible amount of dedication and attention to detail. Panjim too has some beautiful public spaces thanks to the foresight of its city planners decades ago. Ask any visitor and they will describe such public spaces as beautiful, unique and special. But what is it about these places that make it so special? It Is the comfort, greenery, freshness and peace which draws more and more people, children and senior citizens to sit on those comfortable benches or simply lie down on the lawn surrounded by trees, flowers plants, birds and even fountains.

As existing towns in Goa expand and new urban centers pop up, why aren’t there more places with greenery where we can sit in the middle of the town and not feel alone or like a trespasser? It’s because towns in Goa are not being designed that way. Recently constructed public spaces like Patto Plaza, the SGPDA Ground in Margao or the Taligao Community Hall, Kranti Maidan-Ponda etc have geometric layouts and structures with dull grey colour schemes associated with heavily concretised modern architecture. There is hardly any place to sit comfortably. It’s no surprise that people avoid such places. Our government prefers such architecture because the high construction cost yields high kickbacks. Also, there is nothing to water and nothing much to maintain except for the occasional coat of paint or asphalt every few years. But the fact is, they look cold, deserted and depressing. The few new parks that have been developed, such as the Chicalim Park, near the Navy school, are located in posh suburban areas, far away from the homes of ordinary citizens. Developers of gated residential complexes have created ‘Private Public Spaces’ exclusively for their residents which create pockets of lonely and isolated communities.

Goa needs more public spaces everywhere. Emphasis needs to be given not just on the location but also the design of public space. This in turn depends on how your body feels in that space. Local communities have a major role to play in designing public spaces that suit the unique style, culture and character of the village. One example of popular public spaces is along water fronts. Besides Mandovi river waterfront and a few lakes, our waterfronts are largely ignored. The government can use the river CRZ to create a green public space where Goans and tourist alike can walk and enjoy whether by themselves or with their families and friends. Another example of untapped public spaces is the open space in Industrial Estates. These spaces could have been used to create an oasis amidst the industrial structures where staff can take a break, socialise, relax, explore opportunities and even come up with the next big project.

Public spaces have power. It’s not just about the number of people using them, it’s about the greater number of people who feel better about their town knowing that they are there. Public space can change how we live in and feel about our towns. It’s what makes the city the extension of the tiny apartment that we could barely afford. Public spaces strengthen the bonds between cultural groups. They give to its residents and visitors an opportunity to have a great time every day. Therefore, no matter how popular or successful a public space may be, it can never be taken for granted. Commercial interest will always battle against public space. Public spaces always need vigilant champions, not only to claim them for the public, but to design them for the people that use them, then to maintain them to make sure that they are for everyone, that they are not violated, invaded, abandoned or ignored, and that they remain as symbols of a united happy society for years to come.