Team Goemkarponn
MARGAO: Ganapati Bappa has exposed a glaring contradiction. The Ganesh Mandap at the Margao Municipal Garden, officially described as being in a “very dilapidated condition,” successfully hosted this year’s Shree Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations of the Margao Municipal Employees’ Shree Ganesh Utsav Mandal, stated Madganvcho Awaaz & Youth Leader Prabhav Naik.
“If the structure was genuinely in such a ‘very dilapidated condition’, how was it considered fit and safe to host the Chaturthi celebrations?” questioned Naik.
He said the contradiction assumes greater significance in light of the proposal dated 28 November 2024 submitted by Margao MLA Digambar Kamat seeking demolition of the existing structure and construction of a new two-storey building. Kamat had also directed officials to consider the already floated tender and open the single bid, citing the urgency of completing the Ganesh Mandap before the September 2026 festival, Naik stated.
“The proposal specifically envisaged a cafeteria on the first floor and an exhibition space for local art on the ground floor and was subsequently forwarded by the Chief Minister’s Office to GSIDC for necessary action,” Naik stated.
“Was the ‘very dilapidated’ description supported by a proper technical structural assessment, or was it being used to justify demolition and pave the way for the proposed cafeteria project? The documents and this year’s Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations demand clear answers,” said Naik.
Naik said citizens had already opposed the concretisation of the Margao Municipal Garden through Madganvcho Awaaz’s “Mhaje Madgao, Mhaje Garden” campaign. “Any redevelopment must preserve the garden’s heritage character and respect the concerns and sentiments of Madgaonkars,” he stated.
