Goemkapronn desk
VASCO: A joint inspection to kickstart the long-pending Baina garden project was conducted recently by Vasco MLA Krishna Salkar, Mormugao Municipal Council (MMC) Chairperson Girish Borker, and officials from the Goa State Infrastructure Development Corporation (GSIDC).
Addressing the media, Vasco MLA Krishna Salkar revealed plans to rejuvenate the dilapidated Baina garden through GSIDC efforts.
“This garden has been in a dilapidated state for the last 30 years and is often misused by miscreants. The only significant activity here is the annual Sarvajanik Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations. We proposed to develop this garden, and it has been approved with a budget of around Rs 5 crores. The work order will be issued in two months,” said Salkar.
Salkar emphasized the importance of synchronizing the adjoining Vittal Rakumai Temple with the new garden project. “We want to enhance the divinity of the temple and deter antisocial activities in the area. The project will include a play area for children with a synthetic walking track, permanent shops around the garden’s periphery, and a hall above these shops for small functions at a nominal price,” he said.
He further explained, “Our goal is to increase green spaces while providing facilities for people of all ages.”
The municipality will retain ownership, but maintenance will be handed over to a private party to ensure the new infrastructure is preserved. “We can collaborate with the Vittal Rakumai Temple and local builders for maintenance under CSR activities. We have requested a guaranteed five-year maintenance period in the project contract,” added Salkar.
Ward Councillor and Vasco BJP Mandal President Deepak Naik expressed his delight at the project’s progress. “This is a dream come true. We had taken up the issue in the last meeting and sent the file for approval. We now have approved drawings and plans from the GSIDC. This project benefits everyone by providing permanent shops, a stage for activities, an open gym, a walking track, and a small futsal ground. It will enhance the beauty of the adjoining temples and offer something for people of all ages,” Naik said.
“I’ve been the councillor for this area for three terms, and I’m glad the project has finally taken off,” he added.
