Goemkarponn desk
MARGAO: Many well-known coastal locations, such as Utorda and Betalbatim, are difficult to find on Google Maps. Residents of Salcete and surrounding talukas have reported that these localities are now given inaccurate or unfamiliar names on the mapping website.
Residents raise the concern that this can result in an exploitation and misunderstanding of the communities’ cultural legacy.
In this way, Orlim became Urli, Carmona became Karmane, Betalbatim became Btalbhati, Cana Benaulim became Kana, Utorda became Utarda, Consua Majorda became Gansua, Guirim Nuvem became Girim, Aquem became Ake, Navelim became Naveli, Quelossim became Kelosim, Balli became Bally, Chaudi became Charui, and Quitol became Kital, according to the citizens.
Benaulim Constituency Block Congress expressed disapproval of the “modified” names and asked South Goa Member of Parliament Viriato Fernandes to intervene in order to return the names to their official status in a letter sent on Thursday.
Block member Keith Gracias stated in the letter that “these alterations are not only inaccurate but also deeply troubling, as they set a dangerous precedent that could lead to further misinterpretation and exploitation of our heritage.”
