Margao civic authorities took immediate action on Monday to clean up the South Goa Planning and Development Authority ground parking facility in Fatorda. This swift response came after a TOI report highlighted the deplorable condition of the area.
Quick Cleanup Follows Media Exposure
SGPDA chairperson Krishna Salkar expressed concern over the parking lot's state as reported in TOI. He deployed several workers to remove all waste and debris from the ground. Salkar confirmed to TOI that the ground is now cleared of all refuse.
Residents' Growing Discontent
TOI's January 11 edition had pointed out that the SGPDA parking lot had become a source of increasing frustration for local residents. Waste and debris were creating hazardous conditions for vehicle users, raising serious safety concerns.
Regular users of the parking facility had complained about its deteriorating state. The situation worsened particularly after commercial events hosted on the ground. Citizens noted that while SGPDA earns substantial revenue from letting the ground for melas, exhibitions, and fairs throughout the year, maintenance of the parking lot remained neglected.
Additional Damage from Events
Making matters worse, a recently laid hotmix carpet on the ground was left with numerous holes. These holes were dug up for erecting poles and props during event sheds and stalls. Salkar has promised to address this issue of dug-up holes promptly.
The cleanup operation demonstrates how media reporting can spur civic authorities into action. Residents now await lasting solutions to prevent similar deterioration in the future.
