Team Herald
MARGAO: It is disheartening to witness Opinion Poll Square, once a vibrant symbol of Goan identity, becoming a victim of neglect and waste dumping. Many citizens are expressing frustration, questioning whether they should now refer to it as ‘Waste Dumping Square’ instead of honouring its historical significance.
The transformation of the square, along with the stretch from Old Market to Ravindra Bhavan, into ‘Asmitai Road’ was a significant initiative that highlighted the area’s cultural heritage. Led by Fatorda MLA Vijai Sardesai, this project aimed to celebrate Goan identity and improve community spaces.
However, despite the initial enthusiasm, the recent neglect and waste dumping have overshadowed those efforts. Citizens now feel a mix of nostalgia and frustration, longing for the vibrancy that once defined these locations.
The benches, which once provided a comfortable resting place for senior citizens in the evenings, have now become makeshift shelters for beggars. Many residents have criticised the Margao Municipal Council, holding them responsible for the neglect and poor maintenance.
The recent tree trimming work in the area has worsened the situation. Fallen branches were left scattered across the footpaths for an extended period, creating obstacles for pedestrians. Residents were disappointed to see their beloved gathering place covered with debris.
Opinion Poll Square was inaugurated in 2018. The event, attended by prominent figures including the late Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar, underscored the project's importance in celebrating Goan identity.
Savio Coutinho commented on the issue, stating that when Opinion Poll Square was announced, there were plans to install photo frames of freedom fighters and individuals connected with the Opinion Poll. “However, instead of photo frames, all sorts of waste is being dumped there. We wonder if we should now identify the place as ‘Waste Dumping Square’,” he remarked.
He further recalled an incident in December 2022 when mercury-laden waste was dumped in the area. “We objected to the dumping because it posed a threat to the water table and the ecology. Although the Pollution Control Board collected samples for testing, no action was taken, likely because the dumping was carried out by a government body,” he claimed.
Custodio Fernandes, a concerned citizen of Fatorda, voiced his frustration over the deterioration of the area following the dumping of debris and other waste in the open space across the road. He noted that the beauty of Opinion Poll Square has greatly diminished, negatively impacting the community’s experience.
“We have even seen a lack of proper cleaning of the footpath, and as a result, citizens are now avoiding it,” he added.
Fatorda MLA Vijai Sardesai criticised the Margao Municipality for its mismanagement of Opinion Poll Square, stressing that the area should have been protected due to its historical significance.
“Despite knowing it has been declared an Opinion Poll Square, the civic body failed to clean the area on time,” he said. In response to the neglect, Sardesai announced that his team had taken the initiative to carry out cleaning works independently.
“Recently, we conducted major cleaning efforts to restore the space,” he stated, emphasising the importance of community action in the face of local government shortcomings. He also informed that another major cleaning drive would be held before the Diwali festival.