Margao,25 September: Madganvcho Awaaz and youth leader Prabhav Naik has questioned the justification for the proposed demolition and redevelopment of the Ganesh Mandap at the Margao Municipal Garden, pointing out that the structure—described in official correspondence as being in a “very dilapidated condition”—was used to host this year’s Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations.

Naik said the successful conduct of the Shree Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations by the Margao Municipal Employees’ Shree Ganesh Utsav Mandal raises an important question over the actual structural condition of the Mandap.

“If the structure was genuinely in such a ‘very dilapidated condition’, how was it considered fit and safe to host the Chaturthi celebrations?” Naik asked.

Questions over demolition and redevelopment proposal

Naik linked the issue to a proposal dated November 28, 2024, which he said was submitted by Margao MLA Digambar Kamat for demolition of the existing Ganesh Mandap and construction of a new two-storey structure.

According to Naik, the proposal envisaged an exhibition space for local art on the ground floor and a cafeteria on the first floor. He further claimed that the proposal was subsequently forwarded by the Chief Minister’s Office to the Goa State Infrastructure Development Corporation (GSIDC) for necessary action. GSIDC is a state government-owned company tasked with implementing infrastructure projects in Goa.

Naik also alleged that Kamat had asked officials to consider an already floated tender and open the single bid, citing the need to complete the Ganesh Mandap project before the September 2026 festival.

‘Where is the structural assessment?’

Naik said the central issue was whether the description of the building as “very dilapidated” was based on a proper technical structural assessment.

“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?” Naik asked.

He maintained that the documents relating to the redevelopment proposal, coupled with the fact that Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations were held in the existing Mandap this year, warranted a clear explanation from the authorities.

The holding of a public event by itself does not establish that a structure is technically safe, nor does it disprove a structural assessment. The specific assessment and redevelopment documents cited by Naik would therefore be important in independently establishing the condition of the Mandap and the basis for the proposed demolition.

Garden redevelopment also under scrutiny

Naik said the controversy should also be viewed against opposition raised by citizens to further concretisation of the Margao Municipal Garden.

He recalled that Madganvcho Awaaz had launched the “Mhaje Madgao, Mhaje Garden” campaign over the issue and said any redevelopment of the area should preserve the heritage character of the municipal garden.

“Any redevelopment must preserve the garden’s heritage character and respect the concerns and sentiments of Madgaonkars,” Naik stated.

The latest questions have therefore brought the proposed Ganesh Mandap redevelopment back into focus, with Naik seeking disclosure of the technical basis for declaring the structure dilapidated and clarity on the justification for demolition and the proposed two-storey project.