PANAJI: Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar laid cornerstones for two projects in the city —renovation of Rua de Ourem creek footbridge and beautification of Azad Maidan, after inaugurating a new GSIDC office premises at Spaces building at Patto Plaza on the auspicious occasion of Dussehra.
Chief Minister Laxmikant Parsekar, chairman of GSIDC and MLA of Sankhali constituency Dr Pramod Sawant and vice chairman of GSIDC and Panaji MLA Sidharth Kunkalienkar were present.
Speaking on the occasion, Parsekar said that for the last four and half years whatever projects the BJP-led government has undertaken are state-of-the art, be it a multi-level pay parking, food and drug office, GSIDC office, stadium or the bridge.
Addressing the media at the new GSIDC office premises at EDC Patto Plaza, the Chief Minister said that it is the duty of the government to provide good roads and projects, and added that some are under construction.
He said that the BRICS Summit preparations will be in place by Tuesday evening, adding there was a slight delay in completing the basic infrastructure due to the rains.
While the chairman of the GSIDC Dr Pramod Sawant said that “we have undertaken projects for the development of Panaji – pedestrian bridge renovation; it would be renovated tastefully and environmental-friendly and beautification of Azad Maidan, as it is located the centrally and needed urgent attention.”
Sawant said that any project after its completion, GSIDC hands over to the authority concerned and the authority then throws it open to the members of the public, but in case of Kala Bhavan it has remained unused.
While Kunkalienkar said that the GSIDC has taken up projects worth Rs 60 crore – urban space development, sewerage network, steps at Mala, renovation of bridge, children’s park, and walking paths for senior citizens. The Azad Maidan is historically important and needed urgent attention.
The general administration department has allotted a temporary office space to the GSIDC on the first and second floor of Spaces building, admeasuring 762 sq mt approximately.