Canacona locals oppose parking plan at Gaitonde complex

Canacona: Locals have urged the directorate of sports and youth affairs to retain the Dr Pundalik Gaitonde mini complex for public and students, opposing its use for govt or public vehicle parking.

The letter states that if the ground is allotted for office parking, it will deprive school students of sports practice space and senior citizens of their area for exercise and leisure activities.

“The complex has been used for various socio-cultural activities, if given for parking, they cannot utilise the same. Govt offices are all out to utilise the Gaitonde complex for parking, indicating restricted public entry. This also means that private vehicles will take over the space. When such a situation arises, students will be most affected, followed by cultural activities and the senior citizens,” said local Shankar Vinayak Naik.

Sports enthusiasts have urged the director of sports and youth affairs not to convert the 30-year-old mini complex into a parking area. They suggested that govt can request the agriculture department’s land, just 15m away, for parking.