Citizens voice concerns over historic Lohia Maidan's unresolved issues

Can the beautification of the Lohia Maidan, named after the great Indian Nationalist Dr Ram Manohar Lohia, ever be complete sans restoration of the aesthetics of the historic place? This question is being asked in city circles as the historic Lohia Maidan, is not just a major landmark in the commercial capital, but symbolises free speech and expression ever since Dr Lohia along with Dr Juliao Menezes had given a clarion call to the people on June 18, 1946 to arise and oust the Portuguese regime from Goan soil.

Located in the heart of the commercial capital, the renovated and beautified Lohia Maidan was inaugurated and thrown open to the public in mid-April 2023. The power transformer located on the northern corner of the Maidan, however, stays put at the same site, spoiling the beauty and aesthetics of the historic place. That's not all. Lohia Maidan's spacious stage, which had played host to many an agitation in the post-Liberation period, has been cut down to size, raising questions over the delay in expanding the stage in tune with the very spirit of free speech and expression.

Plans to improve and give a new look to the rear side of the comunidade building has also failed to take off till date.