Margao: January 14, 2017 … Urban Development Minister, Shri Francis D’souza recently inaugurated developed open spaces at Don Bosco College of Engineering Complex, Fatorda, development of which was undertaken by Goa State Urban Development Agency (GSUDA) under Fair Recreational Activity and Non-Competitive Involvement in Sports (FRANCIS) Urban Connect Scheme.
Shri D’souza said the scheme intends to connect with the urban population by providing assistance in developing Safe Play Area (SPA) to inculcate strong sports, fitness and recreational cultures in the development of local urban communities. Educational Institutions, registered sports clubs, registered housing societies and other Registered Bodies are targeted under this scheme wherein minimum 2000 Sq. Mts. land is available for developing safe play area.
Town and Country Planning Minister, Shri Vijay Sardessai; Chairperson, Margao Municipal Council, Dr Babita Angle Prabhudessai; Shri Tito Cardozo, Vice Chairperson, GSUDA; Fr Felix Fernandes, SDB, Provincial, Panjim Province; Shri Sandeep Falari, Vice Chairman, GSUDA; Shri Jagdish Hosmani, Chief Project Officer, GSUDA; Dr Nina Panandikar, Principal, Don Bosco College of Engineering and others were present on the occasion.
Speaking further Shri D’souza said that the Government is committed to develop infrastructure for recreational activity across the State. “I am sure that the players will have an unforgettable experience playing at these facilities, Sports is important as much as studies”, he said.
Shri Vijay Sardessai said, this project is attributed to the help and contribution given by Minister Shri Francis D’souza. To go forward there is a need for unity and sense of purpose. Football is in the blood of Goans and Government is giving priority to take this sport to a greater height.
Chairperson, Margao Municipal Council, Dr Babita Angle Prabhudessai also spoke on the occasion.
GSUDA has spent Rs 3.85 crores on this project involving up-gradation of existing Football ground to FIFA standard and specifications, Indoor Badminton and Table Tennis Courts with synthetic flooring with properties of shock absorption, abrasion resistance and impact resistance while the outdoor Basketball court has been undertaken with high impact polypropylene synthetic flooring with movable posts for other recreational activities such as futsal. Provision has been made for 12 Mts. octagonal, galvanized, electrical poles with flood lights to illuminate the football ground along with other electrical fixtures. Site development around the play areas like a walking track, road and paved areas from entrance of the premises have been carried out. The pavilion block has a seating capacity of 500 with provision for roof covering for 200 seats. Grass turf having a sub-surface sprinkler irrigation system with a submersible pump to irrigate the turf, net fencing etc.
