http://oheraldo.in/node/8888
Fresh lease of life for Ana Fonte BY HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, JAN 21 — After years of utter neglect, bride Ana is finally decked up for the much-awaited red carpet reception, so to say. The old "Ana Fonte" spring — once a favourite picnickers' destination — today stands renovated and beautified to its original glory, with its walkways, green lawns and cooling fountains promising to create an environment of relaxation and rejuvenation for the citizens. Spread across 5000 sq mts acquired by the Forest Department, the garden will play host to cultural activities, and children's programmes during the weekends. Says the project's brain child and Power Minister, Digambar Kamat, "This beautified garden will help the people of Margao in a big way. The spring garden will turn out to be a major tourist spot in the city". It was Kamat who was instrumental in convincing the then government headed by Chief Minister, Pratapsing Rane to scrap the multi-storey housing complex proposed on the site in the early 90's and preserve the area for posterity. This Rs one crore project is partly funded by the Central government and has been designed and implemented under the guidance of city-based noted architect, Sarto Almeida. "We intend to utilise the spring garden in a novel way, by asking city schools to hold their programmes at the site", remarked Kamat. While the PWD has carried out the civil works, the illumination of the spring, changing rooms, erection of lamp posts was taken up by the Power Department. Landscaping of the entire garden, development of water bodies to give the area a natural look and installation of fountains and water lines was carried out by the Forest Department. The spring garden will be formally inaugurated on the eve of Republic Day on January 25 at the hands of Chief Minister, Pratapsing Rane and Dr Wilfred de Souza, followed by a Konkani, Marathi and Hindi cultural programme. A host of programmes are scheduled on Republic Day with a crawling race for toddlers, walking race for tiny tots, Birbal contest of wits for teenagers and a painting contest. -- Cheers, Gabe Menezes. London, England
