George Pinto wrote: It is important that the proposed football stadium be opposed for four reasons: 1. The traffic sitaution will go from chaotic to horrific. 2. The already limited open space in the area will be reduced. 3. The negative environmental impact will further degrade the area. 4. Crime will increase with increased population. Already Caculo mall and other mega projects have had a detrimental impact to the quality of life in the area and the football stadium will make life unlivable for locals.
-------------------- Dear George, 1. The traffic situation on a normal day, in the Kala Academy area, is absolutely ok. It is only when there are major events, exhibitions etc that things turn a bit chaotic. If proper and ample parking space is provided for the proposed stadium there will not be any chaos. As councilor Surendra Furtado has pointed out the Campal Parade grounds nearby are extensive and can be used as the designated parking area for the stadium. 2) Besides the huge SAG grounds there are the cricket grounds and the parade grounds. What is the use of an 'open space' if it does not serve a function? A football field serves a function and will be used for football just a few hours in a day and the rest of the day is an open environmentally friendly space. If cricket can be given such a huge ground why can't we Ponjekars have a stadium dedicated to football? 3) The environmental impact has to be anticipated and measured before such statements are made. Right now there is a boundary wall that encloses a patch of grass. Surely a well maintained football field will be more environmentally sound than the current situation. 4) Population does not grow with a football stadium on the outskirts of a city. People do not have procreational sex while watching football in a stadium. Crime has to be controlled, whether there is a stadium or not. All development comes at a cost. Should we stall all development because of a fear that population and crime will subsequently increase? Has crime in Fatorda increased in the last few years? Was the stadium responsible? The only problem with Caculo Mall is a little traffic congestion in the evenings. But any resident nearby is glad to have world class shopping and related facilities in the neighborhood. I am one of those residents. And I want a football stadium nearby too! Cheers! Cecil =============
