Govt mulls Lata-Asha memorial in Mangueshi

Ponda: State govt will consider setting up a memorial and museum dedicated to internationally renowned singers Lata Mangeshkar and Asha Bhosle at their native village of Mangueshi, tourism minister Rohan Khaunte said during an inspection visit to Farmagudi on Tuesday.

Khaunte inspected Mangueshi and Farmagudi, where renovation work on the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Fort is under way, along with plans to develop tourist amenities in the area.

He said work on the fort project had slowed in recent weeks as several labourers from West Bengal returned home to vote, but has since picked up pace. “The project will be completed by August 15,” he said.

Accompanied by senior government officials and contractors, Khaunte reviewed progress at the fort site, parking facilities and other infrastructure in Mangeshi. Officials present included tourism director Kedar Naik and GTDC managing director Kuldeep Arolkar.

During the visit, the minister inspected the parking area and a newly constructed commercial complex in Mangeshi, and said construction of public restrooms would be completed on priority.

Khaunte also said a unique memorial for Lata Mangeshkar and Asha Bhosle, who trace their roots to Mangeshi, would be developed after consultation with all stakeholders and with their consensus.

Responding to concerns that land used for monsoon vegetable cultivation would be acquired for parking facilities for fort visitors, Khaunte clarified that the government has no plans to take over agricultural land owned by farmers in Farmagudi. He said alternative land for parking has already been identified.