PANAJI
A group of activists protested on Tuesday against the destruction of the Portuguese-era heritage ‘tulsi vrindavan,’ located along the pavement of St. Inez Church, by the contractor appointed to execute works under the Smart City Mission. They also protested against the cutting of an age-old Banyan tree at St. Inez without any permission.
The activists demanded that the project proponent takes immediate steps to restore the relic, which was found in 1879. They also urged Imagine Panaji Smart City Development Pvt Ltd to make public the permission obtained from the forest department to cut the tree.
The activists pointed out that the Vrindavan, excavated from the site, has been damaged on top and has developed huge cracks. They also highlighted how the relic is now covered with mud.
“In the name of development or Smart city, kindly don’t destroy our natural heritage. This is painful and shameful. Our heritage is being destroyed in the name of Smart City,” activist Prajal Sakhardande said, pointing out how a 100-year-old tamarind tree was felled at Tonca for smart city work.
The activists pointed out that they had raised the alarm about the possible destruction to heritage back in December and had warned the contractor.
