OLD GOA
Various activists and members of Save Old Goa Action Committee (SOGAC) held a protest over the land conversions in Old Goa on Gandhi Jayanti.
The protest was held at the Gandhi Circle in Old Goa on Wednesday in which SOGAC members, activists and locals participated.
Various speakers highlighted how 1.65 lakh sq m of land is proposed for zone change near the Our Lady of Mount Chapel which is a State monument. “Old Goa is known for its heritage which needs to be preserved for the future generations and if such types of land conversions are allowed then the heritage will be lost as concrete structures will mushroom,” said activist Adv Pratima Coutinho.
Meanwhile, SOGAC member Peter Viegas informed that they have already submitted letter to Chief Minister Pramod Sawant with 4,500 signatures pertaining to various issues, including land conversion and the need for a Master Plan for Old Goa. “If a Master Plan is put into place, no such conversions will be allowed,” Viegas stated while adding that they are still awaiting for appointment from the CM over the issue.
“Now, we have 6,000 more signatures which will be submitted to the CM very soon,” Viegas stated.
Activists Xencor Polgi, Anthony D’Silva and others also spoke.
Cong denounces land conversion
OLD GOA: The Cumbarjua Congress block along with its leaders also held a protest against the land conversion in Old Goa, particularly near the Monte Chapel which is a State monument.
Speaking to reporters, block president Vishal Volvoikar informed, “We have already raised our objections with the TCP and have demanded that the same be withdrawn immediately.”
He warned that if the same is not withdrawn than a bigger agitation will be launched.
LoP Yuri Alemao, MLAs Adv Carlos Ferreira and Altone D’Costa, GPCC president Amit Patkar and others participated in the protest.
