OLD GOA
Close on the heels of expose by activist Mariano Ferrao and Ponda local John Mascarenhas on house numbers to ghost structures in Old Goa, a group of concerned citizens have demanded the panchayat to immediately revoke the house numbers.
Addressing reporters in Panaji on Monday, Old Goa local Glen Cabral informed that there are around four structures currently existing but house numbers to 21 structures have been given.
“The panchayat should immediately conduct inspection of the property and revoke the house numbers where structures do no exist,” Cabral said, while pointing out that the action should be initiated before any actual structure crops up.
Cabral further said the properties have been registered under names of Christian saints like St Francis Xavier and St Michael, but in reality the owners are from outside Goa.
There is a plan to hoodwink the Goans that these firms belong to Goans but that is not the case as non-Goans are partners in the firms, Cabral said.
Further, Cabral informed that the properties come under the 300 metres zone of St Cajetan Church and any construction cannot be allowed to come up.
“That’s the reason why house numbers for ghost structures have been availed to later show that the structures were existing for years,” Cabral added.
Historian Prajal Sakhardande expressed concerns over UNESCO rules being flouted by persons who are buying properties in Old Goa.
“Non-Goans are purchasing properties and flouting the rules of ban on construction within 1 kilometre of world heritage sites,” Sakhardande said and informed that there could be probably a plan to build huge structures just on the lines of the illegal bungalow.
He further demanded that a master plan has to be prepared for Old Goa as such frauds need to be stopped.
Activist Xencor Polgi held the local panchayat responsible for the allotment of house numbers to ghost structures.
