PANAJI
The State government’s plans to develop “world-class tourism infrastructure” around the churches at Old Goa as part of a Rs 100 crore proposal has evoked concerns within the church.
While presenting his budget, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant said he proposes “to develop hinterland circuits covering areas such as Mayem Lake, Harvalem Waterfalls, Bondla Zoo and also propose to develop infrastructure around Old Goa churches at a cost of Rs 100 crore for development of world-class tourism infrastructure with assistance from the Central Government.”
He also announced plans to undertake restoration of the Chapel of Monte at Old Goa, as part of efforts to preserve Goan heritage.
However, concerns have been raised within the church over plans to develop world-class tourism infrastructure around the churches at Old Goa, while there are demands that any such plan must involve consultations with the Church, since it is a major stakeholder in Old Goa.
“It is very unfortunate that today the concept of infrastructure development is often warped with construction of buildings and structures. Old Goa is a heritage village which should be protected in that nature,” said Fr Maverick Fernandes, director of Caritas-Goa.
“The protection of its world heritage monuments and maintaining the cleanliness ought to be the priority. The Church being the major stakeholder in Old Goa should be the significant body to be consulted in this process,” he added.
Rector of Bom Jesus Basilica Fr Patricio Fernandes said the government should avoid cluttering the area around the Old Goa churches with buildings and structures which distract the full view of the monuments.
“Before implementing the proposed world class tourism infrastructure around the Old Goa churches, the government should first and on priority basis implement the master plan for Old Goa.”
“In the master plan for Old Goa, the government must incorporate in it the delineated Acts of the ASI for protected and restricted zones around the heritage monuments and thus avoid cluttering this space with buildings and structures which distract the full view of the monuments,” said Fr Patricio.
