MAPUSA
Objecting to the commercial use of erstwhile Aguada jail which is now a museum, Calangute Constituency Forum on Friday urged the government not to renew permission to operate the bar in the premises the licence of which ends on May 31.
The forum also objected the permission for allowing accommodation to tourists and to organise wedding and other events like conventions in the premises
It also opposed the move to build a 50 metre long concrete floating jetty in the vicinity of the museum.
“It looks like one day the entire fort premises and surrounding area will be used for commercial purpose which is unacceptable in a place where freedom fighters were jailed, tortured and martyred,” said Premanand Diukar, President of CCF.
The CCF has written to various authorities including Collector, North Goa, Goa Tourism Development Corporation Ltd, Archaeological Survey of India and the local panchayat.
Referring to the judgement in the case of Rajeev Mankotia versus The Secretary of the President of India in protecting historical heritage, the forum has said that the judgement has clearly stated that no historic buildings can be transformed into touristic hotel or can be used for any commercial purposes.
According to Diukar, the purpose of restoration of Guada jail was to showcase the struggle of freedom fighters of Goa in the form of light and sound show which has not been fulfilled.
“We request the authorities to stop all ongoing commercial activities within the premises of fort Aguada, especially permission to operate a bar the licence of which is due to expire on May 31,” the CCF said.
