PANAJI
Chief Minister Pramod Sawant on Tuesday decided to drop the contentious plan to include Old Goa under the jurisdiction of the Greater Panaji Planning and Development Authority.
The decision was taken by CM Sawant after a round of consultation with Deputy Chief Minister and Minister for Town and Country Planning Chandrakant “Babu” Kavalekar following a meeting with Ports Minister Michael Lobo.
The state government backtracked owing to the mounting criticism not only from opposition parties spearheaded by the Goa Forward Party but also prominent members of the public and civil society. Questions were raised about the wisdom behind such an ill-conceived move which could open the gates for concretisation in the area and harm UNESCO World Heritage sites and historical monuments of religious importance located therein.
After meeting CM Sawant on Tuesday, Lobo said that he requested CM to drop Old Goa from GPPDA and that CM agreed.
“Old Goa village is a historical village that has a special place in the heart of every Goan. The area surrounding the village has FAR of 60. Someone has requested for the immediate adjoining areas also to be included under the PDA. I told the CM that no matter who makes such pleas, it should not concern us. As Goans, we should oppose this. It is UNESCO World Heritage site and a pilgrimage spot,” Lobo said.
He further disclosed that the CM, upon reviewing these concerns, called TCP Minister Kavalekar and decided not to go ahead with the proposal.
“We should not touch places of religious importance at any cost. This place is holy for Goans and Indians of all religions,” the Ports Minister added while also asserting that this area is nowhere close to a city.
Lobo said that he met TCP Minister Kavalekar on Monday. “I folded my hands and told him that if anyone has advised him to include Old Goa in GPPDA, he should not do it. Besides, we should not go against the wishes of the people,” he stated.
