PANAJI
The Governor of Goa has asked the Chief Secretary to look into a complaint alleging that Power Minister Pandurang Madkaikar violated provisions of the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act by constructing a compound wall less than 50 metres from the Basilica of Bom Jesus.
Adv Aires Rodrigues in his complaint to the governor stated that Pandurang Madkaikar’s company Nikitasha Realtors Pvt Ltd in total violation of law has built a very huge palatial bungalow in survey No 144/1 and 144/2 at Old Goa 300 metres from the Central Protected Monument Basilica of Bom Jesus Church with the compound wall of the bungalow being less than 50 metres from the protected Monument and within the protected area.
Rodrigues in his letter on 9th April 2018 addressed to the Archaeological Survey of India, Goa Circle, a copy of which was sent to Goa Governor and the Prime Minister had demanded immediate action against the alleged illegality.
The ASI however in its reply on 10th April 2018 informed Rodrigues that the ASI does not have the magisterial powers either for removal of encroachment or for the demolition of illegal structures and asked him to approach the local authorities for further action in the matter.
By a letter dated 3rd November 2015 the ASI had asked the Old Goa Police to register an FIR against Pandurang Madkaikar over the unauthorized compound wall and that the copy of that letter was also endorsed to the local authorities including the North Goa Collector and the local Panchayat but that no action was taken.
