Halt sought until heritage bye-laws are implemented
OLD GOA
RTI activist John Mascarenhas has petitioned the Se Old Goa panchayat to freeze the issuance of permissions for constructions in heritage zones of the notified monuments in Old Goa till the time that heritage bye-laws are implemented.
In his petition, Mascarenhas has pointed out that under the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958, it is mandated to notify and implement heritage bye-laws to regulate constructions around ancient monuments.
“The Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958, mandates the protection and preservation of ancient monuments and archaeological sites. However, the lack of effective regulation and enforcement has led to rampant construction activities around these sites, posing a significant threat to their integrity and authenticity,” Mascarenhas pointed out.
“Pending the notification and implementation of the heritage bye-laws, I urge you to impose a moratorium on the issuance of construction licences for all projects within the vicinity of ancient monuments. This will prevent any further damage or destruction of these culturally sensitive areas,” he further added.
Mascarenhas has suggested that, till the time that the heritage bye-laws are enacted, the panchayat should put on hold all construction licences and permissions for projects within the vicinity of ancient monuments, conduct a thorough review of all ongoing and proposed construction projects in the area to ensure compliance with the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958, and ensure that all stakeholders, including developers, architects, and contractors, are aware of the moratorium and the need to comply with the heritage bye-laws once notified.
“The notification and implementation of heritage bye-laws, along with the imposition of a moratorium on construction licences, are crucial steps towards preserving our ancient monuments for future generations,” he concluded.
