Old Goa p'yat stops fencing work near St Augustine Tower

The fencing work that has been undertaken in the property in Old Goa, which is in close proximity to the St Augustine Tower, a UNESCO monument.

Photo Credits: Manuel Vaz

OLD GOA

The Se Old Goa panchayat has issued a stop-work order to a builder for starting fencing work in a property which is in close proximity to a world heritage monument, the St Augustine Tower.

The notice was issued after local panch Ambar Amonkar, who is also the deputy sarpanch, brought it to the notice of the panchayat.

Speaking to The Goan, Old Goa Sarpanch Medha Parvatkar said after Amonkar brought it to the panchayat's notice, a stop-work order was issued to the party under section 64 (j) of the Goa Panchayat Raj Act, 1994.

"Since the said area is in close proximity to a world heritage monument, we conducted inspection and immediately issued a notice to stop work," Parvatkar informed, while adding that the party concerned has been given a time of three days to produce any documents or licences in respect of the fencing work.

"In case the party fails to produce relevant documents or licences the panchayat will take further course of action as envisaged under the GPR Act, 1994," Parvatkar stated.

When questioned whether any NGO or individuals have filed complaint against the said fencing work, Parvatkar replied in the negative.