MAPUSA
The long-simmering controversy over an alleged illegal bungalow near Old Goa’s UNESCO World Heritage Site exploded in the Goa Legislative Assembly on Monday, with Opposition MLAs storming the well of the House and bringing proceedings to a temporary halt.
Raising slogans and holding placards, the Opposition cornered the government, demanding a clear and immediate timeline for the demolition of the structure that has drawn sharp criticism from heritage activists and the public alike.
Leader of Opposition Yuri Alemao and Aam Aadmi Party MLA Venzy Viegas led the charge, accusing the government of inaction and evasion despite repeated calls for intervention. Alemao lambasted the administration for failing to uphold its "precautionary principle" in protecting world heritage zones.
"Does this government even acknowledge that constructing a bungalow in proximity to a UNESCO heritage site is a failure of its stated policy? Why are you afraid to speak on this issue?" Alemao demanded, as tensions escalated in the House.
The uproar prompted Speaker Ramesh Tawadkar to adjourn the House for five minutes, but the disruption continued when proceedings resumed. Opposition members remained firm, repeatedly chanting: “When will the illegal bungalow in Old Goa be demolished?”
Chief Minister Pramod Sawant attempted to quell the ruckus by reiterating that the matter is currently sub judice.
“The case is before the court, and the government is legally restrained from taking any direct action until proceedings are concluded,” Sawant clarified. He further accused the Opposition of exploiting a sensitive legal issue for political mileage.
However, the Opposition was undeterred. The scene inside the House remained tense, with MLAs holding placards and occupying the well, demanding accountability and transparency from the government over what they described as a glaring failure in heritage conservation.
Ironically, the issue was first raised earlier in the day by ruling party MLA Rudolf Fernandes, who expressed concern over the heritage impact of unregulated development in Old Goa.
He called for the formulation of a comprehensive Master Plan to protect the UNESCO-designated sites, stressing the need to involve local communities, church authorities and the local panchayat in the process.
Minister for Archives and Archaeology Subhash Phal Dessai listed the seven UNESCO heritage churches under the jurisdiction of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) Goa Circle, and said that 21 other monuments in the State were also centrally protected.
He assured that conservation work was ongoing and strictly monitored.
“The ASI issues show-cause notices to violators and coordinates with the district magistrate for further action. Daily cleaning and watch and ward duties are carried out to maintain the sites,” Phal Dessai stated.
