OLD GOA
Protestors have given an ultimatum to the government to demolish the structure within the heritage precincts at Old Goa at the earliest, failing which they would be forced to take law in their own hands.
The ultimatum was given as a heritage friendship march was organized in Old Goa to protest against the structure on Sunday.
The march started from the Basilica of Bom Jesus and wound up at the St Cajetan Church with a large number of protestors, mainly the youth from different parts of the State participating.
At the St Cajetan Church, a meeting was organized wherein various speakers spoke against the authorities concerned for giving licences to the structure by violating all norms.
Speaking on the occasion, Fr Bolmax Pereira said that the owners have got illegal permissions by using their political clout.
“A hut called ‘loja’ of around 50 metres existed but permission was given for constructing 400 metres two-storeyed building,” Fr Pereira informed while highlighting various other norms being violated in issuing various other licences as well.
Coming down heavily on the government for making people run to courts on various issues, Fr Pereira said that it would be better to send the government home if it cannot govern.
Fr Pereira further issued an ultimatum for the government to demolish the structure at the earliest failing which they would be forced to take law in their own hands.
“We also demand that the TCP declare 100 to 200 metres from the heritage sites as regulated areas,” the priest added.
Architect Lester opined that if such structures are allowed to come up in close vicinity of heritage monuments, then Old Goa would meet the same fate as Liverpool which was stripped of its world heritage status by UNESCO.
“If we do not act against the structure now then Old Goa is also likely to lose its world heritage status just like Liverpool,” he added.
A student Pritesh Patil said that this is our heritage which needs to be preserved for future generations. “This is the issue of Goans and not of a particular religion,” Patil stated and warned that if the government doesn’t act then the people should act.
Shabira Shaikh, Poonam Varma and others also spoke.
