Residents hold protest against unwanted projects in Old Goa

OLD GOA
Residents of Old Goa organised a protest opposing unwanted projects in the village which threaten the centuries-old heritage structures.

The protest was organised at the Gandhi circle in Old Goa, coinciding with Gandhi Jayanti on Saturday.

Speaking at the protest, local Glen Cabral informed that they have already petitioned the Chief Minister Pramod Sawant and Deputy CM Babu Kavlekar, who also holds the archives and archaeology portfolio, and highlighted the problems of Old Goa. 

“The main problem is that there is no master plan due to which many unwanted projects are approved which are threatening the heritage structures of Old Goa. We need a master plan based on which development of Old Goa should be taken up,” Cabral added.

“Projects like Sagarmala jetty, casinos, heli-rides, Bainguinim waste plant, etc are being planned in Old Goa. We are opposing all these as these are threats to the heritage of Old Goa,” he informed while also voicing opposition to inclusion of Old Goa areas in GPPDA.

“The government is out to destroy the heritage of Old Goa and if Old Goa loses the heritage status, then Goa would lose international tourists,” Cabral said.

Social activist Rama Kankonkar came down heavily on government authorities for only giving lectures on Gandhiji’s values on Gandhi Jayanti.

“The rest of the year they forget everything and do the exact opposite,” Kankonkar alleged.

Aruna Wagh, architect Tahir and others also spoke on the occasion. 

…Say TCP minister assured to revoke licences to structure in heritage zone

OLD GOA: A local Glen Cabral claimed that Deputy Chief Minister and TCP Minister Babu Kavlekar has assured that licences issued for the structure in heritage zone would be revoked.

Speaking to reporters, Cabral informed, “We have been told that the TCP will withdraw licences for the structure in heritage zone. TCP Minister Babu Kavlekar has given the assurance as permissions were issued by the TCP department,” Cabral said.

Replying to a question, Cabral said that once the licences are revoked, then automatically the structure will get demolished.

“We will wait for some days to see if the minister keeps his word and if not, then we will organise a much bigger protest,” he forewarned.