OLD GOA
Se Old Goa Deputy Sarpanch Ambar Amonkar has assured locals that the panchayat will issue a stop work notice for the heritage interpretation centre, as the work was started without permission.
“We have not given any NOC for this project, and we will immediately issue a stop work notice,” Amonkar said. He also assured that the panchayat supports locals in opposing projects that harm the heritage site.
However, he urged residents to file an official complaint with the panchayat so the authorities can take legal action against those responsible for the project.
MLA TO RAISE ISSUE
St Andre MLA Viresh Borkar, the only MLA present at the protest against the heritage interpretation centre, has promised to raise the issue in the upcoming Assembly session.
“This is a serious issue as the project is coming up in a heritage zone. We must protect our heritage for future generations,” Borkar said, criticising the government for causing destruction everywhere.
“The locals were not consulted, and the project is being forced upon them. I will raise my voice in the Assembly”whether through Zero Hour, Calling Attention, or Demands,” he added.
Did Church approve the project?
The Goan has a copy of the project report, which includes a section listing consulted stakeholders. The Archdiocese of Goa is mentioned, with ‘YES’ marked under conceptual approval.
However, reliable Church sources told The Goan that they were only consulted and have no authority to approve a project on land that does not belong to the Church.
Meanwhile, a virtual launch of development works at the Basilica of Bom Jesus under the Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual Augmentation Drive (PRASAD) scheme was held in March last year, with PM Narendra Modi participating online.
The project, costing over Rs 17 crore, included a parking lot and a heritage interpretation centre for the benefit of pilgrims and tourists.
The parking lot was designed to accommodate 132 vehicles, including 16 buses and 205 bikes.
The heritage interpretation centre was planned to assist tourists and pilgrims visiting Old Goa and was expected to include facilities like hop-on hop-off services, e-vehicles, a digital interpretation centre, a cafeteria, support offices, and security rooms.
