Se Old Goa VP holds inspection near Monte Chapel on unauthorised activity

Se Old Goa panchayat authorities along with complainants at the inspection of the unauthorised activity near Our Lady of Mount Chapel, Old Goa, on Tuesday.

Photo Credits: Manuel Vaz

OLD GOA

The Se Old Goa panchayat conducted an inspection near the Our Lady of Mount Chapel on Tuesday, following complaints regarding unauthorised activity near the State heritage monument.

The inspection was held after complaints were made by Cathedral Chapter President Fr Alfred Vaz, Goa State Citizens Forum, Save Old Goa Action Committee (SOGAC) and a local Glen Cabral.

The Forum was represented by convenor Mariano Ferrao and SOGAC was represented by president Fatima Pereira.

At the inspection, the panchayat authorities informed that no illegal construction activity has been undertaken but noted that the traditional wall has been broken, a fact that the opponent party acknowledged and agreed to repair the broken wall.

The panchayat authorities further urged the complainants to approach the authority concerned like the Archives and Archaeology for acting against the clearing activity that is undertaken inside the property.

Later speaking to reporters, Fr Vaz informed that the opponent party has accepted that they have trespassed into Church property to gain access and have assured that they will repair the broken wall.

“Also, they have assured that they won’t undertake any further activity till they get all the permissions and also get the demarcation done of the prohibited zone,” Fr Vaz stated.

Another complainant Cabral said the opponent party has informed that they got permission from the TCP only after knowing of the 100 metres prohibited zone.

“If the TCP has plans of prohibited zone then the same should reflect in the Regional Plan so that the common man is also aware,” Cabral added while stating that till the time the prohibited zone is physically identified, no activity should be allowed near the State monument.

Forum’s convenor Ferrao also demanded that the demarcation of the prohibited zone should be done first before any permissions for structures are given near heritage sites.

Se Old Goa sarpanch Medha Parvatkar, dy sarpanch Vishwas Kuttikar, local panch and others were present.