MARGAO
The Goa Forward Party has sought the intervention of Director UNESCO World Heritage Centre and the International Council of Monuments and Sites seeking the intervention of these international bodies to save Old Goa for the people and the future of Goa.
Saying that the future of Goa now stands at risk, GFP Chief Vijai Sardesai has sought the help of these France-based institutions in restoring the soul of Goa.
In his letters addressed to UNESCO Director Mechtild Rossler and Vice-president of ICOMOS Rohit Jigyasu, he called for defending and preserving the future of Old Goa.
He has highlighted in his letter how his hometown and its heritage face the risk of heightened development as a result of administrative policies determined by the government of Goa.
Inscribed as a UNESCO world heritage site in 1986, Sardesai pointed out that Old Goa is home to the unique soul of Goa which represents the ideals of secularism and plurality embodying the spirit of India.
Since the 15th century, the sites that stand today -- the Basilica of Bom Jesus, Church of St Francis of Assisi, Se Cathedral, Church of Saint Cajetan and Church of Saint Augustine -- are not only acclaimed cultural and historical monuments, but are symbols of faith for the numerous Goan Catholics that express their devotion to their religion and culture; most especially to the blessed remains of St Francis Xavier,” he added.
“For decades since Goa’s statehood, the people of Goa regardless of religion referred to this district of Old Goa as ‘Saibachem Goem’ in our native Konkani. Our parents and ancestors taught us the values of respect, and tolerance regardless of whether we are Hindus, Muslims or Christians. In November, we celebrate Diwali, the festival of lights. In December, we honor the life of St Francis and celebrate Christmas, while in the summer we celebrate the festival of Eid. Throughout the year, we collectively celebrate being Goan, and we take pride in it “ for who we are, and who we aim to be,” Sardesai added.
The Goa Forward Chief said he was alarmed to learn on November 20 that the government of Goa decided to place the Ella village of Old Goa under the Greater Panaji Planning and Development Authority of Goa. “This is a brazen act of poaching and encroachment of boundaries determined by the UNESCO in 1986. Under these provisions, the government of Goa could allow building height to reach 30 meters in various commercial zones as against the 9-meter height restriction which is currently allowed,” he said.
Revealing that the issue was raised with the government of Goa, the Chief Minister Pramod Sawant and the Town and Country Planning Minister Chandrakant ‘Babu’ Kavlekar to immediately and effectively withdraw their decision before the 3rd of December 2020, the feast day of St Francis Xavier, Sardesai said his concerns remain that the government may choose to ignore the plea and move ahead with the development of high-rise structures coming as close as 100 meters to the UNESCO site.
Urging UNESCO, ICOMOS, to save Old Goa for the people and future of Goa which now stands at risk, Sardesai said, “This a protest we are not willing to give up. He urged the international cultural community to stand united with the people of Goa to defend and preserve the future of Goa’s history.
