MARGAO
Saying the government’s decision to scrap the proposal to include Old Goa in Greater Panaji PDA is a victory for Goem and Goemkarponn, Goa Forward chief Vijai Sardesai has said the party will not rest till Old Goa is declared a Heritage Zone.
He has sounded a word of caution, saying the people will have to remain vigilant because this government cannot be trusted.
“Goa Forward Party is proud of all Goemkars who have saved Old Goa today. Our party will see to it that all those viewing this heritage site as prime real estate will not be allowed to find and exploit any loopholes that could be deliberately left by this government and its agents,” he said.
Sardesai pointed out that he has already written to UNESCO and ICOMOS to take all steps to preserve the future of Old Goa. “I have also written to the Union Minister for Culture that Old Goa should be declared a Heritage Zone so that it can be protected for all posterity. This is not my view but the opinion of many archaeological, engineering and conservation experts who have voiced their concerns about losing this heritage site forever and who have also offered viable solutions and strategies to protect and preserve it,” he added.
Sardesai said the Goa Forward Party has decided to take the initiative in this matter and to not rest till Old Goa is declared a Heritage Zone. “We have decided to invite experts including archaeologists, architects, engineers, conservationists, urban planners to join a cell that will formulate a plan for the preservation and protection of Old Goa. It will also act as a pressure group to convince the government of the day to declare this site as a Heritage Zone,” he said.
The Goa Forward chief said party vice-president, Dr Renuka da Silva will be the convenor of the group, even as he has requested all Goemkars, especially those who have the subject expertise, to help Dr Renuka to form this group and achieve the objective.
