OLD GOA
After the Monte Chapel committee submitted its objections to the eco-tourism project near the heritage monument, the Cathedral Chapter head as well as the Save Old Goa Action Committee have also voiced their opposition to the project.
When contacted by The Goan, the Cathedral Chapter head Fr Alfred Vaz informed that objection to the project will be filed as the project is proposed in close proximity of the State heritage monument.
“Also, considering the gradient of the site no development can be allowed,” Fr Vaz stated, while adding that the project should be shifted elsewhere and not at the current site.
“The project is good but it should be in a place where it does not endanger the heritage, and environment and also does not hurt the sentiments of the people,” the priest stated.
“This is our heritage we have to preserve it. We can’t go after what has been destroyed and destroy what exists,” Fr Vaz opined while adding that if any development is undertaken in the area then it would have an adverse impact on the Monte Chapel, a State heritage monument.
When questioned whether the government will scrap the project considering the objection of the Church, Fr Vaz said that it is a billion-dollar question considering the present situation where it appears that this government does not listen to the people.
Meanwhile, the Save Old Goa Action Committee has filed an objection to the project, which was submitted to the Industries, Trade and Commerce Director on Friday.
One of the main concerns raised by the committee is about the violation of UNESCO norms.
“There is a recommendation from the UNESCO world heritage committee that only low-density sustainable development be permitted in a radius of one kilometre from world heritage sites,” the objection letter states while pointing out that the project falls within 1 km from the world heritage sites.
“Thus the only development that should be permitted need to be low-rise, low-density construction of traditional material to facilitate the preservation-conservation agenda of the State and Central government and UNESCO. The fact that a proposal has come to change the zoning and construct under the guise of industry betrays this fact,” the letter further states.
Other objections raised by the Save Old Goa committee include the proximity to the State-protected heritage site, topography challenges, inadequate access, and biodiversity concerns among others.
