OLD GOA
A large number of parishioners and villagers gathered at Our Lady of Immaculate Conception chapel at Chimbel on hearing the news that the State PWD highways authorities were planning to demolish the compound wall.
The fears of the villagers were compounded by the fact that authorities have demarcated an area for demolition to pave way for a road and that too, barely a few feet from the chapel.
The parishioners expressed fears over the reported demolition exercise as the demarcated line runs very close to the chapel.
The villagers further feared that if the demolition is allowed to happen, it would cause immense damage to the over 400-year-old structure, as the vehicles would run close to the chapel and the vibrations would cause damage to the chapel.
However as there was no sign of any authority remaining present at the site, the villagers dispersed but not before deciding to take the fight to the government over moves to demolish the compound wall.
Speaking at the gathering, local panch Sandesh Chopdekar outlined that the villagers have to oppose the move to demolish the compound wall as the chapel is a heritage structure.
“We have no option now but to take legal recourse where we have to highlight the significance of the over 400-year-old heritage structure which will get damaged if the road is built close to the chapel,” Chopdekar stated and added that authorities have not served a single notice to the chapel committee in this regard.
Chopdekar also urged for an extensive campaign in Chimbel and surrounding villages to save the chapel from destruction.
Parishioner John Lobo said the chapel committee had offered chapel land to save the house of Paul Fernandes.
“But now the government has demolished Fernandes’ house and they want to demolish the church property also, which defies logic,” Lobo pointed out, while stating that demolition of chapel compound is not necessitated as there is ample space on the opposite side of the chapel which should be utilised.
Local Govind Shirodkar affirmed that steps have to be taken to protect the chapel.
“We can approach the HC and cite that the demolition of the compound wall is not needed now as there is ample space available on the other side,” Shirodkar said.
Michael Dias from Merces suggested formation of a committee which would focus on garnering a wider support throughout the State in support of the chapel.
“Regular meetings should be held of the committee and a vigil should be maintained over any move to demolish the compound wall,” Dias added.
Santa Cruz activist Arturo D’Souza was also present along with a large number of Chimbel locals.
Meet to decide future course of action
OLD GOA: The Chimbel locals have decided to hold a meeting of concerned villagers, parishioners and also activists from different parts of Goa to voice opposition to the move to build a road close to the chapel.
The meeting, which will also chalk out the future course of action, will be held at the Our Lady of Immaculate Conception chapel on Sunday at 10 am.
Meanwhile, the locals informed that they will be meeting St Cruz MLA Tony Fernandes on October 6 at 11 am, at his Santa Cruz residence to put forth their grievances on the issue.
“When we contacted the MLA over the reported demolition moves, he assured that it will not happen. He further called us on October 6 at his residence to discuss on the issue,” John Lobo informed.
But the locals have demanded that the PWD minister should also remain present at the meeting for it to be fruitful.
