OLD GOA
Seeking to clear the air on the development undertaken in the property of Department of Tourism which has seen public opposition, tourism officials clarified that all permissions from authorities concerned have been obtained.
Further, the officials informed that the project is not a mall as is being alleged while further stating that the work has been temporarily halted on directives of the ASI.
The project in question is a Heritage Interpretation Centre under the PRASAD scheme being set up at the site of the Old Arsenal at Old Goa.
"We have permissions from the National Monuments Authority, the TCP, Forest Department and application has been made to the Old Goa panchayat for its approval," Tourism Director Kedar Naik informed reporters at a media conference in Panaji on Monday.
"The work has commenced in accordance with the required guidelines. At present, only the site clearance process has commenced and all necessary permissions will be obtained before any construction begins," Naik stated.
Speaking further, Naik said that the project is not a mall but a project which focuses solely on enhancing visitor facilities, including the development of a parking area, an information centre, and improved lighting for the monument.
Naik then informed that following directives from the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), the work has been temporarily halted and will resume once clearance from ASI is received.
However when reporters pointed out that the panchayat authorities have clearly stated that no NOC from the panchayat has been sought, Naik could not give a satisfactory reply.
Naik then emphasised that his department engaged with all stakeholders, including the Church and the Old Goa panchayat, incorporated their feedback, and gained their confidence.
ASI Assistant Superintending Archaeologist Dr Kishore Raghubans stated that during the excavation process, cannon balls were discovered at the site.
"Consequently, the ASI instructed the tourism department to halt work to allow proper documentation through photography, drawings, and reports. This process is ongoing and is expected to take some time,”
When The Goan questioned about the claims being made that the site comes under the prohibited zone, Raghubans informed that it falls in the regulated zone.
The conference was also attended by Dr M P Balan and others.
