PANAJI
The villagers of Old Goa have opposed the inclusion of the village in Greater Panaji Planning and Development Area (GPPDA). The villagers have also threatened to file a PIL if the government does not listen to their demands. A candle march has also been arranged in Old Goa on December 3, to protest against the inclusion of the village in the PDA.
The villagers have said that a greater density of development will destroy the world heritage site. The villagers held a press conference along with Prof Prajal Sakhardande on the Old Goa issue in Panaji.
“Already massive construction is going on and Old Goa Panchayat gram sabha has already objected to the proposal,” said Glen Cabral, a social activist from the village.
Prof Prajal Sakhardande said that seven churches of Old Goa are listed as UNESCO world heritage and if construction comes around these churches there is a danger of UNESCO denotifying this place from the list of the world heritage sites. “We will not allow destroying our only world heritage site,” said Sakhardande.
He said the government is including the old village into PDA for the benefit of builders and developers.
Sakhardande said that there should not be development in 1 km area of heritage site stating that Old Goa is listed as a heritage site by Archaeological Survey of India, Goa State Archaeology along with UNESCO.
“Did the resident of Goa want it. It is only to please real estate lobby to construct enmass construction in the village,” said Sakhardande.
“We have inwarded letter to Deputy Chief Minister. The government is trying to finish Old Goa. CRZ has to be marked and protected zone was not marked and RP 2021 is passed,” informed Cabral. He alleged that there is planning to destroy Old Goa.
Villagers also question about proposed Archaeological park, fearing that it may be a backdoor entry to develop a park in the protected area.
