MAPUSA
Ports Minister Michael Lobo’s audacious 48-hour ultimatum to his government to withdraw permissions to the controversial structure in the heritage zone of the Old Goa church complex ended with a whimper, but on Saturday, he reiterated his opposition to the construction and vowed to fight “tooth and nail” to see that the case is taken to its logical end.
Lobo also said that there was a need to ensure strict implementation of the law while issuing permissions in heritage areas.
“When a repair license is issued one cannot carry out reconstruction. It is against the rules of the NOC issued by the concerned departments. Such work should not happen under pressure. We will fight tooth and nail, if required, and see that the case is taken to its logical end,” Lobo said.
On Wednesday evening, the Ports Minister at a function had urged CM Pramod Sawant to take action against the controversial structure at Old Goa within “48 hours” or face a statewide agitation.
Lobo said that he has already written a letter to the CM on the issue which will be handed over to him while also having spoken to the State BJP President Sadanand Tanavade.
“Whatever action has to be taken will be done after following due procedure. The licenses cannot be withdrawn immediately or else courts will bring stay on it,” he explained.
He also said that the license to the structure was reportedly issued in 2016 and the actual construction at the site began in 2020-21.
The controversial structure co-owned by BJP national spokesperson Shaina NC is coming up in a heritage area at Old Goa.
Heritage lovers and the civil society under the banner of Old Goa Action Committee have been agitating against the construction. A special leave petition in the matter has also been filed before the Supreme Court.
The Ports Minister said the concerned licensing departments should look into the matter and ensure that the laws are strictly adhered.
“Such a structure should not come in a heritage zone. That is why strict implementation of the law should happen. The three departments “ panchayat, town and country planning (TCP) and Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) “ should look into it,” he said.
“I hope the TCP will follow the due procedure of law and see that all permissions granted are withdrawn,” he added.
