OLD GOA
A day after the public protest against the project in the Tourism Department property in Old Goa, the locals have filed their objections with various authorities including the Se Old Goa panchayat, ASI, Archaeology Department, Old Goa police and others.
A local Glen Cabral was one of the first to lodge a complaint with the Old Goa panchayat demanding that the panchayat should immediately issue a stop-work notice for the project as it was started without seeking the panchayat's permission.
Cabral also petitioned the ASI asking it to excavate the area as canon balls and other artefacts have been found. He also has petitioned the Archaeology Department as the State monument, the Santa Monica Convent and Church, is in close proximity of the project site.
Cumbarjua Congress block president Vishal Volvoikar and others also filed an application with the Se Old Goa panchayat seeking its intervention by issuing a stop-work notice to the project.
Volvoikar also petitioned the ASI and urged that any permission granted for the project be withdrawn.
The NGO Goa Green Brigade also filed a complaint with the Old Goa panchayat as well as the Old Goa police to initiate action in the matter.
Meanwhile, the Old Goa panchayat has sought clarification from the Department of Tourism about the project.
Among the clarification sought includes whether permissions were granted for excavation or construction at the said site, whether the activity adheres to the legal framework protecting archaeological and UNESCO sites, and any evidence or documentation that validates the legality of the operations of they are authorised.
