SPEED UP PROCESS TO DEMOLISH OLD GOA ILLEGAL STRUCTURE, SAYS SAMIL VOLVAIKER
PANAJI: Trinamool Congress (TMC) Leader and Social Worker from Cumbharjua, Samil Volvaiker called for speeding up the process to demolish the illegal structure at Old Goa.
On Thursday, a joint inspection was carried out at the site of the illegal structure by the sarpanch, panch members and officials of the Old Goa panchayat, in the presence of the complainants and other parties, where measurements were recorded of the structure.
TMC Leader and former Curtorim MLA Aleixo Reginaldo Lourenco was also present.
“People from across the state have opposed this illegal structure. This is our heritage value. If such a structure is allowed in a heritage site, which is recognised by UNESCO, then it will serve as a precedent all over Goa. There are so many heritage sites across the state,” Volvaiker said.
Volvaiker also questioned the absence of government authorities at the inspection.
“The government’s role in this matter does not seem to be clear. Only the panchayat officials, panches and sarpanch were present today for the joint inspection. Where are the government officials? Apart from the panchayat, the government has a major role in this illegal structure. The town and country planning and other authorities concerned should have also conducted a joint inspection and submitted a report on the matter. The process needs to be hastened. The construction licence was revoked many weeks ago. Although the process has started with this inspection, it needs to be completed at the earliest and the structure needs to be demolished as soon as possible. Every Goan wants this done immediately,” he said.
Volvaiker was part of the protest held for over 15 days last month by Save Old Goa Action Committee to press for the demolition of the structure. This movement to preserve the Old Goa heritage site has been going on for the last five months.
It may be recalled that the Catholic Church of Goa had called on the government to refrain from any acts and decisions which are detrimental to the preservation of the religious and heritage sanctity of Old Goa.
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