PORVORIM: Tourism Minister Rohan Khaunte expressed total surprise when he heard that a mall was coming up at Old Goa. He said it was only a tourist facilitation centre proposed under the PRASAD scheme. Khaunte clarified that the church authorities, including the priests from the Basilica and Archdiocese were consulted during the planning stages of the project. He emphasized that misinformation had been spread regarding the development, leading to confusion and concern among the public.
The minister further stated that work on the facilitation center would not proceed until the Church gives its concurrence once again if required. . He made it clear that the government is willing to respect the Church’s decision, noting, “Let the Church tell us that we don’t want further amenities there.” Khaunte also urged the police to investigate the origin of the rumors that had caused unrest and confusion within the community about a proposed mall.
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Tourism Minister Rohan Khaunte clarified that a lower ground and ground floor facilitation centre was coming up, that too outside the World Heritage Site Heritage zone. The other amenities were facilitation centre, parking, information centre, souvenir shop, bookstall, ASI office, waiting area and a restaurant.
The other facilities to be developed will be information and signages, lighting and digital footfall device. Khaunte all said that a presentation had been made before the local gram sabha on October 29, 2023 and approved by the Gram Sabha. “There is not commercial activity coming up here. Don’t play with religious sentiments,” he warned
Many Opposition members created a raucous saying that the minister was giving wrong information regarding the permission, especially since TCP Minister Vishwajit Rane had said on Monday, that no permission had been given by the TCP. Citing the above Vijai Sardesai said there was no coordination between the departments. He called for the need to stakeholders into confidence and take suggestions from people.
Khaunte admitted that the file regarding the project was not submitted to the Se-Old Goa Village panchayat from approval.
