The Save Old Goa Action Committee held a peaceful Satyagra ha on Thursday to highlight the urgent need to safeguard Old Goa and raise awareness about threats to the historic site. The protest was in support of social activist Rama Kankonkar, who was recently as saulted, and other activists commit ted to preserving Goa’s cultural and historical sanctity against exploita tion and environmental degradation. The committee emphasised that Old Goa, home to Goa’s only UNESCO World Heritage site, is a symbol of immense prestige for the state. Mem bers urged authorities to prevent ac tivities that compromise the sanctity of the area, citing illegal construc tion, garbage dumping, unauthorised bungalows, farmhouses, resorts, jet ties, helipads, and heritage interpre tation centers.
Jennifer Lobo, a member of the committee, addressed the gathering, saying, “I call upon the people to protect Goa in the spirit of Mahatma Gandhi, the father of the nation, who fought for truth and non-violence. We demand that the government finalise and declare the master plan for Old Goa at the earliest. We had requested the Chief Minister to announce this plan by November 2024 and even submitted a petition signed by 35,000 concerned citizens. However, we have yet to receive any response.” She highlighted the urgent need to safeguard the UNES CO heritage site, pointing to the increasing threats posed by illegal constructions, including bungalows, resorts, farmhouses, a police station, a laterite resort, and a hel ipad. “We must protect and preserve this world heritage site for future generations,” she asserted. Alzira Dias, a resident of Old Goa, criticised politicians for their inaction, saying, “We have gone to every local politician. When they are in power they promise to be with us. They are there with us before the elections but after that they do not bother to do anything for Old Goa.” She added, “A known dev il is better than unknown devil. We trusted some people and voted for them, hoping that he will do something better but nothing has been done. We have approached everyone and that too for so many years. We have been making noise but no use. See what has happened to Rama Kankonkar.” The committee also raised concerns about parties being held in two casinos near the Divar ferry, which falls within the site’s buffer zone, posing further risks to Old Goa’s in tegrity. Protestors carried placards with slogans including “To Save Old Goa Needs Master Plan” and “At Holy Place, No Garbage, Casino, Hotels, Drugs, Bars,” underscoring their demands for immediate action and protective measures.
