SATURDAY, APRIL 27, 2024
ROHAN SHRIVASTAV
OLD GOA: The UNESCO recognised world heritage site comprising churches and historical monuments at Old Goa is slowly losing its sheen on account of uncontrolled and haphazard development with the authorities concerned turning a blind eye to these alleged illegalities.
The officials concerned have failed to curb uncontrolled and haphazard development with regards to the alleged illegal constructions and unregulated commercial activities in and around the Basilica of Bom Jesus and Se Cathedral.
An O Heraldo visit to the world heritage site revealed that illegal gaddas (kiosks) that have mushroomed near the compound wall of the church complex have allegedly converted the site into a slum area.
It is pertinent to note that no illegality can thrive without political patronage. And to prove this is the controversial bungalow at the heritage site, which is a prime example of how politicians are a party to illegalities and are destroying the world heritage site.
On an average, Old Goa attracts around 5,000 to 7,000 visitors during the peak tourist season on a daily basis. However, the authorities concerned have failed to provide a proper parking place for the visitors. And to add to its cup of woes, the garbage management at the world heritage site is also not up to the mark.
Activists have slammed the Se Old Goa Village Panchayat and the government departments concerned for failing in their duties.
Historian and heritage activist Prajal Sakhardande appealed to the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) to step in and initiate necessary action in preserving and protecting the monuments and their aesthetics.
“In the UNESCO-listed world heritage sites nothing can come up. It cannot be a development zone, there cannot be buildings, but you find so many people encroaching upon it and constructions are underway in a haphazard manner. The heritage site has turned into a totally disturbed place. The whole place looks completely defaced, so, the ASI in Delhi and in Goa should be very firm in implementing its rules and regulations,” Sakhardande demanded.
Professor and researcher Vishvesh Kandolkar said that Old Goa, with its rich history and cultural significance, requires a holistic approach to preservation.
“It served as the capital of Estado da India in the 16th Century and was a major centre in Asia, making it a site of global importance. To preserve its heritage, it is vital to consider the entire historical site, not just individual monuments. To ensure the protection of its monuments and buildings, the historical site of Old Goa has to be designated as a heritage site with buffer zones around it,” Kandolkar said.
“These areas hold great interest for scholars and researchers studying its history and its impact. The importance of preserving Old Goa in its entirety cannot be overemphasised, as it provides the present and future generation of Goans a glimpse into its past and its role in shaping the world as we know it today,” he added.
“We are doing our bit and we want the local body to do its bit. If the local panchayat acts and performs its duties then no illegalities can take place in the area,” a senior ASI official said.
When contacted, Se Old-Goa sarpanch Sandra Gonsalves said that the panchayat has initiated action against the illegalities.
“Illegal constructions and encroachments have been carried out over a period of time. I don’t want to point fingers at the past panchayat body and don’t want to question them as to why they failed to stop the same. I am the current Sarpanch, and am committed to root out these illegalities and put things in order. I have already started taking action and to some, notices have already been issued,” Gonsalves added.
Cumbarjua MLA Rajesh Faldessai also admitted that illegal constructions have come up in the area and assured to initiate strict action against them.
“We have decided to demolish the illegal constructions including the compound walls that have been constructed illegally by a section of people in close vicinity of the Old Goa church complex. It will be done by following proper procedure under the existing laws,” Faldessai said.
He informed that the State government will spend Rs 42 crore received under ‘Pilgrimage Rejuvenation And Spiritual Augmentation Drive’ (PRASAD) scheme of the Central government to beautify the area around the Old Goa Church complex and also create parking infrastructure.
“Our plan is to have a separate designated area for kiosks similar to that of kiosks set up at Dona Paula Jetty. We will ensure that there is no obstruction to the aesthetic character of the heritage site,” Faldesai added.
