10 Feb 2024  |   07:37am IST

Bouyed by PM’s speech, Save Old Goa Action Committee invokes intercession of Goencho Saib

Prays for enlightenment of Goan politicians to work towards a just Master Plan for Old Goa; express concern over rampant proliferation of illegal and unplanned projects in State

Team Herald

MARGAO: In response to recent acknowledgments by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his address to the public at Margao’s mega meeting regarding the significance of Old Goa as a UNESCO World Heritage site, the Save Old Goa Action Committee (SOGAC) has urged for immediate action from the State government.

The committee members, led by Peter Viegas, were addressing media persons in Margao on Friday evening.

The committee expressed concerns over the rampant proliferation of illegal and unplanned projects in Goa, spanning three decades.

They highlighted a range of issues regarding unauthorized developments in the region, including alleged illegal bungalows and estates, proposed projects like floating jetties, the Sagarmala Jetty, plans for a Heritage Interpretation Centre and a Chocolate Exhibition Centre.

Additionally, issues such as the establishment of a garbage plant leading to environmental pollution, the installation of a helipad causing noise pollution, and the development of the Investment Promotion Board (IPB). Laterite Resort and other alleged illegal constructions were raised.

Furthermore, they lamented that the allocation of ghost house numbers for building construction and the lack of demarcation of the 300-metre Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) Buffer Zone on the Regional Plan (RP) 2021 exacerbate the problem by allowing further illegal construction within the Heritage Zone.

The Committee strongly urged the State government to address these issues, particularly focusing on debating the Master Plan during the ongoing Assembly Session and finalizing it before the St  Francis Xavier Exposition 2024.

Highlighting the global importance of preserving Old Goa's heritage, the  committee emphasized the admiration expressed by world leaders, including Prime Ministers, Presidents, G-20 and CHOGM Delegates, and Pope John Paul II.

The committee invoked the intercession of Goencho Saib, calling for enlightenment among Goa's leadership, particularly the Chief Minister, to work towards a just Master Plan.