PANJIM: The concerned citizens who are objecting to the illegal construction in the protected zone at the Old Goa heritage site, on Sunday protested the Centre’s decision to transfer the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) Goa chapter chief, when the matter is pending before the Supreme Court.
The group comprising locals, residents from across Goa, heritage enthusiasts, professionals such as architects as well as religious leaders and political leaders have questioned how permissions were granted for the under-construction project near a protected monument at Old Goa -- the Largo of St Cajetan, Viceroy’s Arch and St Cajetan Church.
The group protested and condemned the act to transfer Goa Circle Superintending Archaeologist Ramakrishna Amarnath to Chennai.
The protestors sought intervention of the State Chief Minister Dr Pramod Sawant in the matter to ensure that no illegal structure comes up in the protected area and that the officer is reinstated.
The agitators alleged that Amarnath’s transfer was deliberately done to control the ASI Goa Chapter’s reply to the Supreme Court in favour of the said construction project and prevent Amarnath from providing the correct picture to the court.
"The matter is posted before the Supreme Court for hearing on illegal construction. ASI Goa chapter has to file an affidavit and hence, the government wants someone who could speak in favour of the project," the protestors said.
Activist Arthur D'Souza questioned the need to transfer the officer when he was slated to file an affidavit in the Supreme Court.
"He was an honest officer, who had studied in detail about the illegal project and raised his objection. The government should have waited for him to file an affidavit and then transfer him," he said.
D'Souza said the action shows that government is hell bent to go ahead with the illegal construction within protected areas, thus destroying the sanctity of the heritage site.
St Cruz Congress leader Rudolf Fernandes said the public has gathered to raise its voice against the illegalities by exposing the government.
He said everyone needs to be united to protect Goa.