To name some are Basilica of Bom Jesus, St. Augustine Tower and the miraculous cross at St. Catherine church. Tourists from all over the world visit this place and experience the beauty almost throughout the year.
It is hard to say that the peaceful atmosphere of this place is disturbed, in fact marred by the heavy traffic on the road between the Basilica premises and the church square. Parking of cars, buses and other vehicles on both sides of the road worsen the situation even more. The tourist can’t walk freely on the road and risk their lives while crossing. The Zebra crossing has been faded and almost washed away. There is also a hell like congestion at the Gandhi circle faced by both for the drivers as well as pedestrians.
The archaeologists’ of Goa had commented after a survey that there is a gradual deterioration of these ancient structures due to the vibrations caused by the continuous flow of traffic which can result in collapse of these structures in future. So it is the duty of the archaeologists’ team to promote awareness among the government authorities about the harmful effects caused by the traffic.
It is my kind request to the government of Goa to take keen interest to implement following points:
1. To stop the vehicular movement on the above mentioned route thereby protecting the structures/monuments for our future generations thus protecting Goa’s heritage.
2. To divert the traffic on the other routes by putting up proper traffic signal boards or can also plan for one way traffic as the new Kadamba road is already in place.
3. To maintain a peaceful atmosphere in and around this area as it is considered as ‘Holy’ due to the presence of sacred relics of our most beloved saint St. Francis Xavier.
4. To maintain cleanliness of the area by employing labourers as it is a famous tourist spot.
Hope to see a peaceful and clean Old Goa in future!!
