Activists, historians want illegal structure at Old Goa heritage site razed to dust

OLD GOA: ‘Justice delayed is justice denied’, said activists and historians on Sunday referring to the pendency of matter before the Supreme Court in the illegal structure (a massive villa) at the Old Goa heritage precinct. 

Holding a non-violent protest cum awareness drive under the banner of Goa Heritage Action Group and Global Shapers Community-Panjim, in Old Goa against the illegal construction at the heritage site, activists pointed out that they have knocked doors of all authorities concerned and that all possibilities have now been exhausted, they now urged the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) and the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) to use their powers and get the illegal structure demolish at the earliest. 

“Activists have knocked the doors in New Delhi. The person is powerful and has political backing of the central government, which is the reason the bungalow is still standing here. So, I call upon the UNESCO’s world heritage committee as well as the ASI’s Goa circle to get this demolished, it is an eye sore and it is now the responsibility of these two bodies to do their bit in taking down the illegal structure,” Historian and heritage activist Prajal Sakhardande said. 

He said that the illegal structure is standing tall defying all societal norms and by challenging the norms of the authorities concerned including the Goa government’s Town Country and Planning department.   

Social activist Ana Gracias said, “I will stand till it (illegal) breaks, I want this structure to be demolished at any cost, I am ready to give my life for it. We will all fight till we get justice.”  

Ninoschka Pinto, a representative of Global Shapers Community, Panjim urged the youths of Goa to join the movement to preserve Old Goa’s architectural heritage.

“Construction in protected heritage sites is not Goa, greenery and fresh air is what Goa is known for.  Does UNESCO protected site have no value? Can anyone just construct anything anywhere?  There are certain rules and regulations laid down to preserve history so that the future generations know what our ancestors did. With no rules and regulations Goa is going to become the next Delhi,” Pinto said.