OLD GOA: Though PWD authorities had demolished the two platforms that had come up very close to the Viceroy’s Arc at Old Goa, the Goa Heritage Action Group (GHAG) members and social activists found that toilet blocks were constructed within 100 metres of the Arc.
Also, huge excavations were undertaken right inside the complex of St Cajetan’s Church, which is a world heritage monument, which is prohibited under ASI’s central law, the activists told Herald.
With the authorities not listening to their pleas, the activists have now complained to the National Monuments authority.
Even though social activist Bismark Dias and GHAG member Prajal Sakhardande tried to reason out with PWD architect Marwin Gomes that the construction of toilet blocks, within 100 metres of a heritage monument, violates the ASI laws, Gomes was in no mood to stop the construction work as he said he has orders from higher authorities to go ahead with the work at any cost.
“Only if I am ordered by the ASI or any government authority concerned to stop the work, will I do so,” Gomes bluntly told the activists and GHAG members, while claiming that ASI authorities have permitted to go ahead with the construction. “It is only a temporary construction, which will be demolished after the Exposition is over,” he added.
However, GHAG member Sudeep Dalvi took strong objections to the construction work, which he said is not temporary. “The toilets are constructed with bricks and mortars and hence, cannot be called temporary,” he opined.
Another member Prajal Sakhardande, in fact, said that the ASI authorities do not have powers to give permission for permanent structures, within 300 metres of a heritage site.
Sakhardande further lambasted the authorities at the ASI-Goa Circle stating that they are not following the rules and regulations. “Conservation architects have not been consulted while undertaking works within the heritage areas,” he complained.
“We will fight tooth and nail to stop the blatant violations undertaken in Old Goa, which is threatening to wipe off the history and heritage of this historic place.
DySP Serafin Dias and Old Goa PI Krishna Sinari also made their presence felt at the site.
