Team Herald
PANJIM: The State government on Friday resolved to constitute an ‘Urban Arts Commission’ which will guide the State and local bodies towards preserving, developing and maintaining the architectural heritage of the State.
The Town and Country Planning (TCP) Conservation Committee, under Minister Vijai Sardesai, decided to amend the rules and regulations to put in place the commission, that will also advice the department through the conservation committee about various avenues to set up Goan streetscape.
Speaking to media persons after the meeting, Sardesai said future buildings in the State must follow the law of aesthetics. “Ours is a party which believes in heritage. Heritage is also architecture,” he said.
“One decision which we have taken is to advice the government in the matter of preserving, developing and maintaining the aesthetic quality of urban and environmental design within Goa,” he stated.
“And also to provide advice and guidance to local bodies, in respect of any development projects, which affects or likely to affect the architectural aesthetic quality of surroundings especially in conservation zones. For this purpose, we intend to put this commission in place,” Minister added.
One member on the commission, having statutory powers, will represent both- Commission and TCP board. “My basic principle is that whatever change of sone that we are doing now either through 16 B or any other way, this change of zone should also reflect Goan streetscape. If we convert the land, it should have only Goan architecture,” Sardesai added.
