PANJIM: The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has ordered demolition of the controversial bungalow built within the world heritage precincts at Old Goa. However, the High Court of Bombay at Goa has by an order halted demolition of the structure until further case hearings.
Union Minister for Culture and Tourism G Kishan Reddy in a reply letter to Trinamool Congress Party (TMC) MP Mahua Moitra has informed that the ASI has issued demolition order against the illegal structure.
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TMC MP Mahua Moitra tweeted a letter that she received from the Union Minister as a reply to a matter raised by her in the Lok Sabha during Zero Hour mention regarding the illegal construction in protected area of Chapel of St Cajetan, Old Goa on December 1 last year.
The Union Minister in the letter says, “I have got the matter examined and would like to inform you that the ASI has issued a demolition order against the illegal construction on August 16, 2022 under the provisions of the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958.”
MP Moitra in her tweet said, “Very happy our efforts paid off & illegal construction of bungalow in heritage site at Old Goa stopped. Thanks @kishanreddybjp & Save Old Goa Action Committee. Protest always pays.”
Meanwhile, the High Court of Bombay at Goa, while hearing a plea filed by the Corvus Urban Infrastructure LLP, the promoter of the bungalow has ordered that no demolition will be carried out until further order. The petitioner had challenged that the order was issued without minimum compliance to the principles of natural justice and fair play. The matter has now been fixed for reply on November 15.
Ana Gracias, a protestor against the illegal bungalow said, “It is a proud moment for the people of Goa. Now that the case is in Supreme Court and the Director of Panchayats should take initiative to demolish the said illegal bungalow at Old Goa.”
Reacting to the letter written by Union Minister Kishen Reddy to MP Mahua Moitra that a demolition order has been issued against the illegal structure at Old Goa, the Save Old Goa Action Committee said it was just eyewash.
The matter is pending in the Supreme Court and ASI has not even filed an affidavit in the case stating the illegalities are carried out by the perpetrators. The ASI in Delhi has been pressurised by the top BJP functionaries not to act against the illegal structure at Old Goa, charged the Save Old Goa Action Committee.
The Save Old Goa Action Committee demanded that the Moitra should ask the Minister why was an upright Superintending Archaeologist of Goa Circle transferred when he issued a demolition order against the illegal structure? Why did the advocate of the Superintending Archaeologist of Goa Circle file only a three-page affidavit in the High Court in the contempt petition without stating the proper facts of the case?
Why was the Superintending Archaeologist of Goa Circle asked not to challenge the orders of the High Court in the Supreme Court?
The various departments of both – Central as well as State governments have colluded with the owners of the illegal structure, it said.
