With each passing day, those in charge of protecting Goa are cutting at our very roots. And letting the tree of our great heritage and civilisation fall.
The absolutely shocking incidents of an ugly, clearly illegal construction right next to the St Cajetan Church in Old Goa, which also threatens the very sanctity of the World Heritage site has forced heritage conservationists, architects, church representatives and well as the common man onto the streets in the pouring rain.
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Does anyone think the people of Goa will allow any power to destroy our precious heritage?
Among the many, like historian Prajal Sakhardande, President of the Goa Heritage Action Group Heta Pandit, social activists like anti-mining Rama Kankonkar, was Father Noel D’Costa, a veteran priest involved in several humanitarian causes and in the know of the illegal violation of a house construction aimed at destroying the heritage of Old Goa.
Fr Noel D’Costa, speaking during the protest meeting said strongly how state and central authorities “colluded to give permissions to the structure in violation of all laws since the property”. According to Fr D Costa, the property was “sold by a broker, who is a treasurer of a prominent local party in Goa, to a husband of a national spokesperson of a central party.”
We will target the central as well as the local party in the Assembly elections 2022 till the licences are revoked: Fr D’Costa
He went on to say, “Permissions were given on Central government’s pressure and through the agents of the local party. We will target the central as well as the local party in the Assembly elections 2022 till the licences are revoked. We will send our volunteers in the villages and highlight what they have done in the holy place of Old Goa.”
Do the destroyers know the value of what they are destroying? They cannot even imagine
No one supports colonial rule in Goa. We are all coloured and live as locals within this country for years. But can we forget our history, our roots our heritage and our architecture but protection of Goa’s heritage is not a religious issue. If you look at the love and respect all communities have and the reverence they show, especially during the feast of St Francis Xavier and the number of tourists who visit the old Goa churches, you will know that this is not just a Goa issue. Nor is it a national issue. It is not even a world issue. It is an issue of the roots of mankind and preservation of our past which is far bigger than any other issue. How can any government or political party tamper with that? Only ignorant forces can be behind this. They have underestimated the power of the people and their sentiments towards their roots, culture and heritage.
IT IS A TOTAL DESECRATION OF HERITAGE: Prof Prajal Sakhardande
Historian Prajal Sakhardande told Herald-HCN in a video interview, “They have violated the ASI law that 100 metres is the protected zone and 200 metres is the buffer zone around monuments. The state archaeology law of a 100 metres restriction of any construction next to a heritage structure has also been floated, plus it is a CRZ violation. They want to destroy all that is historical.”
Sakhardande further said, “In other places like Cabo de Rama, Aguada Central Jail, Reis Magos, new structures are being built in the name of restoration. In the presence of conservation architects, monuments are being altered.
Important solution suggested by historians: A HERITAGE BOARD. HERALD supports this
Sakhardande said that the Major Ports Bill says that the entire coast will be a private enclave of the MPT. Almost the entire coast of Goa will be taken over by MPT.
Our coasts are getting destroyed. Our rivers, our hills and forests. What do we have left?
The Heritage Board proposed will be the final word on all development, planning and construction (if at all needed) in heritage areas. The Board will have professionals and experts who will make decisions based on heritage conservation first and not in favour of builders and political lobbies.
Meanwhile, at the protest meeting Sahardande said granting licences to such a structure within the protected area of a world heritage site amounts to a serious violation of rules. “If the government or the court does not demolish the structure then we will have to do it on our own,” the historian thundered.
THE WEALTH OF GOA IS BEING DESTROYED; FROM CHURCHES TO BEACHES
From Churches to Beaches the wealth of Goa is destroyed. Look at our beaches. They have become dumping and urinating spots of tourists from neighbouring states. Rampant constructions have eroded our coasts. Will even those who want to do business or even build here have any profits? If this is the state of Goa, they are better off investing and building in other places.
AND FINALLY, TO ALL WHO ARE AGENTS OF DESTRUCTION OF GOA, THIS MAY BE YOUR SECOND AND THIRD HOME. BUT GOA IS OUR FIRST AND ONLY HOME. THIS IS OUR LIFE. THE SOULS OF OUR FOREFATHERS ARE HERE. THIS IS NOT OUR PLAYGROUND OR HOLIDAY DESTINATION.
Our roots lie here. Respect them.
