Team Herald
OLD GOA: Calling upon the State government to listen to the people and stop the proposed mall project at the world heritage site near the Basilica of Bom Jesus, citizens from across the State on Sunday protested at Old Goa and pledged to sacrifice their lives to protect Goa from destruction.
Citizens comprising residents of Old Goa, members of Save Old Goa Action Committee (SOGAC), activists, environmentalists and others alleged that the mall is being developed by the Tourism Department in spite of the fact that construction cannot be permitted within 100 metres of the heritage site.
Addressing around 700 citizens, Jacqueline Fernandes, a member of the SOGAC said, “There were several trees, but now only a few are left. The notice board put up here mentions development for parking. My question to the government is that if only a parking facility is being developed here then why so many trees are being cut. When we noticed cannon balls, we realised that it is an archaeological site. We also want to ask, was the government sleeping when an illegal bungalow was constructed here?”
Yogesh Narvekar, a historian, said, “Old Goa was the eighth best city in the world in the 16th Century. What is left in Old Goa today? Businesses are with outsiders. This heritage site needs to be protected. When the cannon balls have been found, the government should stop the construction activities and start excavation to ascertain if there are other articles of historical importance. We have to protect our history at whatever cost possible.”
Fr Bolmax Pereira, an environmentalist, said, “Today’s development is of need. They call it the development era. It is not that we do not want development, but there should not be falsehood in the name of development. ‘Loot’ is happening in the name of development and this has to be stopped. The current government is discriminating against people on the basis of religion. We have to remain alert.”
SOGAC member Peter Viegas said that the meeting was called to show the people what is happening at the site.
Se Old Goa panch member Ambar Amonkar said, “It is sad that we have to take to the streets repeatedly. This project was discussed at the gram sabha six months ago. The gram sabha had proposed amendments to the project, which were sent to the authorities, who assured us that they would get back to us. But till date we have been kept in the dark. Few days ago, the work was started without intimating the panchayat. I assure that the Se Old Goa Panchayat will not issue permission to the project.”
He said, “The panchayat will issue a stop-work notice to the authorities in the next two to three days. It is the panchayat’s responsibility and we will do it. The government wants to impose this project on us despite people protesting against it. Similarly, a garbage treatment plant is coming up. The sentiments of people have to be respected. I would like to urge the government to take the people into confidence and then take decision with regards to the project.”
Sarika Naik, a panch member also assured that the panchayat will not issue permission to the project and a stop work order will be issued soon.
Avertino Miranda, environmentalist and the convener of the Goa Green Brigade said, “We need to wake up or else Goa will be destroyed. Government must listen to the voice of the people. We will not allow the destruction of Goa at any cost. We are ready to sacrifice our lives but will not allow the destruction of Goa. It takes years for the trees to grow.”
Activist Swapnesh Sherlekar, “We need to be in a fighter mode and be ready for a battle daily. Consistent fighting with a focus is very important. We will have to ensure that all the permissions given so far should be set aside.”
It is pertinent to note that a board put up by Goa Tourism Development Corporation reads, “Development of amenities at Basilica of Bom Jesus Old-Goa, under PRASAD Scheme, Ministry of Tourism, Government of India. Proposed parking lot under survey nos 154/1 (part), 154/2 (part) and 154/3 of Ella Village, Tiswadi Goa.”