The members of the Save Old Goa Action Committee (SOGAC) and local residents are up in arms over the ongoing construction activity allegedly taking place in the buffer zone of the historic St Augustine Tower in Old Goa as they claim that the work is being carried out without proper permissions and several trees have been felled to pave way for the project.
Claiming that unchecked construction threatens the heritage and ecological value of Old Goa, they demanded immediate intervention from authorities to halt further encroachment and called on Chief Minister Pramod Sawant to urgently implement a master plan for Old Goa.
Speaking to reporters, Vincent D’Silva, from the Save Old Goa Action Committee, stated, “A new construction is coming up near the St Augustine Tower. We do not know who has granted permission for this project — whether it is the panchayat, the Forest Department, or the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). We have made it clear on multiple occasions that no construction should be permitted within the buffer zone of this heritage monument.”
He said, “We have observed that poles have already been erected, the area is fenced with iron sheets, and construction work is underway. If all permissions were in place, there would be a mandatory display board at the site listing approvals from various departments — but no such board exists. Despite repeated objections, construction activities are continuing in the buffer zone. Previously, we opposed the building of the interpretation centre and the police station, and now this new project has begun.”
D’Silva emphasised the need for comprehensive planning: “We want to reiterate that no construction activity should be allowed in the buffer zone of the Basilica of Bom Jesus, a UNESCO World Heritage site. We urgently demand the formulation of a master plan for Old Goa. It is essential for protecting the sanctity and integrity of this historical area.”
Caterina Peres, another member of the Save Old Goa Action Committee, questioned the lack of enforcement despite public assurances. “The Town and Country Planning (TCP) Minister, Vishwajit Rane, has publicly stated that no construction will be permitted in the buffer zone. Yet, the interpretation centre and the police station have already been built there — and now this new construction is underway.
Peres said, “How is this possible? Local MLA and panchayat members must visit the site and witness the situation firsthand.”
Jennifer Lobo, also a committee member, reiterating the group’s opposition, said: “We have already condemned all the projects that have been built in this protected zone. The key question remains — how is this construction allowed to proceed? We call on Chief Minister Pramod Sawant to urgently initiate and implement a master plan for Old Goa.”
Peres said, “How is this possible? Local MLA and panchayat members must visit the site and witness the situation firsthand.”
Jennifer Lobo, also a committee member, reiterating the group’s opposition, said: “We have already condemned all the projects that have been built in this protected zone. The key question remains — how is this construction allowed to proceed? We call on Chief Minister Pramod Sawant to urgently initiate and implement a master plan for Old Goa.”