A recent Right to Information (RTI) response has revealed that the Se Old Goa Panchayat did not grant permission for the construction of a police station within the buffer zone of the Basilica of Bom Jesus, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The panchayat clarified that no resolution regarding the proposed police station had been passed by the gram sabha in the past year, nor had there been any official correspondence on the matter. They also confirmed that no site inspections had been conducted, and no proposals for the construction, renovation, or repair of a police station in the area had been received.
Furthermore, the panchayat stated they have no information or documentation concerning the foundation stone reportedly laid for the proposed police station.
This revelation has raised serious concerns about the legality and transparency of developments within the heritage site’s buffer zone, leading to renewed opposition from conservationists and local residents.
Vincent D’Silva, a member of the Save Old Goa Action Committee, expressed strong objections, emphasising the need for a master plan before any such development is considered.
He said, “The local MLA announced that a new police station would be built by demolishing the existing police outpost. We have opposed this because the outpost lies within the buffer zone of the UNESCO world heritage site. We are not against the construction of a police station, but it should be located outside the buffer zone.”
He added, “It can be built elsewhere, but not in the protected area. Now that the RTI reply confirms no permission was granted by the panchayat and no communication occurred on the matter, we condemn any attempt to proceed with construction. We also demand that the local MLA refrain from taking any steps in the protected area until a comprehensive master plan is in place.”