Team Herald
PANJIM: Accusing the Town and Country Planning (TCP) Department of deliberately granting permission to builders for conversions in the protected area, the residents of Old Goa have started a signature campaign opposing illegal land conversions at the heritage site of Old Goa and urged people of Goa to support their cause.
Speaking to reporters, Vincent D’Silva, member of Save Old Goa Action Committee, said, “The residents of Old Goa have come together to tell the people of the State that illegalities are happening in our area. We request the people of the State to participate in the signature campaign and try to protect Goa.”
D’Silva said, “The bungalow which has been constructed illegally in Old Goa is still there. Moreover, new land conversions and illegalities are taking place. There is a world heritage site in Old Goa, but the government, especially Town and Country Planning (TCP), gives permission to these illegal projects. We have come together to condemn it.”
Jacqueline Fernandes, another member of Save Old Goa Action Committee, said, “We require a master plan for the projects, which are coming up in the State. The illegalities will stop if the areas are demarcated under the master plan. I urge the people to download the forms and sign them. Let the signed forms go to the Chief Minister stating that we want a master plan before the Exposition.”