The Save Old Goa Action Committee (SOGAC) has reiterated its firm opposition to constructing a multi-storey police station in Old Goa, which falls within the buffer zone of the UNESCO World Heritage Site. The committee cautioned that such development could endanger the site’s heritage status.
Speaking to O Heraldo, members of the committee clarified that they are not opposed to the police station itself, but to the construction of a large concrete structure that would violate heritage norms.
“We do not know what the plan is. Sometimes it is said the building will be ground plus one, sometimes ground plus two. We do not want that,” said Jacqueline Fernandes, a member of the committee. “We are okay if the existing police station is renovated, but don’t want a multi-storey building.”
Vincent D’Silva, another member, added, “Our objection is not against the police station. Our problem is with the construction of a huge building. We do not want one floor or two floors. Earlier, the local MLA clearly said it would be two-storey, but after we opposed it, he changed his stance and claimed it would be single-storey.”
Peter Viegas, Coordinator of SOGAC, underlined the committee’s core concern: “We want to make it clear that construction of a police station and renovation of a police station are two different things. The objection of the Save Old Goa Action Committee is to the construction of a new building.”
Jennifer Lobo, another member, expressed concerns about ongoing illegal construction in the area. “We have seen many illegal projects come up here. We have condemned them because we do not want such developments in a World Heritage area. We are not saying that there is no need for a police station—there is. But it should not be in the buffer zone. It should be beyond 300 metres from the Basilica of Bom Jesus.”