OLD GOA: When everyone is eagerly preparing for the festive season, the undeterred protestors at Old Goa are resiliently fighting as want nothing short of preservation of the sacred heritage precincts and the demolition of the illegal structure, put up near St Cajetan’s Church, by a BJP functionary, in total violation of the existing Govt regulations and UNESCO guidelines.
Ali Sheikh who extended his support to the Save Old Goa Action Committee, along with a group, said “Goa is small and we have to save it. Any illegal construction near this heritage site has to be demolished,” said Sheikh. “We have come from all parts of Goa to express our support to the committee–from Sanvordem, Curchorem, Mardol, Mapusa, Margao, Bambolim, Usgao, etc,” said Sheikh.
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Kadar Sheikh, another citizen who came to support the Save Old Goa Action Committee called on Muslims from all over Goa to support the protestors. Sheikh Iftikar, President of Goa Muslim Forum said it is an issue of all Goans. “It does not pertain to any religion, and political affiliation does not matter. Only issue that matters is Goenkarponn.” He called for the unity of Goans, otherwise political leaders will sell Goa, he warned. “Goans need to show their love for Goa. If they can sell the land of St Francis Xavier, they can sell entire Goa,” he rued.
Youth from have come out in support of the heritage area of Old Goa. Amol a graduate student from Mapusa said most monuments come under UNESCO and Archeological Survey of India (ASI). “In Old Goa, this is not the only illegal bungalow, but another illegal bungalow of former Minister Pandurang Madkaikar is also there. It’s evident that the govt is not strict, no matter which govt is in power. ASI should take stringent action against these illegal bungalows. TCP should give licences only after environmental regulations are adhered to,”said Amol.
Syle Devi, an international student from a college in Mapusa, said, “Goans should be proud that they have such rich heritage in terms of Churches and everything that is present in old Goa. It’s a symbolic way of looking at Goa’s history. Govt should prioritise the preservation of these monuments.”
Another local from Mapusa, cautioned that ‘we should stop outsiders from coming and developing the area around Old Goa’. “We need to retain its natural heritage. Goa is famous for nature, and heritage like churches of Old Goa and temples. Now there are constructions coming up and nothing is left. Slowly there will be nothing left to see for future generations and tourists,” said the local.
Karishma Thakur from Mapusa called on the Govt to stop illegal activities and preserve the natural environment. Kishore Desai, from Ribandar, said Old Goa is a tourist spot and one cannot do as one likes. “The place should be preserved. It is the duty of the govt to preserve it. Illegal constructions in the area should not be allowed,” said Desai.
