PANJIM: The Goa ForGiving organisation along with Goa Heritage Action Group held a protest against the government’s decision to ‘destroy heritage sites of archeological importance’.
Addressing the media outside the old Public Works Department (PWD) building in the city on Wednesday, Prajal Sakhardande, executive member of Goa Action group, alleged that the government is planning to demolish the old PWD building.
“PWD Obras Publicas which was built during the Portuguese regime and renovated during the post-liberation period, is proposed to be demolished to build an office for Imagine Panjim Smart City Development”, alleged Sakhardande.
Adding further he said, “apart from this building, we have learnt that two other heritage buildings, viz the National Theatre Building and PRACA de COMERCIO which are in possession of Corporation of the City of Panaji (CCP) are on the verge of demolishment”.
“A few weeks back, the Panjim church was defaced in the name of exhibition,” Sakhardande added.
Heritage activist Heta Pandit, on her part alleged saying, “Monumental buildings owned by the government of Goa are being steadily emptied and abandoned overnight. The government is arbitrarily taking decisions without showing master plan to the public. Goa Institute of Management, Adil Shah Palace are few examples to mention.”
“Instead of protecting the heritage sites by repairing, restoring and reusing, the government is on to demolition and destruction”, alleged Anna Gracias.
Title of project as displayed at the old PWD building reads, ‘restoration, refurbishment and interior design of the headquarters of Imagine Panaji Smart City Development Limited’.
