Team Herald
PANJIM: Gaddas (kiosks) that had mushroomed adjacent to the compound wall of the Basilica of Bom Jesus Church at Old Goa have been temporarily shifted to a nearby property by the authorities in view of the G20 Summit.
It is pertinent to note that Museum of Christian Art at Old Goa has been shortlisted for excursion by dignitaries.
Cumbarjua MLA Rajesh Faldessai informed that the kiosks have been shifted to ‘Bakhia property’, close to the church complex.
“Se Old Goa Village Panchayat had received an order from the North Goa Collectorate directing removal of the kiosks. We adhered to the said order. I agree that not all were legally operating but they are locals and I am as their representative committed to protect their livelihood,” Faldessai said.
“We have shifted them to ‘Bakhia property’ that has been taken by the government. We have made arrangements for parking for tourists visiting the Old Goa church in the same property so that kiosks operators get customers,” he added.
However, when O Heraldo team visited the site on Friday it was seen the place from where kiosks have been shifted is now occupied by tourist vehicles.
Faldessai informed that the State government will spend Rs 42 crore received under ‘Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual Augmentation Drive’ (PRASAD) Scheme of the Central government to beautify the area around the Old Goa church complex and also create parking infrastructure.
“Our plan is to have a separate designated area for kiosks similar to that of kiosks set up at Dona Paula Jetty. We will ensure that there is no obstruction to the aesthetic character of the heritage site,” Faldesai added.
