Team Herald
MARGAO: The Save Old Goa Action Committee (SOGAC) has petitioned the government to address alleged illegalities in Old Goa in preparation for the Solemn Exposition of the Sacred Relics of Saint Francis Xavier. They are advocating for the creation and implementation of a master plan to protect and preserve the region’s heritage sites before the exposition scheduled to be held between November 21, 2024 and January 5, 2025.
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SOGAC has strongly objected to illegal construction activities in close proximity within the world heritage site near the Chapel of St Francis Xavier. Their concerns focus particularly on a new road that is being constructed by touching the wall of the chapel in survey number 97/2.
On Friday, a delegation led by Peter Viegas met with Environment Minister Alexio Sequiera in Margao to present their concerns. The minister instructed them to formally document their complaint at the department’s office.
Speaking to reporters, Peter Viegas, a member of SOGAC, stated that on August 19, an excavator was observed trespassing into the church property and conducting unauthorized development work.
“Church officials confirmed that the work was not sanctioned by them, indicating that the road construction is illegal,” said Peter Viegas and added that the Chapel of St Francis Xavier is a state-protected monument of significant historical importance, having housed the remains of St. Francis Xavier from 1554 to 1624.
Viegas highlighted that there is ongoing pressure to construct a road connecting to a landlocked property at survey number 98/1 in the village of Ella. This road construction, which extends from an existing footpath to the chapel wall, has raised concerns among both citizens and the church. The development threatens the Chapel of St Francis Xavier, a monument under the state Directorate of Archaeology, and could potentially disrupt visitors and services.
SOGAC has demanded immediate action, which includes conducting a joint site inspection, investigating the illegal activities, filing an FIR, deploying police to prevent further violations, and restoring the land to its original condition.
They also call for halting all unauthorized constructions within the heritage zone and for the demarcation of the area in the Regional Plan 2021.
