About 100 members of SOGAC participated in the ‘dharna’, which began at around 10.30 am and ended at 3 pm. The protestors also recited prayers throughout the ‘dharna’ and asked for God’s help to enlighten the politicians who are opposing a master plan for Old Goa.
Speaking to Herald, SOGAC Secretary John Viegas said the government has spent about Rs 50 crore in beautifying the surroundings of the world heritage monuments in Old Goa due to the recently concluded exposition of the Sacred Relics of St Francis Xavier.
“However, no sooner the exposition ended, the hawkers and vendors have started doing their business in close vicinity of the world heritage monuments, which is destroying the ambience of the place,” Viegas said while demanding that the government should earmark a permanent place for the hawkers and vendors, and it should be far away from the historical monuments.
“We are not saying that the hawkers and vendors should be permanently removed but they should not be allowed to do business in close vicinity of the heritage monuments,” he said while condemning the attitude of some vendors and hawkers who are doing business right on the footpath.
“The footpath is built for the pedestrians and not for conducting business,” Viegas opined while stating that the moving carts should not be allowed to be permanently stationed at one place.
“Illegal constructions have also contributed towards the denigration of this historical place and there should be check on such activities,” he added.
Viegas further said buses and vehicles are being parked right next to the precinct of the Basilica, and hence there is a need to have a master plan for Old Goa, which will include a permanent place for parking of vehicles, for hawkers and vendors, for kiosks, etc.
When questioned whether SOGAC has identified any place for parking facilities or for hawkers, vendors and kiosks, Viegas said on January 29, a meeting is scheduled to take place between the Collector, the Old Goa Panchayat authorities, the ASI authorities and the Church authorities, where a suitable place is likely to be identified.
On the recent statement made by the local MLA that only the Old Goa locals should demand a master plan for Goa and not outsiders, Viegas said that Old Goa belongs to every Goan and hence every Goan has a right to demand what is best for Old Goa.
