Team Goemkarponn
CORLIM: TCP Minister Vishwajit Rane reaffirmed that no construction activity will be permitted within 200 metres of the heritage churches in Old Goa, asserting that a buffer zone has already been notified in the Regional Plan.
Speaking at a large-scale medical camp at the ITI Montfort Institute in Corlim, Rane took a moment to address the Old Goa issue, saying the matter was brought to his department’s notice by MLA Rajesh Faldessai.
“We have clearly demarcated and notified a 200-metre buffer zone around the churches. No private construction will be allowed in this area,” Rane stated, urging the public not to be misled by what he called “certain elements who spread misinformation.”
He clarified that while the Town and Country Planning (TCP) Department has not granted any construction permissions in the heritage zone, any government project permitted by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) falls under a different jurisdiction.
“These are protected heritage structures and must be preserved. At the same time, we acknowledge the need for infrastructure like interpretation centres to support tourism—but within defined regulations,” he added.
Rane credited Faldessai for his proactive role in flagging the issue, which led to a firm decision being taken at the board level to enforce the buffer zone.
Before Rane assumed charge as TCP Minister, the buffer zone had not been notified. “It was only after the matter was raised by Faldessai that the decision was formally taken,” he concluded.
