Arrogance of Brute Majority

Goemkarponn desk
PANAJI: TCP Minister Vishwajit Rane today assured the house that his department will declare a 100-meter buffer zone across all the ASI and State Archeology protected sites; however, he failed to give any assurance on demolishing of the said structure.
During Question Hour, the opposition cornered the ruling government.
“As regards to the demolition of the structure in Sy. No. 4/1 of Ella Village the Panchayat has already issued a demolition order dated 10.02.2022 and also Revocation order dated 27.12.2021 for revocation of construction licence and Renewal License,” said Vishwajit Rane.
He said orders have been challenged in Petition bearing No. ADP-I/Se-Old-Goa/PA.No.23/2022/824 before Additional Director of Panchayats – I.
“Further, it is submitted that, demolition can be only executed when final order has been passed for demolishing structure by the Additional Director of Panchayats – I and provided no Appeal/ Petition is filed challenging the said order of demolition passed by the Additional Director of Panchayats – I, Panaji – Goa. The matter of Old Goa bungalow is in the High Court and is sub-judice, but I assure the house that department will declare a 100-meter buffer zone across at all the ASI and State Archeology protected sites,” said Rane.
Chief Minister and TCP minister refused to speak more on the issue stating the matter is sub-judice.
Opposition MLA’s Rajesh Faldesai, Vijai Sardesai, Yuri Alemao and Capt Venzy Viegas demanded a speedy demolition of the structure.
The controversy surrounding the construction of the bungalow, located near the heritage St. Cajetan Church in Old Goa, blew up some months back after activists, as well as the Congress party, alleged that the construction was allegedly illegal in violation of state as well as heritage norms.
The village panchayat of Se Old Goa has issued a demolition order to the owner of the controversial illegal bungalow located in the UNESCO heritage zone.
While the construction project was being carried out by Munot and Suvarna Lotlikar, wife of former Goa Forward party treasurer Suraj Lotlikar, Shaina NC has said that “we have nothing to do with this”.
Several villagers have been on a strike in Old Goa for the last week, demanding demolition of the alleged illegal structure, ground plus one storey bungalow, which has come up next to some world heritage monuments.