Team Goemkarponn
OLDGOA: Fresh controversy has erupted in Old Goa as members of the Save Old Goa Action Committee (SOGAC) and local residents have strongly objected to alleged unauthorised construction activity taking place within the buffer zone of the historic St Augustine Tower. The group has accused those behind the project of proceeding without valid permissions and claimed that several trees have been felled to facilitate the development.
Raising concerns about the impact on the heritage and ecological significance of Old Goa, the activists have demanded urgent intervention from the authorities. They have also called on Chief Minister Pramod Sawant to expedite the formulation and implementation of a comprehensive master plan for the protected zone.
Vincent D’Silva, a member of SOGAC, expressed alarm over the new structure coming up near the iconic tower. “We do not know which authority has granted approval for this project — whether it’s the panchayat, Forest Department, or ASI. No construction should be permitted in the buffer zone of a protected monument,” he said. He further pointed out that there was no display board at the site listing mandatory permissions, as required by law.
D’Silva added that despite repeated protests, construction work continues unabated. “The area has been fenced with iron sheets, poles have been erected, and work is clearly in progress. In the past, we opposed the construction of an interpretation centre and a police station here — and now yet another project is underway,” he said.
Committee member Caterina Peres questioned the lack of enforcement despite public assurances from Town and Country Planning Minister Vishwajit Rane, who had earlier stated that no construction would be allowed in the buffer zone. “How then were the interpretation centre and police station allowed? Local leaders must visit the site and take note of the situation,” she demanded.
Another SOGAC member, Jennifer Lobo, reiterated the group’s opposition to all development within the protected heritage zone. “We have consistently opposed projects that compromise Old Goa’s sanctity. The key question remains — how is construction still being allowed? We urge the Chief Minister to immediately act and implement a proper master plan for Old Goa,” she said.
