PANJIM: The launch of more than Rs 1,400 crore worth projects under Swadesh Darshan and PRASAD Scheme, including the Basilica of Bom Jesus Church at Old Goa, by Prime Minister Narendra Modi has come under severe criticism from the activists, who termed the move aimed at getting votes in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.
Speaking to O Heraldo, the activists said that if the government was really interested in the protecting heritage and monuments of the State then it should have demolished the illegal bungalow built within the world heritage site and in the proximity of the Basilica of Bom Jesus Church.
Save Old Goa Action Committee coordinator Peter Viegas said, ''If the State government loves Goycho Saib then they have to prepare a Master Plan for Old Goa to protect our only UNESCO world heritage site and stop illegal constructions."
He said, "It should first demolish the illegal bungalow and stop constructions like laterite resort project, helipad, jetties, garbage plant, heritage interpretation centre, ODP etc. We suspect that the government has hidden agenda.''
Save Old Goa Action Committee president Fatima Pereira said that the government is reluctant to demolish he illegal construction stating that the matter is subjudice. There is no stay by the Court and the government is dilly dallying it. The launching of various works at Old Goa is an eye wash and an election gimmick, she said. “We are also opposed to eco resort proposed near Our Lady of Mount Chapel at Old Goa," Pereira said.
Save Old Goa Action Committee secretary Milagrina Couto said, ''We require a Master Plan. Government should first come out with the master plan. These all are being done in view of the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. The government should demolish the bungalow first and also scrap the proposed laterite project near Our Lady of Mount Chapel at Old Goa."
Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) State convenor Adv Amit Palekar said, ''These projects are politically motivated things. Some time back BJP's chief spokesperson, during a debate, had made a statement that St Francis Xavier was pioneer of inquisition. Suddenly when the elections are coming close, they feel love for St Francis Xavier. These all are motivated things. If they were really interested in showing that they care for all this they should have first looked after the illegal construction of the office bearer of the BJP. This is just a fake love as elections are close by just to appease the people of Goa. They will forget once the elections are over.''
Save Old Goa Action Committee treasurer Hugo Gonsalves, “We first want the illegal bungalow to be demolished. The launching of various works is only to woo the voters and too citing upcoming SFX Exposition."
Glen Cabral, a resident of Old Goa said that the Old Goa gram sab had opposed the proposed Interpretation Centre because in the name of it the government is promoting commercial activities at Old Goa. The government should not damage the heritage ambience of Old Goa, he said.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi virtually launched various works under 'Pilgrimage Rejuvenation And Spiritual Augmentation Drive' (PRASAD) Scheme of the Government of India, at Basilica of Bom Jesus at Old Goa by spending crores of rupees.