Didn’t give NOC for Old Goa works: Archdiocese

Panaji: The Archdiocese of Goa and Daman did not give its NOC for the implementation and execution of the proposed Prasad Scheme at Old Goa, the archdiocese has said.

“Although the Goa Tourism Development Corporation toned down the proposal of the structure of the heritage interpretation centre from ground plus two floors to lower ground plus ground floor, I clearly pointed out our serious reservations and objections to the proposed heritage interpretation centre in the meeting held on June 29, 2022,” the financial administrator of the archdiocese, Fr Noel D’Costa, said.

Tourism minister Rohan Khaunte had said in the assembly on Tuesday that the works only included permanent amenities for pilgrims at the church complex. He said the project was planned after holding multiple consultations with the church authorities and with their consent.

“In spite of serious reservations and objections, the Goa Tourism Development Corporation, via its letter dated Sep 14, 2022, sought our NOC for the implementation and execution of the proposed Prasad scheme,” D’Costa said. “Our NOC was not issued as our advisers were neither convinced nor satisfied with the heritage interpretation centre building mass, facade, and its relevance.”

D’Costa represented the archdiocese in the meetings regarding the proposed Prasad Scheme. After the proposals under the scheme were initially presented in meetings, they were studied by senior architects, engineers, and heritage lovers connected with the Church, he said.

Observations and objections were made about the location, scale, style, and relevance of the proposed structure called the heritage interpretation centre, as well as the proposed parking lot, he said.

D’Costa added that the existence of the arsenal site, where the parking lot was proposed, was brought to the notice of the GTDC. Suggestions were made for the Archaeological Survey of India to conduct a study and demarcate potential ruins and remains.

Planning for the parking lot needed to take into account these cordoned-off areas, and the materials used needed to be clearly defined in the plans, he said. It was suggested to use materials that are easily removable and permeable to preserve accessibility to hidden archaeology and promote the absorption of water into the ground.