‘Digging area within 100m of prohibited zone is illegal’

Panaji: The finding of cannonballs and other material at the excavated site at Old Goa proves that it is an archaeological site, thus nullifying any permissions issued in this heritage-sensitive zone, activists said on Tuesday.

Peter Viegas of Save Old Goa Action Committee (SOGAC) said to media that the digging is illegal, as it is within the 100m of the prohibited zone. He showed an old map indicating the existence of various edifices, churches, convents and other monuments in the former capital.

Refuting the tourism department’s claim that permissions had been obtained, Viegas said that the church is not a licensing authority.

The activists questioned the relocation of the heritage material from the historic site and demanded that it be brought back and the site restored to its pristine condition.

“No permissions can be given to take away archaeological material from the 100m prohibited zone,” Viegas said.

“Dozens of truckloads are causing irreparable damage to the site and the sanctity, history, heritage and environment,” Avertino Miranda of Goa Green Brigade stated in a memorandum to the ASI, TCP and other authorities.

Old Goa panchayat has also sought clarification from the tourism department about the digging activity.