Locals oppose tourism project plan at Old Goa

Panaji: A peaceful protest took place on Sunday at Old Goa, as locals gathered to voice their opposition to a proposed tourism project which allegedly falls within the UNESCO World Heritage Site. The protest was organised by the Save Old Goa Action Committee.

Members of the local panchayat expressed their discontent. Panchayat member Ambar Amonkar criticised govt’s approach to the project. “The project is being imposed upon the people,” Amonkar said. He said that the proposal for the project was discussed in the village gram sabha about six months ago, and the panchayat formally requested amendments to the plan.

However, Amonkar claimed that the panchayat did not receive any official documents or updates on the project. “Despite this, work on the project began last week without any prior notice to the panchayat. We will send a stop notice and will not grant any permits for the continuation of the construction,” he said.

Congress leader Elvis Gomes also participated in the protest. Activist Fr Bolmax Pereira said, “Govt assumes that its citizens are fast asleep, but there is an awakening. We are beginning to understand the eyewash and loot that govt is doing in the name of development,” Periera said.

The protest culminated in a signature campaign, which will be submitted along with a memorandum to govt, urging for immediate cessation of the project.