Daijiworld Media Network - Panaji

Panaji, Mar 26: Facing strong opposition over alleged illegal construction in the buffer zone of the UNESCO-recognized heritage site in Old Goa, Tourism Minister Rohan Khaunte assured the House on Tuesday that the state government will not proceed with the PRASAD scheme without fresh approval from the Church and the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).

Responding to a Calling Attention Motion, Khaunte clarified that all construction under the Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual Augmentation Drive (PRASAD) scheme would remain on hold until new clearances are obtained. He emphasized that the Church authorities, including representatives from the Basilica and the Archdiocese, had been consulted when finalizing the project plan, which aims to establish a tourist facilitation center.

The Minister stated that the Tourism Department had already secured permissions from ASI, the National Monument Authority, the Town and Country Planning Department, and the Forest Department. However, he added, "We will now seek fresh consent from the Church and ASI. Work on the Old Goa amenity facilitation center will resume only after that. If the Church does not want further amenities there, we will respect that decision."

The motion was initiated by BJP MLA Rajesh Faldesai and Revolutionary Goans Party (RGP) MLA Viresh Borkar, who raised concerns about illegal construction and large-scale tree cutting in the buffer zone to make way for a tourism project. While Faldesai appeared satisfied with the Minister's response, the Opposition, led by Borkar, pressed Khaunte on why the project was undertaken without obtaining a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the panchayat. Critics also claimed that the proposed facility was actually a shopping mall disguised as a tourist center, a claim widely circulated among locals.

Dismissing the allegations, Khaunte asserted that misinformation was being spread about a mall being constructed. "I have instructed the police to investigate the source of these rumors," he said.

Taking a jab at the protesters, Khaunte remarked, "If you want to build a road, you won’t find even 50 supporters. But if you want to stop a road, you’ll get a crowd. This kind of negative mentality is growing in Goa. We must remember that we are not UP or Bihar."

He further pointed out that projects worth ?300 crore were carried out during the Exposition within and outside the buffer zone in previous years, yet there were no objections at the time. "This facilitation center is being created to assist tourists visiting Old Goa’s historic churches," he added.

With the controversy surrounding the project, all eyes are now on the Church and ASI’s final decision on whether the development will move forward.