Daijiworld Media Network- Panaji

Panaji, Jun 25: In a swift move to safeguard Goa’s heritage, the Se-Old-Goa panchayat has issued a stop-work order against an ongoing illegal construction near the historic ruins of the Church of St Augustine. The development came to light after alert residents noticed fencing activity suspiciously close to the protected heritage site.

Concerns were immediately raised by ward member Ambar Amonkar, who feared that the construction could be intruding upon a buffer zone under the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), Goa Circle. ASI officials have confirmed that no permissions were granted for the work in question.

Acting promptly, the panchayat directed the involved party to halt all activity and furnish legal documents within three days to justify the construction. “Failing to approach this office with documentary evidence, it will be presumed that you have nothing to say in the matter, and further course of action as contemplated under the Goa Panchayat Raj Act, 1994, will be initiated,” stated the order signed by Old Goa sarpanch Medha Parvatkar.

The Church of St Augustine, dating back to 1602, stands as a revered UNESCO World Heritage Site. Strict regulations prohibit any construction within a 100-metre radius of such monuments. Authorities are currently working to determine if the fenced property falls within this protected buffer zone.

Taking serious note, Save Old Goa Action Committee president Fatima Pereira has written to Chief Minister Dr Pramod Sawant and the ASI, urging a thorough investigation into the matter to protect the sanctity of Goa’s architectural heritage.