NT NETWORK
OLD GOA
The Old Goa village panchayat assumes a lot of significance with many world heritage structures like St Cajetan church, St Augustine Tower, Basilica of Bom Jesus, Se Cathedral, Church of St Francis of Assisi besides structures belonging to other religions being in the area which have put it on the world tourism map.
There are also ruins of Adil Shah Palace and Portuguese Viceroy’s Arch which draw people from all over the globe. It is also a pilgrimage centre for Christians.
However, people in the area it seems are not happy with the functioning of the village panchayat since there is constant change in sarpanchas.
After a by-pass road was constructed passing through the Navelkar Estate from Merces which meets the Corlim Industrial Estate at Old Goa, prices of land and flats have shot up and are selling like hot cakes. With the four-lane road construction in progress, many new colonies have started mushrooming on both sides of the road.
Fruit and vegetable vendors in the vicinity of the heritage sites over the years have been promised a market complex but it is yet to see the light of the day. Also, garbage continues to defile areas in the vicinity. Vendors are demanding a proper market place at least before the next exposition of relics of St Francis Xavier.
Land near the police station meant for expansion of market as well as extension of police station is yet to be acquired.
It may be noted that the former MLA Pandurang Madkaikar, who is now the Power Minister, had said that he will support the people on the proposed garbage site as it will have a drastic impact on heritage monuments and churches.
