----------------------------------------------------------------------- Documented by Goa Desc Documentation Service & circulated by Goa Civic & Consumer Action Network (GOA CAN)<[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Ph:2252660 ----------------------------------------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- GHAG opposes move to demolish Mapusa Comunidade building ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The proposed demolition of the Mapusa Comunidade building (Administracao das Comunidade des Bardez) at Feira Alta, Mapusa, has raised strong objections from the Goa Heritage Action Group (GHAG) which has claimed that the building is "beautiful heritage structure" that should not be demolished. It is learnt that the North Goa Planning and Development Authority (NGPDA) has already approved the plans for demolition of the building.
Opposing the demolition of the "very important heritage building," GHAG has made representations to the Chief Minister, Mr Manohar Parrikar, the chief secretary, Mr N S Negi, the tourism secretary, Mr B S Bhalla, the chief town planner and the chairman of the NGPDA, the Law Minister, Mr Francis D'souza.
Explaining the importance of the building, the GHAG states that there are about 224 comunidades in Goa out of which the maximum 40 are in Bardez taluka. "This reveals that the Comunidade in the headquarters of the Old Conquest of Bardez i.e. Mapusa, was quite a powerful institution as it controlled the main occupation (agriculture) of the majority of the people in the territory," a note from the GHAG states.
Noting the architectural elegance of the building, architect, Ms Vibhavari Shirodkar states that "the Administracao das Comunidade building at Feira Alta, Mapusa, seems to be built in neo-classical style with some aspects of modernity incorporated into it."
She goes on to explain that the facade of the building is actually an arcade, a combination of flat and circular arches, behind which is the actual wall of the building that has arched doors. She also notes that the entrance at the ground floor is through three arches and that the roof is quite high and has two gabled roofs adjoining it in the facade.
Striking a discordant note, Ms Shirodkar then notes that "today, the right-hand side part of the building is rented and displays signboards. It is losing its authenticity," she adds.
When contacted, Mr Michael Carrasco, the attorney of the Mapusa Comunidade, which owns the building, confirmed that the NGPDA had approved its plans to demolish it. "We propose to re-construct the building by maintaining its facade as it is. The building is dilapidated and will collapse otherwise," Mr Carrasco said. Importantly, Mr Carrasco denied that building is listed as a heritage site. "Still, we plan to preserve its beautiful facade," he said.
But he also explained that the Mapusa Comunidade has not taken a final decision on the project yet. "We are not hundred percent sure we will go ahead with the project," he said adding that though their demolition plans had been approved by the NGPDA, the Mapusa Comunidade has not yet taken the re-construction licence from the Mapusa municipal council. ---------------------------------------------- The Navhind Times 3/06/03 page 3 ---------------------------------------------- ======================================= GOA DESC RESOURCE CENTRE Documentation + Education + Solidarity 11 Liberty Apts., Feira Alta, Mapusa, Goa 403 507 Tel: 2252660 mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] website: www.goadesc.org ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Working On Issues Of Development & Democracy =======================================
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