50 illegal kiosks demolished at Old Goa 2 Feb 2009, 0355 hrs IST, Gilbert D'Mello, TNN
OLD GOA: While chief minister Digambar Kamat's master plan for Old Goa is yet to be drawn up, the authorities carried out a clean-up drive in two key areas following mounting resentment over the proliferation of mobile carts' in the vicinity. Most of the kiosks at the first four-road junction from Panaji to Old Goa, which were creating a nuisance and obstructing movement of traffic and tourists just outside the church complex, have been removed from the site. "We have demolished around 50 kiosks (gaddas) at the four-road junction and others located around the Gandhi Circle near the ferry will be axed very soon," said Sabaji P Shetye, deputy collector (North). He said that the action was initiated in the wake of strong protests and complaints from the public regarding the mushrooming of kiosks and the hutments at a stone's throw from the Bom Jesus Basilica. Stating that authorities are seized with the matter, he added, "The issue is serious and an order will be issued to rid the place of all illegalities," said Shetye. Among the demolished structures are some huts which had been erected barely 100 metres behind the Basilica. However, a few have been spared, sources said. TOI had reported recently about the illegalities happening barely 50 metres from the Old Goa panchayat. Apart from being the hub of all Christian religious activities in the state, Old Goa enjoys the world heritage status where lakhs of pilgrims and tourists from all over the globe come round the year to pay homage to St Francis Xavier. Several members of the clergy have expressed resentment over the government inaction. Welcoming the action of the authorities in demolishing the kiosks at Old Goa, several concerned devotees said that the Old Goa church complex should remain free from kiosks or any other structures that mar the scenic charm and beauty of the place. "We know that the authorities had demolished some kiosks at Old Goa recently but several are still operating there and those located alongside the Basilica's compound wall are indeed an eyesore. Why can't the authorities remove all the kiosks located around the church complex and create a space for all to move freely," opined Allan Correia from Margao. "The government should draw up a masterplan for Old Goa at the earliest, but till then it should hold the local panchayat accountable and responsible for all the illegalities taking place in the area," said Gracy Fernandes from Vasco, taking a dig at the local panchayat for the mess it has created there. Jack Pereira from Tivim said that he visits Old Goa often and finds something new there during his every visit. "Don't the authorities realise that the religious sentiments of the Catholic community are hurt when the place is not given it's due importance?" asked Pereira angrily. http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Goa/50_illegal_kiosks_demolished_at_O ld_Goa/articleshow/4060949.cms ~(^^)~ Avelino
