MAPUSA
Town and Country Planning (TCP) Minister Vishwajit Rane on Monday said that his department has not granted any permission for construction or tree-cutting at the heritage site in Old Goa.
“We are here to protect heritage sites, which are of cultural and historical significance. This is not about any particular religion – it is a place of worship and an internationally recognized place of worship. Our department has not issued any permission and we will take strict action if any violations are found,” Rane stated.
The TCP minister reiterated that no construction can take place within the buffer zone of the Old Goa heritage site.
“The buffer zone was notified during my tenure as TCP Minister. Before that, no one had initiated the process. There is no question of breaching the buffer zone,” he said.
He further assured that churches, conservation sites and state-protected sites would be safeguarded, adding that the government is open to increasing the buffer zone from 100 to 150 metres if needed.
“We are committed to ensuring that no unauthorised activity takes place at these sites,” he added.
Rane urged citizens to verify facts before protesting, emphasising that no permissions have been granted by the TCP Department.
“We will not grant any permission for such activities. I have instructed my office to verify any ongoing activity within 100 metres of the site,” he said.
Rane asserted that the Forest Department has not granted any permission for tree-cutting at the heritage site.
“If any trees have been cut, it must have been done without authorisation. Strict action will be taken against those responsible,” he stated.
The minister clarified that the only permissions granted by the TCP Department were for temporary structures within church premises during the Exposition event, which were approved in coordination with the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).
“The only permission given was for a felicitation centre and some basic infrastructure facilities, and that too with ASI approval,” Rane stated.
His remarks come amid growing public concern about a potential construction near the Basilica of Bom Jesus, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
