There is a news item flashing that “Basilica and Archdiocese were taken into confidence while finalizing the plan for the facilitation centre for Tourists under the PRASAD scheme.”
Here is a clarification:
It is true that the Archdiocese of Goa and Daman was represented by me at the meetings with regard to the proposed PRASAD scheme.
After the proposals under the PRASAD scheme were initially presented at the meetings, they were studied by various senior architects, engineers and heritage lovers connected with the Church.
Their studied observations and suggestions, which did not adversely impact the sanctity of the spaces, included the following proposed items: barricades to block road entry and movement of tourists and devotees, PTD (Segway), E-auto for movement of tourists, water ATMs, CCTV cameras, external lightings, baggage scanners, metal detectors, self-propelled sweeping machines, dust bins, hardscaping and landscaping, seating arrangements, signages and information boards.
However, it is to be noted that serious observations/objections were made with regard to the location, scale, style and relevance of the proposed structure called Heritage Interpretation Centre, as well as with the proposed parking lot.
The fact about the existence of the Arsenal site where the parking lot was proposed was brought to the notice of the Goa Tourism Development Corporation Ltd. With regard to the same, the following was suggested:
a. The ASI would have to conduct a survey and demarcate potential ruins and remains.
b. The planning for the parking lot needed to take into account these cordoned-off areas.
c. The materials used needed to be clearly defined in the plans and suggested usage of material that is easily removable and permeable in order to preserve the accessibility to hidden archaeology as well as to promote absorption of water into the ground.
Although the Goa Tourism Development Corporation Ltd. had toned down the proposal of the structure of the Heritage Interpretation Centre from ground plus two floors to lower ground plus ground floor, I had clearly pointed out our serious reservations/objections to the proposed Heritage Interpretation Centre in the meeting held on 29/06/2022.
In spite of our said serious reservations/objections, the Goa Tourism Development Corporation Ltd., vide its letter dated 14 September 2022, sought our NOC for the implementation and execution of the proposed PRASAD scheme.
Our NOC was not issued and/or given, as our advisors were neither convinced nor satisfied with the Heritage Interpretation Centre building mass, façade and its relevance.
Hence, it is hereby informed that the Archdiocese of Goa and Daman has not given its NOC for the implementation and execution of the proposed PRASAD scheme.
Fr. Noel D’Costa
Financial Administrator,
Archdiocese of Goa and Daman