Panaji: Welcoming the move by the state government to scrap proposal to include Old Goa in Greater Panaji PDA, Goa Forward Party (GFP) chief Vijai Sardesai in a series of tweets expressed his gratitude to the people of Goa for their support.
State Town and Country Planning Minister Chandrakant Kavlekar on Tuesday announced that the proposal to include Old Goa into Greater Panaji Planning and Development Authority (GPPDA) has been dropped. This comes after heavy objections from religious bodies and opposition parties.
“We are proud defenders of our heritage, we are proud ambassadors of our lifestyle, & we are proud protectors of our culture. But most importantly we are proud Goans committed to safeguarding our identity, & the future of our children. Together we will pave the way Forward,” Sardesai tweeted.
Stating that a united community can protect Goa’s heritages, Sardesai wrote,”We can develop as a society and community by protecting and preserving our culture & heritage. Over the past few days we remained firm and determined to #SaveOldGoa and I am grateful to the support from all Goemkars who value and cherish our unique identity. GoaForward.Our @UNESCO World Heritage sites have been protected, thanks to the #passion and #pride of #Goemkars who supported us to #SaveOldGoa. I prayer that #GoenchoSaib protects us all during these challenging times and keeps us #united as one #people, one #community, #OneGoa.”
It may be recalled that Sardesai had raised this issue with the UNESCO World Heritage and International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS) as well as to the Union Minister of Culture.
