Old Goa p’yat orders removal of illegal carts in church complex

Panaji: Following an order on April 8 of the Bombay high court to clear all footpaths within the church complex, the Old Goa panchayat directed all owners of carts, structures and gaddas to remove the obstructions within 10 days.The panchayat warned that if the order is not complied with in the specified period, the panchayat would carry out the task within the vicinity of the church complex – a world heritage site.In an earlier hearing before the court, the panchayat authorities had produced proof of action initiated in the matter—show cause notices issued to handcart owners to remove the mobile carts.In a meeting some time ago, the panchayat had taken note of the violations by handcart owners, who had been issued licences to ply their carts.As the carts had become permanent structures in the heritage area and its periphery, visited by hundreds of tourists and pilgrims, the panchayat had issued show cause notices to the owners of unauthorised carts and structures.The recent high court order is for implementing the court judgment in a public interest litigation dated March 6, 2024.While observing that the panchayat was not represented at the hearing earlier this month, the court ordered enforcement of its order dated March 6, 2025. Further, the judges directed that the secretary ensure the clearing of gaddas and structures, permanent or temporary and file a report before the court.Unregulated growth has impacted the heritage character of the site. The carts, kiosks and other structures have added to the unhygienic conditions and unaesthetic scenario in the church complex and its periphery.