NT Reporter
Panaji
The High Court of Bombay at Goa has directed the Directorate of Archives and Archaeology to file an affidavit explaining the decision-making process and mechanism adopted in granting a No Objection Certificate (NOC) to the Goa Tourism Development Corporation (GTDC) for undertaking works at a protected monument.
The Public Interest Litigation concerns alleged destruction and damage to the surroundings of the Chandreshwar Bhoothnath Temple at Paroda, a state-protected monument under Section 2 of the Goa Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1978.
The High Court directed the Directorate to also place on record an estimate of the cost required to restore the site to its original condition.
“Prima facie, we are of the opinion that such cost shall be borne by the Directorate of Archives and Archaeology,” the court stated.
From the pleadings, the court noted that GTDC had submitted a proposal dated September 20, 2018, seeking permission for beautification works in and around the temple premises. The Directorate subsequently granted an NOC on September 27, 2018, for construction of a retaining wall of approximately 300 metres, a viewpoint platform, a toilet block, and other beautification works.
However, it is alleged, and prima facie borne out from the petition and photographs on record, that while undertaking the works, extensive damage was caused to the temple surroundings, including areas beyond the sanctioned scope.
An Additional Government Advocate appearing for the directorate stated that the damage would have to be restored and that the directorate is in the process of approaching GTDC in that regard.
The High Court said it is necessary to examine the proposal submitted by GTDC, particularly as it is a registered company and not a statutory corporation.
The GTDC Managing Director has been directed to ensure that the contractor is served and represented before the court on the next hearing date.
The matter has been listed for April 7.
