OLD GOA ILLEGAL BUNGALOW CHRONOLOGY

01/01/1968 - Gazette notification with regard to Protected Monument and Protected Area.

17/04/2015 – Application made before Deputy Collector by Govea Pinto for the correction of the survey plan as per the cadastral plan, wherein the area of the old structure is fraudulently shown as 397 sq. mts.

08/05/2015 - Two separate Deeds of Sale executed by Govea Pinto in favor of Mrs. Suvarna Suraj Lotlikar and Manish Munot.

14/07/2015 - Deputy Collector disposes the application filed by Jose Maria Govea Pinto directing the correction of the survey plan as per the cadastral plan, to 397 sq. mts.

07/09/2015 – Application by Govea Pinto to Goa Coastal Zone Management Authority (CRZ) for repair of the structure

11/11/2015 – CRZ conducted site inspection but no measurements were taken.

28/12/2015 – CRZ granted permission/approval to Govea Pinto to reconstruct the existing structure as per the plan attached to his application. The CRZ notes that the area of the house is 397 sq. mts. and does not mention the height of the structure.

11/09/2015 – Govea Pinto approaches the Directorate of Archives and Archaeology, Goa for asking their NOC for repairs. They directed their letter to ASI, Goa.

28/10/2015 - Reply of ASI, Goa to Directorate of Archives and Archaeology, Goa. The said inspection report is enclosed with photographs showing the existing hut and stating that permission cannot be granted for the proposed construction which is entirely new as the same falls within the Protected Area.

13/01/2016 - Govea Pinto applies to TCP for reconstruction

28/03/2016 – TCP Conservative Committee carries out an inspection. The report is not made known. However, only the minutes of the 12th committee meeting are made known. The committee expresses their no objection from a conservation point of view and approves the project subject the applicant obtains the permission from NOC from to National Monument Authority (NMA) prior to commencement of any construction activity.

20/04/2016 – Town and Country planning does a site inspection without inviting the ASI member and wrongly report that the structure is beyond the protected area and proposed construction is located within 300 mts. from the protected monument.

21/06/2021 - Local ASI writes to Conservation Committee that he was not invited for the site inspection and advising that his office is well aware of the jurisdiction of the boundaries. He points out that the site falls within the protected area and NMA is not involved. Permission can only be granted by DG ASI and ask them to study the The Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act (AMASR Act).

07/10/2016 - Chief Town planner writes to Deputy Town planner enclosing the letter of ASI and the minutes of the 12 th Conservation committee meeting. He tells the Deputy Town planner that the proposal stands approved subject to compliance of the conditions imposed by ASI.

18.10/2016 - Technical clearance order given by the Deputy Town planner. He disregards all conditions of ASI and grants reconstruction permission. He also mentions that the land use is preservation/conservation and not protected area.

Undated 2017-2018 - Govea Pinto writes to DG ASI seeking permission for repairs of existing house by submitting the approved TCP plan.

19/02/2018 – ASI writes to Govea Pinto stating that the plot is owned by Suvarna Suraj Lotlikar and seeking clarification why Govea Pinto is applying for permission in his name.

13/11/2018 - ASI Delhi forwards Govea application to local ASI

16/11/2018 - Local ASI produces a report with photographs of the existing hut. Photographs clearly show the hut is a ground floor structure made of traditional material.

03/02/ 2020 - Director monuments on behalf of DG ASI gives permission only for repairs not reconstruction and says that it has to be done with cooperation of local ASI. He mentions that the existing height and dimension be maintained.

11/02/2020 – ASI Goa writes to Suvarna Lotlikar that permission was granted only for repairs and permit his staff to visit the site and take photographs/ measurements before starting work or else submit the building plan which has been approved by DG ASI.

19/02/2020 - Suvarna Lotlikar points out that no building plans have been approved by DG ASI. She instead sends plan approved by TCP.

2020 - 12/3/2020, 16/03/2020, 23/3/2020 and 2/06/2020 – Letters by Local ASI to Suvarna Lotlikar demanding to stop work until the site inspection is convened.

August 2020 – writ petition filed against local ASi for harassment to Suvarna Lotlikar and violating orders of his Seniors of ASI Delhi.

22/09/2020 - Order against Local ASI scrapping his letters dated 12/3/2020, 16/03/2020, 23/3/2020 and 2/06/2020. It also pointed out that since the applicant had submitted TCP approved plans and other documents to DG ASI, it is presumed that DG ASI has granted permission in consonance with the TCP permissions.

April 2021 - Save Old Goa committee challenged this order through a Writ petition pointing out that Suvarna Lotlikar misrepresented information when applying for permission that ASI should be the final authority to grant permission and all state permission should be subsequent/ subordinate to the ASI permission. She had also misrepresented permission to the distant of the site to the court.

03/05/2021 – Judgment order given in favor of Suvarna Lotlikar stating that permission given by DG ASI has to be complied.

April 2021 – Suvarna Lotlikar files for contempt against local ASI.

03/05/2021 - Order asks the Local ASI not to interfere provided the follows the permission granted by DG ASI and plans approved by state authorities.

01/06/2021 - Came to notice that Director Monument - Delhi (ASI)  asked Goa ASI circle to take appropriate action by issuing a show cause notice immediately as per the provisions of the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act. 1958 and Rules, 1959 against the applicant to carrying out illegal constructions within the premises of Centrally Protected Monument.

13/7/2021 - Vishal Volvoikar files application to revoke the illegal construction

08/09/2021 - Deeds of Sale executed by Mrs. Suvarna Suraj Lotlikar and Manish Munot in favour of Mr. Sumermal Jain.

01/10/2021 - Two separate Rectification Deeds executed between Govea Pinto, Mrs. Suvarna Suraj Lotlikar and Manish Munot.

25/11/2021 - Urfan Mulla files a complaint against illegal construction to Dy. Town Planner.

30/11/2021 - TCP issues Revocation Order in regards to fraudulent permission by state Department for an illegal construction

30/11/2021 - Panchayat issues Notice cum Stop Work Order as per resolution No. 3(2) dated 30.11.2021

02/12/2021 - TCP revokes Technical Clearance and requests Panchayat to initiate necessary action against the construction as provided under the village Panchayat Raj Act.

02/12/2021 - Panchayat issues Show Cause Notice

23/12/2021 - Police Complaint filed by Govea Pinto stating unknown person has committed forgery by  affixing his signature and thus an offence punishable under Sec. 465 IPC.

27/12/2021 - Revocation Order issued by Panchayat on the grounds of violating CRZ permissions, violating ASI permission etc.

10/02/ 2022 - Demolition Order issued by Panchayat against illegal construction

19/04/2022 - Intervention Application filed in Directorate of Panchayat by 3 groups (Concerned Citizens of Goa, Save Old Goa committee and Adv. Amit Palekar) related to preservation of identity, culture, history, environment and overall protection and welfare of State of Goa. 

J.M.Pinto's police complaint against controversial Old Goa Bungalow

 

Silenced mornings

He was known popularly as Athoji, Anthusio Joseph Pinto, 59. He died on May 5, 2022 after a repeat heart attack in GMC. His first stroke was on May 03, 2022 soon after the feast finding of the Holy Cross on Vanxim Island. 

I spend an hour with him chatting and joking on his hospital bed on May 04, 2022 evening. He shared with me his experience as to how unbearable pain he suffered in his back at home on May 03, 2022  At that time he said he thought he would die called upon Almighty to remember him. His prediction came true two days later and God recalled his life. 

He was joyous that many Vanxim people came to bid farewell to him when he entered the Ambulance as he narrated to me from his hospital bed. And immidiately he extended his right arm in gratitude- sleeping on bed - towards me for visiting him in the hospital. It was warm and affectionate handshake that proved a parting one on the threshold of his entry into eternity. This handshake with joy is a treasure that will remain with me for the rest of my life. 

My relations with Anthusio started a dozen years ago in 2010 rather in hostile context of Vanxim agitation. Hostility over the years subsided and finally ended. Relations then turned friendly with regular communications. I dare to admit that Anthusio found unique niche in the core of my life with the way he conducted himself after my wife Margarida died in June 2021. He would daily visit me mostly early in the morning between 6.30 am to 7.30 am, call me out and inquire about my health and Maggie's Aunty's too. He would rely messages from him mother to Aunty. Then he would visit again in the day with invitations for someone's Litany in the Holy Cross Chapel or some other information. 

What I found most remarkable about him is his sensitivity towards me. After my wife died inner core of my life was shattered. Many contributed towards my recovery and Anthusio is one unique amongst them. On September 08, 2021 at the feast of Nativity of Blessed Virgin Mary I was in Vanxim Church. However due to my intense sorrow surrounding my life I forgot to carry flowers to the feast Mass. At the end of the Mass everyone qued towards alter to offer flowers to Blessed Virgin Mary. Having no flowers I my hand I remained seated on the side of the bench. Anthusio spotted me and extended his hand and shared some of his flowers with me to be offered to the Blessed Virgin Mary. I did take his flowers and with them our relations turned affectionate. He made my feast day meaningful. I was amazed that out of everyone present inside the Church he was sensitive and graceful to share his flowers. I pray to Blessed Virgin Mary that she remembers all his offerings from heart and obtain favour to forgive his sins and guide his soul into Heaven. 

He was instrumental in guiding me through in many other aspects of my life which I wouldn't put in here to avoid making this tribute long. I thank God for his most unexpected presence in my life during my most difficult phase of my life. Surely not a leaf moves without command of God. I am left with awe and admiration to wonders of God as how Anthusio -in spite of all his weaknesses and all my weaknesses- was sent as a bearer of encouragement and hope when I was plunged into discouragement and despair. Thank you Lord for everything you have done through Anthusio as your medium. 

He loved Catholic Church and told me that after he gets discharged from the hospital he would resume his duty of ringing of the bells. Though he looked good and jovial on May 04, 2022 doctors on duty however informed me that he is still in critical phase though better than the previous day. 

There was only one thing on his mind: get back to Vanxim, to care for his Mother and continue his Chapel messenger duties. 

My mornings henceforth would begin without his robust voice calling to me and then my neighbor Lawry. For Lawry and me henceforth every day will have Silent morning interspersed with melancholy of chirping birds. I will have to listen extra attentive if any of the birds whiper from the palms Anthusio's robust voice. 

Lawry cared for him in GMC to the best of his abilities and was with him in his dying moment  and he too will have much to share about life of Anthusio as he witnessed and experienced him. 

I found Anthusio tense after his relative Viviana Marilia Pinto died on May 01, 2022. He came over and informed me about her death immidiately and also opened up and said "I am very rensef on this account." It is now clear that both of them based last moments prior to death on bed no. 01 of Ward no. 143 in GMC. He was shifted to ward 144 bed 12 after he showed improvement before the second heart stroke took him away. He did inquire with me as to number of people came for Viviana's funeral on May 04, 2022 and deeply regretted that he was not able to be present due to his confinement to hospital. 

As we bid goodbye to popular Anthusio with tears let's be particular to pray for his soul: Eternal rest grant unto the soul of Anthusio O Lord, Let the perpetual light shine upon him. May his soul rest in Peace. Amen. 

Anthusio shared trusted in God as he lived amongst us in Vanxim. Jeremiah 17:7 comforts us that Blessed be the man that trusteth in the Lord, and the Lord shall be his confidence. 

May God have mercy on his soul and bestow strength to his family to bear the loss caused. May God help us all in Vanxim to fill the void caused in his death for in his simple yet sensitive ways he touched almost all of us and we all miss him.

Sebastian Rodrigues