Cumbharjua MLA Rajesh Faldessai reiterated his opposition to the setting up of a ‘mall’ in Old Goa saying he would not allow the ‘mall’ but called on Tourism Minister Rohan Khaunte to ‘clarify’ the government’s plans for the project.
“In any situation we will not allow a mall to be set up there. The location was identified for the PRASAD scheme — changing rooms, parking. Suddenly we hear that they want to put a mall. We will not allow a mall there in any situation,” Faldessai said while speaking to the media outside the Goa Legislative Assembly on Tuesday morning.
Raising the matter in the Goa Legislative Assembly Faldessai said that he had attended several meetings in the run up to the PRASAD scheme that were attended by all stakeholders where the plans were finalised, but there was no mention of a mall.
“There is a rumour spreading that a big mall is being built in Old Goa in the vicinity of the Basilica of Bom Jesus. I want the tourism minister to reply. What does this mall entail? When the scheme was virtually inaugurated by the Prime Minister for works up to Rs 17-crore under the PRASAD scheme, the church authorities, ministers, MPs were all present. We have recordings and photos. What does this mall mean?” Faldessai said.
“It is good that the minister explained. I was present for at least seven meetings under this scheme. The plan was accepted with facilities for restaurants, facilities to carry people to the site. For the last 3-4 days there was rumour that a mall was coming,” Faldessai also said.