In pics: Demolition of heritage buildings for Panaji 'smart city'

To make Panaji ‘smart’, the government began demolishing heritage buildings in city. A heritage building in the old PWD complex, comprising four other edifices of the 50s and Liberation era, on Rua de Ourem creek is slowly being taken apart. (TOI)

The building being demolished was part of Obras Publicas (now PWD) and was talked about as an iconic site for recreational activities after PWD offices were shifted from it some time ago. (TOI)

Under the initiative of smart cities mission, the work order was issued on December 13 last year for ‘restoration, refurbishment and interior design of the headquarters of Imagine Panaji Smart City Development Ltd’ and is stipulated to be completed by December 12 this year. (TOI)

Armando Gonsalves, who founded Goa Forgiving said they are appalled by what is happening. "There is a need for the formation of a committee with the citizens of Panaji, who know the city, to protest such atrocious decisions. The government must listen to the people of Goa." (TOI)

Heta Pandit of Goa Heritage Action Group said some of the monumental buildings of Panaji are being emptied overnight and abandoned without any repurpose. (TOI)

Historians and architects have demanded that conservationists be brought in to preserve such monuments that are tangible edifices. (TOI)