A 400-year old chapel in Daman on India’s west coast is facing imminent demolition as authorities plan to build a football stadium in the area.
The Capela da Nossa Senhora das Angústias was built in 1607 by Portuguese missionaries and has “great architectural, historical and cultural value,” read a report on Radio Veritas Asia.
“The community people and leaders are totally against such demolition,” the report quoted lawyer Mario Lopez. “We are ready to knock every door to save the chapel if needed, and even we are ready to fight a legal battle for it,” he said.
The India Express also reported that priests and members of the local Catholic community have launched a campaign against the BJP-run Daman (Union Territory) Municipality’s decision to demolish the chapel.
They made a representation to Daman Municipality President Sonal Patel and handed over a memorandum seeking a review of the decision to demolish the Chapel of Our Lady of Angustias.
“The local Catholic leaders, including priests, had submitted letters to us,” the report quoted Patel.
“We assured them that their consent should be taken first. Now, in the coming days, the land acquisition department officials will visit the spot and talk to the priest and leaders,” the BJP leader said.
