Oppn unites to demand Master Plan for Old Goa heritage site

AAP MLA Cruz Silva and Congress MLA Carlos Ferreira were among the legislators who spoke on the issue.

MAPUSA
In a united stand, Opposition MLAs on Wednesday demanded the formulation of a comprehensive Master Plan to safeguard the UNESCO World Heritage site at Old Goa, citing rampant illegal constructions despite existing regulations.

Raising the issue during a Calling Attention motion in the Assembly, Leader of Opposition Yuri Alemao highlighted that 14 monuments in Old Goa are protected under the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958, with clearly defined prohibited (100m) and regulated (100–300m) zones. However, he said illegal structures continue to emerge in these sensitive areas.

“It is a matter of great concern that despite the ASI’s involvement, illegal construction attempts persist. One bungalow was being built within the heritage zone, and only after a public outcry did the TCP revoke the permission,” Alemao said.

He called for a robust document management system and a Conservation Committee, including church authorities. “A Master Plan is the need of the hour to protect Old Goa’s legacy for posterity,” he added.

Goa Forward Party (GFP) MLA Vijai Sardesai also pressed for a Master Plan, pointing out that just a month ago, the Old Goa panchayat issued a stop-work order against an illegal structure near the St Augustine Tower.

“Why does the Minister have an allergy to a Master Plan?” he questioned.

Revolutionary Goans Party (RGP) MLA Viresh Borkar slammed the TCP Department, alleging that it issues licences and later shifts the responsibility to the local panchayat.

He cited Hampi in Karnataka — another heritage site — which has a Master Plan in place, asking why Old Goa should be treated differently.

AAP MLA Venzy Viegas accused the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) of failing in its duties, saying, “The ASI is not able to protect Old Goa. Illegal structures are mushrooming. We need stringent bylaws and a blanket ban on construction in the heritage zone.”

He also expressed concern about the lack of protection for other heritage sites in Goa, including those at Harvalem, Chandor, and the Mahadev temple.

Congress MLA Carlos Ferreira noted that the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act itself allows for the preparation of a Master Plan.

“There should be separate planning provisions for areas within and beyond 300 metres of protected monuments,” he said.

AAP MLA Cruz Silva also stressed the need to protect the heritage site of Old Goa and urged the government to formulate a comprehensive Master Plan to ensure its preservation and sustainable development.

Even members from the ruling side – St Cruz MLA Rudolf Fernandes and Independent MLA Aleixo Reginald Lourenco, who supports the BJP-led government – echoed the need to protect the Old Goa heritage site, though they stopped short of calling for a Master Plan.

---

Existing laws enough to safeguard site: Min

MAPUSA: Town and Country Planning (TCP) Minister Vishwajit Rane has asserted that a master plan is not required to protect Old Goa’s UNESCO heritage site, as existing laws provide sufficient safeguards.

Rane explained that under the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958, development within 100 metres of protected monuments (prohibited area) requires a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the Director General of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), while projects between 100–300 metres (regulated area) need approval from the National Monument Authority (NMA), New Delhi.

The TCP Department grants technical clearances only after obtaining mandatory permissions from ASI, NMA, and the Conservation Committee. He said the Old Goa area is regulated under the notified Settlement Level Plan of the Regional Plan 2021. A site plan delineating the prohibited and regulated zones in Ella-Old Goa was notified in October 2023.

Rane clarified that the ASI and the local panchayat are empowered to act against illegal constructions under their respective acts. He emphasised that enforcement, not a master plan, is key to safeguarding protected monuments.