Historian Prajal Sakhardande and Elvis Gomes of Citizens for Democracy while addressing a news conference. Photo: Manuel Vaz
The Citizens for Democracy have requested the State Archaeology Department to recognise the RajBid Road (Royal Highway Road) on Kadamba Plateau as an archaeological site under the Goa Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act.
Addressing reporters in Panaji on Wednesday, Elvis Gomes expressed grave concern regarding the imminent loss of the RajBid, a priceless heritage site that appears to have escaped the department's attention.
"There is a critical need to protect and preserve the RajBid which is a significant historical and cultural site," Gomes stated.
Elaborating further, historian Prajal Sakhardande said that the ancient road, a testament to the rich legacy of the Kadamba dynasty, is currently under severe threat from landfilling activities and vested interests of the builder lobby, which endanger its very existence.
"RajBid was constructed by the great Kadamba Dynasty King Jaykeshi I after he shifted the Kadamba capital from Chandrapur (Chandor) to Govapuri-Gopakapattana (Goa Velha). This approximately 9 km long laterite stone-paved road linked two crucial ports: Gopakapattana and Ela (Old Goa)," Sakhardande informed.
"As a remarkable archaeological relic, RajBid reflects the architectural and engineering prowess of the Kadamba era. It holds immense historical, cultural, and archaeological value, serving as a tangible link to Goa’s glorious past and aligning perfectly with the objectives of the Goa State Heritage Policy (GSHP). However, unchecked landfilling and construction activities in the vicinity are rapidly encroaching upon and damaging this heritage site," Sakhardande pointed out.
"If immediate action is not taken, this invaluable piece of our history, dating back over a thousand years, risks being lost forever to commercial exploitation," Sakhardande opined.
He appealed to the Directorate of Archaeology to conduct an urgent survey and assessment by a team of experts to assess the current condition of the RajBid and thoroughly document its historical and archaeological significance.
The Citizens for Democracy have further demanded that RajBid be declared as a protected archaeological site, ensuring its legal protection from further damage.
The forum has also demanded a halt to landfilling and construction activities in and around RajBid to prevent further destruction, and initiate conservation measures as also create awareness among the public about the cultural and historical significance of the RajBid, fostering collective responsibility for its preservation.
