PANAJI
Speaking on the stalled Heritage Interpretation Centre project at Old Goa, Union Tourism and Culture Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat said work had been halted after archaeological artefacts were discovered during excavation.
He said the project should not be rushed as valuable historical evidence could be permanently lost.
"The findings need careful assessment. Any decision on relocation will have to be taken by the State government after evaluating the impact and significance of the discoveries," he said.
The project has faced opposition from residents and political representatives who fear it could affect Old Goa's skyline and heritage character.
Shekhawat also said the Centre planned to develop 50 iconic tourist destinations of global standards across India. Goa could benefit from one or more such projects depending on proposals submitted by the State government. He added that additional projects had already been sanctioned for Goa under the PRASHAD and Swadesh Darshan schemes.
