PANAJI: Alarmed by unchecked constructions near Old Goa’s UNESCO World Heritage site, a group of heritage activists and former politicians have petitioned the Central government seeking urgent steps to preserve the historic precincts for future generations.
Under the banner of 'Citizens for Democracy Goa', former bureaucrat and politician Elvis Gomes, historian Prof Dr Prajal Sakhardande, and Yogesh Nagvenkar of 'Heritage Connect' have sent a letter to the Ministry of Culture in New Delhi, flagging the threats posed by rampant construction activity within a one-kilometre radius of the heritage zone. They warned that Goa's rich cultural legacy is at risk due to the State government’s negligence and failure to enforce heritage protection laws.
Speaking at a press conference in Panaji today, Gomes accused the State government of failing to uphold the responsibilities that came with Old Goa’s World Heritage status, which was secured through an application by the Government of India to UNESCO. "The Goa government has not preserved the State’s heritage despite the international recognition," he stated.
Sakhardande, meanwhile, stressed the urgent need to halt illegal constructions, notably a controversial new bungalow built near the iconic St Cajetan Church in Old Goa, in violation of heritage norms. “Old Goa, historically known as Velha Goa and Cidade de Goa, was the capital of Portuguese India and houses not just colonial-era monuments but also significant pre-Portuguese heritage sites,” he said.
Tracing the region’s rich legacy, Sakhardande recalled the 11th-century Kadamba dynasty contributions, including the historic Rajbid road connecting Govapuri and Gopakapatna, and pointed to ancient sites such as the underground palace of Saundekar Raja, the ruins of Goraksh Math monastery, and the Gomanteshwar temple at Ella. He lamented that unchecked commercial and residential development threatens these irreplaceable relics, which include ancient military barracks, fortifications, water tanks, lotus ponds, and demolished temples.
The letter sent to the Centre recommends a slew of measures, including: Stricter enforcement of heritage protection laws, immediate action against illegal constructions and encroachments, formulation of a comprehensive heritage master plan and specific bye-laws, strategies to promote sustainable tourism, enhanced collaboration, community awareness, and relocation of the existing garbage treatment plant, and protection of unprotected pre-Portuguese historical sites.
The activists have called for urgent demolition of the illegal structures and appealed for a holistic approach to preserve Old Goa’s unparalleled historical and cultural significance for future generations.
