In a united stand opposition MLAs on Wednesday reportedly 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. The government has reportedly responded to the demand by asserting that a Master Plan is not required to protect Old Goa’s UNESCO heritage site as existing laws provide sufficient safeguard. It is pertinent to note that the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) carries out the conservation agenda of monuments and also issues notices in case of illegal constructions in the prohibited and regulated zone, while the state government and district administration have to initiate action to clear the structures.According to a report there are 54 illegal structures in the Old Goa heritage zone. A controversial bungalow came up in the regulated zone. The permission was revoked but the structure still exists. The question that arises is that if existing laws provide sufficient safeguard why are there so many illegalities at the heritage site. Hence it would be in the fitness of things to have a Master Plan for heritage sites at Old Goa.
