The anti-mall protests in Old Goa highlight threats to the State’s cultural and historical legacy. Once the capital of Portuguese India, Old Goa is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, home to landmarks like the Basilica of Bom Jesus, which holds St Francis Xavier’s relics. However, under the Centre’s PRASAD scheme, large-scale tree felling and development projects threaten this heritage.
The Save Old Goa Action Committee (SOGAC) and citizens are protesting a shopping mall near the Basilica, citing architectural, environmental, and spiritual concerns. Goa has long been a multicultural space where Hindu temples like Mangueshi Temple and Christian churches like Se Cathedral coexist. Critics argue that rapid infrastructure development risks erasing this pluralistic history.
The rebuilding of temples and installations of Shivaji statues reflect a shift in narrative that may overshadow Goa’s diverse heritage. The Basilica of Bom Jesus, a World Heritage Site since 1986, symbolizes cultural syncretism. A shopping mall in its vicinity disrupts this sanctity.
Goans are rallying to protect their shared history, urging authorities to preserve the state’s legacy. This is about more than one site; it’s about ensuring Goa’s heritage remains a beacon for future generations.
