Social activist John Baptista Mascar enhas has written to the National Monument Au thority (NMA), New Delhi, and the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), de manding immediate ac tion against the continued illegal construction and dumping of laterite stones within the prohibited zone of the Old Goa World Heritage Site. He has appealed to the NMA to immediately file an FIR against the re sponsible authorities and contractors for willful vio lation of the law and UNE SCO protection norms.
In letters to the Director of NMA, New Delhi, and the Su perintendent of ASI, Goa Circle, Mascarenhas pointed out that despite repeated correspondences by the NMA to the concerned authorities regarding unauthorised activities in the prohibited zone, no remedial action has been taken. He stated that the NMA had issued letters to the Secre tary (Revenue) and Exposition Commissioner on January 28, 2025, followed by reminders on April 1, May 1, July 14, and September 18, 2025, but the illegal activities continue unabated. “Truckloads of red laterite stones have been dumped at two locations within the core/prohibited area, behind the illegally shifted Old Goa Police Station and on the site where staff accommodation was constructed during the St Francis Xavier Exposition 2024-25. This activity is a clear indication of further construction being planned within the prohibited zone of the World Heritage Site, in direct vio lation of UNESCO’s World Heritage Protection Principles; The Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Re mains Act, 1958 and the provisions of the National Monu ments Authority (NMA),” Mascarenhas said. He has provided photographic evidence to substantiate his claims. According to Mascarenhas, Old Goa’s heritage monu ments are of global significance, and India, as the State Party, has a legal obligation to protect them. “Any construc tion within 100 metre (prohibited zone) or even 200 me tre (regulated zone) requires explicit clearance. No such approval exists. Dumping and proposed structures within the prohibited zone are a direct breach of established reg ulations and unauthorised construction gravely threatens the authenticity and integrity of the World Heritage Site.” He cited Sections 30A and 30B of the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains (Amendment and Vali dation) Act, 2010, which state that any construction or repair within the prohibited zone of a centrally protected monument without approval is illegal and punishable with imprisonment up to two years, or a fine up to Rs 1 lakh, or both. Mascarenhas demanded immediate cessation of further dumping of laterite stones, prevention of any new con struction within the prohibited zone, removal of illegally built temporary structures from the Exposition 2024–25, and strict enforcement measures, including filing of an FIR as mandated by law. He warned, “If no concrete action is taken by the NMA within a reasonable time, I will be left with no option but to escalate the matter to UNESCO for their urgent interven tion. This urgent action is vital to safeguard the sanctity and outstanding universal value of Old Goa, which belongs not only to India but to all humanity.
