Objections have been raised to a recent government no tification proposing the naming of a structure in Old Goa as “Haat Ka tro Khambo”, with representations questioning the basis of the no menclature and seeking a review grounded in documented histori cal evidence. Multiple representations have been submitted to the Department of Archives and Archaeology in response to the notification dat ed February 17, 2026, which was published in the Official Gazette on March 5, 2026 under the provisions of the Goa Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1978. Among those who have submitted representations are his torian Dale Luís Menezes, Cedric Lobo, and Joseph A Q Marques, each raising objections to the name used in the notification.
The representations state that the nomenclature is not supported by verifiable historical or archival records and appears to be based on interpretations that lack documen tary backing. They further point out that estab lished archival sources, including published records and historical references, identify the structure differently, and call for the nomen clature to reflect historically docu mented usage. The representations also ques tion the basis on which the name has been adopted in the notifica tion and request the Department to place on record the documentary evidence relied upon for the same. They seek revision of the nomen clature to align with what has been described as the historically accu rate name of the structure, based on archival references and official pub lications. The objections also call for accountability in the decision-mak ing process, stating that determina tions of this nature must be guided by official data, archival records, and documented sources. As per procedure, objections to the notification may be submitted within the stipulated period, which runs until April 17, 2026.
