A controversy has erupted over the naming of a historically significant monument in Old Goa, with the Save Old Goa Action Committee (SOGAC) and residents urging the State government to correct what they call an inaccurate title in an official notification. In a representation to the Department of Archives and Archaeology, SOGAC objected to the use of “Haath Katro Khambo” for a structure listed in a Feb ruary 17, 2026 notification, published in the Official Gazette on March 5. The committee demanded res toration of the monument’s historically verified name. SOGAC said photograph ic evidence from April 14 shows the structure—iden tified as a pillory—bearing nameplates reading “Pe lourinho Novo” in Portu guese and “New Pillory” in English, along with a Konkani inscription, con tradicting the gazette entry.
It has sought clarification on whether any site survey or historical verification preceded the notification. Highlighting its cultural importance, SOGAC noted the monument forms part of the UNESCO World Her itage Sites in Old Goa and stressed the need for accu rate documentation. The representation was signed by members including Fa tima Pereira and Peter Vie gas. Earlier, residents also objected, stating the monu ment—named “Haat Katro Khambo” in the notifica tion—has long been known as “Pelourinho Novo”.
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A stone marker at the base bears this name, they said, warning the discrepancy could cause confusion and undermine historical au thenticity. “We were surprised to see this monument mis identified,” the residents said, urging authorities to review and correct the naming before proceeding with its designation as a protected site under the Goa Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1978. Officials from the De partment of Archives and Archaeology have yet to respond to the objec tions.
