PANJIM: The State government has decided to draft a comprehensive master plan for conservation and development of the Old Goa heritage area recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage site.
In a notification issued on Thursday, Director of Municipal Administration has appointed Architect Ketak Nachinolkar to conduct a detailed study of the various parameters concerning heritage sites, based on which a Master Plan would be formulated. The report has to be submitted within one month.
With the Basilica of Bom Jesus and Se Cathedral recognised as world heritage sites, some 14 heritage sites protected by the Archaeological Survey of India, eight heritage sites protected by the Goa government, and 18 more heritage sites were awaiting protection.
“The government has been concerned about the need for the conservation and development of the ‘Old Goa Heritage area’ which is recognised by UNESCO as a World Heritage site and the need thereto for preparation of a comprehensive Master Plan,”
the notification states.
The scope of the work to be undertaken by Nachinolkar will include delineation of the historic sites to be considered, historical aspects of the place before the arrival of the Portuguese, Portuguese-era developments leading to Old Goa becoming a major metropolis and the historical area which would be encompassed within the Master Plan.
The plan will speak about a proposal for constitution of a Special Development Authority while identifying parameters for accrual of social and economic benefits to the local population. The report should include draft by-laws to regulate activities in the heritage site.
Goa State Urban Development Agency (GSUDA) has been appointed as the nodal agency for drafting the Master Plan.
The most important amongst the heritage sites are Basilica of Bom Jesus, Se Cathedral, St Cajetan church, church and convent of St Francis of Assisi, chapel of St Catherine, church of Our Lady of Rosary, portal remains of St Paul’s College, arch of Viceroy, arch of Adil Shah’s palace, St Augustine’s tower, chapel of St Francis Xavier and connected buildings, and Largo of St Francis Xavier and Largo of St Cajetan together with other monuments.
The Save Old Goa Action Committee had on many occasions approached the government to preserve the heritage buildings in Old Goa.
