Team Herald

VASCO: ‘Goa First’, a NGO based in Vasco has expressed fear over the proposed demolition of the 300-year-old Viceregal Palace by Mormugao Port Trust (MPT) as part of its expansion projects and construction of port connectivity road to NH17 B.

Known as the ‘old palace’, it is the oldest non-religious structure standing today in Mormugao.

Goa First has demanded that the State Archives and Archaeology Department should assess the historic and architectural value of the structure which was constructed around 1702-1705 and since it is an archaeological monument, the same should be preserved, protected and utilised to showcase Goa’s rich culture, history and heritage to tourists.

Goa First members submitted a representation in this regard to all concerned department officials including the minister following which the officials of Archives and Archaeology department had fixed an inspection on Wednesday afternoon. However, since MPT’s permission was not obtained to enter into MPT property, the officials had to postpone the inspection to a next date.

“We had written to Directorate of Archives and Archaeology that “Viceregal Palace” stands on property held by MPT and we are given to understand that the building is proposed to be demolished by MPT as part of expansion projects and for connectivity to NH 17B. If demolished, this unique and priceless piece of history of Goa will be lost forever,” said Parshuram Sonurlekar, Goa First president. 

Highlighting the structure’s historical importance, Sonurlekar said, “During the Portuguese rule, they had planned to shift the capital of Goa from Panjim to Mormugao around 1685 during the tenure of D Francisco de Távora, then Governor and Viceroy of Portuguese India, to escape the threat posed by the Marathas. The new city’s principal edifices were constructed with Jesuit architects in charge. They made consistent efforts to avoid the ornate style of the time. One of the buildings constructed at the time was the austere Viceregal Palace, now known as the “Old Palace Hotel”.

“This building is unique, both architecturally and historically, and is designed to blend with the hill and the fort in the background. The building has been cut into the hill in four steps/storeys. British secret agents, who allegedly coordinated the mission to sink the Allied merchant vessels (on 9th March 1943), lived in this building as hotel guests,” he added.

“There are very old statues of Mother Mary, St Francis Xavier and several other historical artefacts in the building that require preservation and protection. Being a place of historic importance and keeping in view the increasing number of cruise vessels arriving at Mormugao Port, this building could be renovated by the State Government and thrown open to cruise passengers and other tourists as a museum and for sale of local handicrafts etc.  Our NGO has appealed to concerned departments to declare the Viceregal Palace as an ancient monument or archaeological site by preserving, protecting and utilising the same to showcase Goa’s rich culture, history and heritage,” Sonurlekar added.