Team Herald
PANJIM: The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), Old Goa Sub-Circle, has directed the Goa Archbishop’s House, Altinho, to immediately remove structures built within the protected area of the Centrally Protected Monument: Basilica of Bom Jesus, Old Goa.
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In its notice dated May 8, 2025, the ASI stated: “It is observed by the undersigned that the encroachment; construction in laterite stone which is within protected area from the Centrally Protected Monument: Basilica of Bom Jesus, Old Goa. The said monument and its premises are nationally importance and duly protected under the AMASR Act 1958 and 1959.”
The notice cites Sections 19(1) and 19(2) of the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958, which state that no person, including the owner or occupier of a protected area, shall construct any building within the protected area, or carry out mining, quarrying, excavation, blasting, or any similar operation in such area, or utilise the area in any other manner without the permission of the Central Government.
The Act also empowers the Central Government to issue an order directing that any building constructed in contravention of these provisions be removed within a specified period. If the person fails to comply, the Collector may arrange for the removal and the person will be liable to bear the cost.
Copies of the notice have also been forwarded to the Superintending Archaeologist, Archaeological Survey of India, Goa Circle, Old Goa, and the Rector of the Basilica of Bom Jesus, St Francis Xavier Shrine, Old Goa.
