South Goa MP Calls for Immediate Halt to Construction in Heritage Zone of Old Goa

Team Herald

MARGAO: South Goa MP Captain Viriato Fernandes has urged the Union Minister for Tourism and Culture to immediately and permanently halt all construction activity in the heritage zone of Old Goa and scrap the proposed project under the PRASAD scheme.

In a letter dated March 27, Fernandes flagged large-scale excavation at the UNESCO World Heritage site, carried out without adhering to norms and regulations governing development in the No Development Buffer Zone under the jurisdiction of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). The MP expressed concern over the distress caused to heritage lovers, villagers, and citizens following this

incident.

According to Fernandes, preliminary investigations revealed that the project involved the construction of a centrally sponsored building under the PRASAD scheme. However, he pointed out that the lack of adherence to established norms for protected areas demonstrated a disregard for the preservation of historical monuments and cultural heritage. He emphasized that the proposed site, designated as a No Development Zone, holds immense archaeological significance, with historical artifacts spanning centuries. He further noted that objections had been raised against the project through resolutions passed by the Gram Sabha and religious authorities.

Fernandes condemned the use of heavy machinery by contractors, which had led to the destruction and displacement of heritage objects. He described the site as a “treasure trove” containing remnants of an existing church structure, cannonballs, and other valuable archaeological artifacts. The excavation, he said, had not only damaged the site’s sanctity but also resulted in the destruction of a 400-year-old wall to make way for an illegal road for transporting excavated material.

While acknowledging that work has been temporarily halted, Fernandes called for a permanent stop-work order to prevent further damage. “The PRASAD scheme is well-intentioned, but unsuitable for a site rich in archaeological heritage,” he said.

In addition to halting the project, he demanded that the missing truckloads of historically valuable material be located and returned to the site. He also pressed for ASI to restore the area to its original state and initiate an inquiry into those responsible for violating ASI regulations by undertaking construction in a protected zone.

Fernandes attached letters from the Village Panchayat of Se-Old-Goa and the Save Old Goa Action Committee, along with photographs documenting the destruction at the site, to support his appeal.