Heritage Site Modernization Sparks Debate in Old Goa

The Goa government suspended work on a tourist amenity center at Old Goa's heritage site after the ASI found Portuguese-era artifacts. The project awaits clearance from the ASI and church authorities amid protests from citizens concerned about the site's integrity and accusations of constructing a mall.

The government of Goa has hit the brakes on a planned tourist amenity center at the Old Goa heritage site, following the discovery of Portuguese-era cannonballs by the ASI. This move comes amid public uproar over fears that a mall is being developed at the UNESCO protected location.

Tourism Minister Rohan Khaunte, addressing the legislative assembly, assured that the project would only proceed after receiving the necessary approvals from both the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) and church authorities. This announcement follows citizen protests and a calling attention motion by BJP MLA Rajesh Phal Desai and St Andre MLA Viresh Borkar.

While the government insists that the project was authorized by ASI and coordinated with church officials, the construction is on hold to allow the ASI time for proper documentation of the historical artifacts unearthed. The facilitation center is part of the central government's PRASHAD scheme to boost tourism.

(With inputs from agencies.)