Goa Government Admits No Master Plan for Old Goa Heritage Buffer Zones
The Goa government has openly admitted that it has not prepared any master plan or comprehensive conservation plan to protect the buffer zones around the heritage monuments of Old Goa. This significant revelation came from Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, who also serves as the minister for archaeology.
Legislative Assembly Question Reveals Gaps
Chief Minister Sawant made this statement in response to an unstarred question tabled in the legislative assembly. Curtorim MLA Carlos Ferreira posed the question on Wednesday, seeking clarity on conservation efforts.
"No master plan or comprehensive conservation plan for the protection of buffer zones is prepared by the department of archaeology for the state protected monuments and sites at Old Goa," Sawant confirmed in his reply.
Difference Between Central and State Protection
Sawant explained that centrally protected monuments, which fall under the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), follow strict norms. These include regulations on construction and activities in prohibited and regulated areas.
However, for monuments and sites protected by the state government, the situation is different. The department of archaeology has not created any similar master plan. It has also not prepared a comprehensive conservation or buffer zone management plan for these state-protected sites.
Monitoring and Enforcement Challenges
On the issue of monitoring violations, Sawant provided details. For ASI-protected monuments, the ASI Goa Circle handles the monitoring. For state-protected monuments and sites, the department has divided areas into north and south zones. Security and utility staff are deployed in these zones.
"The department conducts inspections from time to time regarding reported cases of violations at protected monuments and sites," Sawant stated. Yet, his reply made it clear that no advanced methods are in use. The government has not undertaken satellite imagery, GIS mapping, or drone surveys to monitor illegal activities.
These activities include illegal constructions, changes of use, excavations, or other violations within the core or buffer zones of Old Goa.
Legal Framework and Recent Developments
Sawant pointed out that legal protection for these sites comes from existing laws. These include the Goa Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1978 and its Rules from 1980. The Town and Country Planning Act also applies, along with relevant zoning and heritage regulations.
Enforcement involves multiple agencies. The department of archaeology, the town and country planning department, local bodies, and the police all play roles in upholding these laws.
In a positive step, the state government approved the Goa Heritage Policy in June 2025. This policy aims to strengthen heritage conservation efforts across the state.
The admission highlights a critical gap in protecting Old Goa's rich heritage. As a UNESCO World Heritage site, Old Goa attracts global attention. The lack of a detailed plan for buffer zones could pose risks to its preservation. Stakeholders now await concrete actions to address this issue and safeguard these historical treasures for future generations.
