The Bombay High Court at Goa on Wednesday directed the regional director of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), southern region, to complete the preparation of heritage bylaws for 21 centrally protected monuments in Goa by June 15. These bylaws are crucial for regulating construction and development around these sites.
Details of the Monuments and Legal Proceedings
Fourteen of these monuments are located in Old Goa, while the remaining seven are spread across the state. The petitioners, Glean Cabral and Tahir Noronha, represented by advocate Ajay Menon, informed the court that the heritage bylaws were initially supposed to be prepared by 2016. This deadline was later extended to 2021. However, despite no further extensions being granted, the bylaws have not been finalized to date.
The bench, comprising justices Valmiki Menezes and Amit Jamsandekar, also directed private parties to maintain the status quo and not proceed with any constructions within the regulated areas of monuments situated in Old Goa. This order aims to prevent unauthorized development while the bylaws are being finalized.
Tourism Department's Statement and Interim Reliefs
The high court accepted the statement from the tourism department that the heritage centre project, which was planned within the regulated area of the Basilica Bom Jesus Church, has been shelved at this stage. The bench also granted the petitioners the liberty to press for interim reliefs concerning the height of the Old Goa police station at an appropriate stage, after hearing the advocate general, Devidas Pangam.
Additionally, the high court directed the chief town planner (planning) to submit a list of all permissions granted for constructions within protected and regulated areas of centrally protected monuments, particularly those where construction has not yet begun. The court emphasized that all fresh and pending permissions will be subject to the outcome of the public interest litigation (PIL).
This development underscores the importance of heritage conservation in Goa, a state known for its rich historical and cultural landmarks. The directives aim to ensure that development activities do not compromise the integrity of these protected monuments.
