Heritage Under Threat: Illegal Excavation at Old Goa Sparks Controversy
Locals File Complaint Against Authorities for Alleged Violation of Heritage Protection Laws
Old Goa, March 25, 2025: In a significant development, a formal complaint has been lodged with the Old Goa Police Station against multiple government bodies and a private contractor for allegedly violating heritage protection laws at Old Goa, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The complainants—Basilio Braganza, Evaristo Rodrigues, Elvis Gomes, and Avertino Miranda—have accused the authorities of allowing illegal excavation, cutting of trees, and the destruction of historical structures within the prohibited/regulated zone of Old Goa. The complaint names several officials, including the Director of Tourism, Chief Town Planner (TCP), National Monuments Authority, Superintending Archaeologist (ASI), Chief Conservator of Forests, and the Directorate of Archives and Archaeology.
Violation of AMASR Act & Destruction of Antiquities
The incident reportedly occurred on March 22, 2025, at around 4 PM, near the recently established Exposition Centre for the relics of St. Francis Xavier. According to the complainants, heavy earth-moving machinery was in operation in a legally protected area, leading to irreversible damage to historical artefacts, including the discovery of old cannonballs.
As per the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act (AMASR Act), 1958, any excavation within a protected or regulated area requires prior approval and supervision by archaeological experts. However, in this case, the complainants allege that work was carried out without any adherence to legal procedures, causing loss of significant heritage.
Unauthorised Road & Demolition of Historic Structures
Local eyewitnesses also claim that an unauthorised road was constructed by demolishing the ruins of an ancient fort wall, which included a small chapel known as the “Chapel of the Five Wounds of Christ.” This has raised concerns over the unchecked destruction of Goa’s rich cultural history.
Failure of Authorities & Demand for Action
The complainants have highlighted that the prescribed procedures upon an “archaeological find” were blatantly ignored. As per the law, upon discovery of historical artefacts:
- All excavation work should have been stopped immediately.
- The site should have been secured to prevent loss of historical context.
- The ASI and law enforcement authorities should have been informed immediately.
- An expert team should have been assigned to study, document, and conserve the artefacts.
However, in this case, it is alleged that none of these steps were followed, and the site was cleared without proper assessment.
The complainants have demanded that the police order an immediate halt to the excavation work, direct the ASI to secure all discovered artefacts, and initiate a detailed investigation. They have also sought registration of FIRs against all responsible parties under the AMASR Act, the Antiquities and Art Treasures Act, and other applicable laws.
A Call for Heritage Protection
Old Goa is internationally recognized for its historic churches and convents, which hold immense cultural and religious significance. This incident has sparked fresh concerns over the deterioration of Goa’s heritage due to unchecked development activities.
Locals and heritage activists are now urging the Goa government and the Archaeological Survey of India to take immediate action to protect Old Goa’s historical treasures before more damage is done.
