MP Captain Viriato Fernandes Urges Immediate Halt to Construction in Old Goa’s Heritage Zone

MP Captain Viriato Fernandes Urges Immediate Halt to Construction in Old Goa’s Heritage Zone

Calls for Scrapping PRASAD Scheme Project and Restoration of Excavated Heritage Artifacts

Goa, March 27, 2025 – South Goa’s Member of Parliament, Captain Viriato Fernandes, has raised serious concerns over ongoing excavation and construction activities in the heritage zone of Old Goa. In a letter addressed to the Union Minister for Tourism and Culture, Captain Fernandes has demanded an immediate stop-work order and the cancellation of a Central government-sponsored project under the PRASAD scheme, citing violations of Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) norms and irreversible damage to historical artifacts.

Illegal Excavation in UNESCO World Heritage Site

According to Captain Fernandes, the construction project—undertaken without due compliance with heritage protection regulations—has caused large-scale destruction at the site. Heavy excavation machinery was used in a No Development Zone (NDZ), leading to the displacement of historical artifacts, including remnants of an ancient church structure, cannonballs, and centuries-old stonework.

“The blatant disregard for ASI norms and the sanctity of Old Goa’s historical treasures is alarming,” said the MP. “A 400-year-old wall was demolished to create an illegal road for transporting excavated materials, which have now gone missing.”

Demands for Urgent Government Intervention

In his official communication, Captain Fernandes has outlined four key demands:

1. Permanent cancellation of the PRASAD scheme project in Old Goa due to its unsuitability in an archaeologically rich zone.
2. Tracing and returning of all missing heritage materials that were illegally removed from the site.
3. ASI-led restoration of the site to its original state before excavation began.
4. A high-level inquiry to identify those responsible for violating ASI guidelines and causing damage to the historical integrity of Old Goa.

Local Protests and Panchayat Opposition

The controversy has sparked outrage among heritage lovers, local villagers, and religious authorities. The Village Panchayat of Se-Old-Goa and the Save Old Goa Action Committee have also formally objected to the project. Documents and photographs provided by these groups highlight the extent of destruction, further strengthening the call for government action.

Captain Fernandes: “Satyamev Jayate” – The Truth Must Prevail

As a Member of the Parliamentary Consultative Committee on Tourism & Culture, Captain Fernandes has vowed to fight for the protection of Goa’s heritage. “No development project, no matter how well-intentioned, should come at the cost of Goa’s history and cultural legacy,” he asserted.

With growing pressure from local communities and elected representatives, the focus is now on the Union Ministry of Tourism to respond with decisive action. Will the government heed the call to protect Old Goa’s heritage, or will history be sacrificed in the name of development?