Department of Tourism, Government of Goa, has declared that ongoing development project in Old Goa, is under the Central Scheme PRASHAD (Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual Augmentation Drive).
Addressing a press conference, Director of Tourism – Kedar Naik informed that the project focusses solely on enhancing visitor facilities, including the development of a parking area, an information centre, and improved lighting for the monument. All necessary permissions including the office of the Dy. Conservator of Forests, North Goa Division; Town and Country Planning Department(TCP) and National Monument authority (NMA) have been duly obtained, and work had commenced in accordance with the required guidelines.
Naik further said that at present, only the site clearance process has commenced. An application for the NOC from the panchayat has been submitted, and all necessary permissions will be obtained before any construction begins.
Highlighting the project’s community involvement, Naik emphasised that the Department of Tourism had engaged with all stakeholders, incorporated their feedback, and gained their confidence. However, following directives from the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), the work has been temporarily halted and will resume once clearance from ASI is received.
Speaking on behalf of ASI, Assistant Superintending Archaeologist Dr. Kishore Raghubans stated: “During the excavation process, cannon-balls were discovered at the site. Consequently, the ASI instructed the Tourism Department to pause work to allow proper documentation through photography, drawings, and reports. This process is ongoing and is expected to take some time.”
The project is designed to enhance the visitor experience while preserving the heritage significance of the area. Key developments include the construction of a parking lot, a dedicated tourist facilitation centre, and improved external lighting with streetlights in the parking area. The initiative also features monument façade illumination, E-Auto services to facilitate tourist movement, along with comfortable seating arrangements and improved signage for better navigation.
