Old Goa tourism project halted after discovery of 'Portuguese-era' cannonballs

Photo credit: X/@Nalanda_index

The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) on Monday directed Goa's tourism department to halt the excavation work for a development project in Old Goa heritage complex to allow “proper documentation” after some cannonballs, believed to be from a Portuguese-era arsenal, were discovered during the process.

The development, which includes the construction of a tourist facilitation centre and parking lot, is being carried out under the Union Ministry of Tourism’s PRASHAD (Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual Augmentation Drive) scheme.

In a statement to the press, Dr Kishore Raghubans, assistant superintending archaeologist at ASI, mentioned that cannonballs were discovered during clearance work at the site. "As a result, the ASI instructed the tourism department to halt the work temporarily to allow for proper documentation through photography, drawings, and reports. This process is still ongoing and will take some time," he stated.

Meanwhile, hundreds of protesters had staged a protest in Old Goa on Sunday, objecting to the large-scale felling of trees and excavation work at the site. The protesters alleged that the area was being cleared for a proposed mall project near the Basilica of Bom Jesus, which is recognised by UNESCO as a world heritage site. Since the area in the vicinity was a heritage site and is believed to have the remains of an old Church, no construction should be permitted within 100 metres of the site, the protestors demanded.

Replying to the protestors, the Department of Tourism said, “No mall is being constructed in the area. It is designed to enhance the visitor experience while preserving the heritage significance of the area.”

“Following directives from the Archaeological Survey of India, the work has been temporarily halted and will resume once clearance from ASI is received,” the department cleared.

“The project focuses solely on enhancing visitor facilities, including the development of a parking area, an information centre, and improved lighting for the monument. All necessary permissions… have been duly obtained and work had commenced in accordance with the required guidelines. At present, only the site clearance process has commenced. An application for an NOC from the panchayat has been submitted and all necessary permissions will be obtained before any construction begins,” Kedar Naik, Director of Tourism, said.

“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 facade illumination, e-auto services to facilitate tourist movement, along with comfortable seating arrangements and improved signage for better navigation,” the department said.