Panaji: In absence of legal protection, Goa`s heritage buildings are giving way to multi-storey plazas in the state which is known for its Indo-Portuguese architectural marvels.
"We have been lobbying hard to save these buildings but many a time we can`t help. Without legal protection bulldozers raze them down in no time," said a visibly concerned Prajal Sakhardande, a historian and member of Goa Heritage Action Group (GHAG).
"There are around 1,000 heritage monuments in Goa and these include several buildings in Panaji."
GHAG has listed these buildings in association with the Corporation of City of Panaji (CCP), but in the absence of legal cover to these structures, even the civic body is reluctant to stop the demolitions.
"They have to be notified to be saved from demolition. We are trying our level best to convince people not to raze heritage structures, but legally we can`t stop them if
documents are in order," city Mayor Caroline Po said.
Situated on the banks of Mandovi river, Panaji has some of the best architectural wonders in Goa, a former Portuguese colony. A few quaint corners like Fountainhas have always been a big draw for tourists and now film shootings.
Some of the buildings in Fountainhas, an old residential area, are over 150-year-old and stand tall as a symbol of a bygone era in Goa`s rich history.
PTI
