EDITORIAL
Goa should transform conservation into a cornerstone of state’s tourism strategy
Minister for Public Works Digambar Kamat’s announcement that restoration work on the historic South Goa Comunidade Building in Margao will be completed by December is a breath of fresh air. Goa has several public buildings of immense heritage value. However, a lack of political will to invest in their restoration has come at a price.
The Administração dos Comunidades de Salcete (South Goa Comunidade Building) in Margao is said to be one of the oldest institutional buildings in Goa. The heritage structure is historically significant because it housed the administrative offices of Goa’s ancient comunidade agrarian (gaunkari) system. In recent years, several heritage buildings have fallen into severe disrepair. The Margao building is a landmark in the heart of the commercial capital, and Kamat deserves appreciation for taking the initiative. Hopefully, the restoration will be carried out in a professional manner.
Several countries around the world have successfully made heritage conservation a central pillar of both, their national identity and their tourism economy. We do not have to look to Europe for examples; Asia itself has pioneered remarkable conservation efforts. Japan is known for its meticulous preservation of both tangible heritage, such as temples and castles, and intangible heritage, including traditional crafts.
Our neighbouring country, Sri Lanka, has successfully restored ancient cities and imperial capitals, such as Polonnaruwa, turning them into well-maintained historical parks. Vietnam is no different. The Angkor Archaeological Park in Cambodia is a global benchmark for international collaborative conservation.
Goa is a global tourist destination, although foreign tourist numbers have declined in recent years. Perhaps we have not fully understood the importance of showcasing our heritage. Many such historical parks and sites follow a dual-ticket system, with separate rates for foreign and domestic tourists, while locals enjoy free entry. Such a policy could also help curb mass tourism. However, in Goa, quantity appears to matter more. It does not seem to matter that our carrying capacity is much lower, as the government proudly points out that the state received over one crore tourists last year. Restored heritage architecture acts as a powerful economic engine and would undoubtedly attract quality foreign tourists. Those who understand its value will agree that a well-executed heritage conservation framework can be a game-changer for the tourism industry. Importantly, it also transforms the image of a destination from a standard tourist spot into a rich cultural landscape. Although specialised restoration often requires substantial initial investment, it pays off over time.
Old government buildings, constructed with laterite stone bonded with traditional lime mortar, are ideal for adaptive reuse. While preserving their historic facades, governments can repurpose these structures into modern offices, public libraries or cultural centres. This approach is also far more environmentally sustainable. Government buildings such as old secretariats, palaces, courts and customs houses are the physical anchors of a region’s history. They tell the story of a state’s political and social evolution. Preserving these assets for posterity ensures that future generations maintain a tangible connection with their roots, fostering a sense of architectural pride and continuity that modern structures simply cannot replicate. Adil Shah Palace, which served as Goa’s Secretariat for nearly four decades, needs attention. Chandor and Gopakapattana are former capitals of the Kadamba rulers, with the latter also serving as a major port. There is a government plan to develop Chandor as a heritage village. Conservation efforts for these sites need to be fast-tracked. A year ago, Goa adopted the State Heritage Policy 2025, which includes a list of tangible and intangible heritage. The government must implement it and restore our tangible heritage before it is lost forever.
