PANAJI: The state government has initiated the process of drawing up a list of heritage buildings and sites in Goa and grading them for their preservation as heritage properties.

"The buildings and sites will be graded as per their age, rarity, archaeological importance, architectural merit or method of construction," Rajiv Yaduvanshi, secretary, town and country planning (TCP) department said. "Any building which has played a part in the life of a famous person or is an important landmark in the urban and rural landscape of Goa will also be included for preservation," a TCP source said.A tentative list comprising protected and other monuments, ranging from churches and temples to private houses with unique architectural features have been added to the list.

"The committee constituted under the chairmanship of Yaduvanshi will hold deliberations regarding the provisional list of heritage buildings and sites in Goa," the source said. The panel will invite objections and suggestions from the public, individuals and stakeholders regarding the tentative listing and inclusion of any new heritage buildings and sites.


The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) extends protection to 21 monuments in the state while state archives and archaeology has 52 sites and monuments under its charge for protection and conservation. These include some temples, ruins, caves, forts and other monuments. The tentative list includes churches and temples, old houses boasting of architectural and heritage importance in various talukas, especially Salcete and coastal talukas, and other landmarks in the nooks and corners of the state.

The list includes the Rau Raje Deshprabhu house in Pernem, the Boruskar house in Canacona, several houses in Velsao and Chinchinim and other Salcete villages, including Kashinath Damodar Naik and Erico D'Silva's houses, palatial house of Savai Sadashiv Basaling Raje Vader (Saunda), Bandora in Ponda, house of Ranes, Sanquelim, several caves and other buildings.