Union Tourism and Culture Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat said work on the Heritage Interpretation Centre at Old Goa under the PRASHAD scheme has been stalled following the discovery of historical artefacts during excavation. He said the project should not be rushed to ensure that artefacts of archaeological significance are not lost permanently. Relocation of the project to another location may be considered he said, adding that the decision will have to be taken by the State. “Any decision to relocate the project would have to be taken by the State government after assessing the findings and the extent and permanence of the project’s impact,” he said. The project had faced opposition from residents and political representatives over concerns about its impact on Old Goa’s skyline and protected heritage monuments.
Shekhawat also said the Centre plans to develop 50 iconic tourist destinations of global standards across India. Goa could receive one or more projects based on proposals submitted by the State, he added. More projects have been sanctioned under the PRASHAD and Swadesh Darshan schemes for the state of Goa, he informed.
