State Government strengthens heritage protection across Goa by bringing historic monuments, caves, temple remains and archaeological sites under legal safeguards
The Goa Government has taken a major step to protect the State’s archaeological and cultural heritage by declaring 15 ancient monuments, archaeological sites and remains as protected sites under the Goa Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1978.
The Department of Archaeology issued the notification after inviting public objections and suggestions on the proposal published in March 2026. With the final notification, the government has now placed these historically significant locations under formal legal protection.
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The newly protected sites represent different chapters of Goa’s history, including ancient caves, forts, religious structures, memorials, water tanks and remains of historic settlements.
The list includes Malar Cave, Haat Katro Khambo or Pelourinho Novo at Old Goa, the cave at Sirdona and the ruins of the Convent of Our Lady of Mount Carmel at Chimbel. The government has also protected the remains of the historic Gopakkapattnam port at Goa Velha.
Other newly protected heritage sites include Bawlyache Mol, Pirla Balli Mutt, the remains of a temple at Sasore Khaddem in Cordem, Tamsuli Cave at Khandola and Mardangad Fort at Queula. The notification also covers the ruins of the Surya Temple and the Thadgi memorials at Kudnem.
Goa has also extended protection to the Jacquem Cave in Sanguem, the rock-cut tank at Dabolim and the Shree Damodar Temple tank at Fatorda, Margao.
The protected status gives the sites legal safeguards against unauthorised development, encroachment and structural alterations. It also strengthens the government’s ability to oversee their conservation and preserve their historical character.
The move brings a wide range of Goa’s archaeological heritage under a common legal framework and reinforces efforts to safeguard historical assets for future generations.
