New Delhi, Jul 31 (PTI) Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant on Friday pitched for preservation of built heritage across the country and not razing them in the name of development, a “model”, he said is being followed in his state, as he asserted that heritage and development aren’t competitors but partners in nation-building.
Addressing the ‘National Conference on Goan Architecture and Sustainability’ here, he also said, ‘Vikas Bhi, Virasat Bhi’ is not just a slogan but India’s developmental philosophy, Sawant said Goa’s vision is to serve as India’s “living laboratory” of sustainable architecture, where the modern and traditional ones co-exist in harmony.
He emphasised that Goa is working on preservation of heritage buildings while creating new structures that respect local materials, and which are in harmony with the local climate and geography.
Sawant underlined that his state’s vision is to preserve the past and connect it to the future, adding that development should not come at the cost of heritage.
All stakeholders must work together with a vision that “heritage and development aren’t competitors, but partners in nation-building”, he said.
Union Culture Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat in his address said “our ancestors had cultivated a lifestyle that was conducive to the environment”, and “we are custodians of the built and natural heritage which should be preserved and handed over to the next generations”.
Later, during an interaction with mediapersons, Sawant was asked about dismantling of several heritage buildings in many states in the past few years, and what message perhaps Goa can send to these states in terms of preservation and sustainability.
“When discussing the Goan architectural model, I would simply say this – Most people, prefer to demolish old architecture, old heritage, rather than preserving it. My point is that if we preserve it, we can showcase it to the next generation. That is precisely the work we are doing today with the Goan architectural model,” he said.
That is not all, the Goan archaeology department, with assistance of the Government of India, is digitising and preserving centuries-old manuscripts and documents; the Goan government is actively undertaking this work, “so we are preserving both architectural heritage and ancient literature,” the chief minister said.
The event decor was tastefully done, with Goan architecture-themes stage backdrop and various display panels bearing image of iconic buildings of Goa, as well as local material that define Goan architecture such as laterite stone, lime plaster, red oxide flooring, Mangalore tiles, oyster shell windows.
Sawant said the national conference was organised to showcase Goan architecture and raise awareness about it across the country.
In his address, he said, “The responsibility before us is not merely to conserve the old buildings, our aim is to connect the past to the future. The government of Goa has therefore adopted a comprehensive approach towards heritage conservation. Through the Goan heritage policy, we are strengthening the documentation, the GIS-based heritage mapping, digital inventories, and scientific conservation,” he said.
“We are restoring historic forts, such as Chapora, Corjuem, Sacli, and Colvale, while simultaneously developing the heritage villages like Chandor. And promoting the temple heritage projects that celebrates Goa’s unique cultural identity,” Sawant said.
He emphasised that energy efficiency and climate-responsive architecture are a necessity today.
“The building we construct today, it must be consume less energy, conserve more water, maximise natural light and ventilations, and minimise their environmental footprint,” the Goa CM said.
The state government intends to take the vision forward for encouraging adoption of green building principles in future government projects. Its endeavour is to ensure that new public buildings, whether a school, hospital, government offices or tourism facilities, become “modern with sustainability,” he said.
The event, organised by the Goa State Infrastructure Development Corporation (GSIDC), was also attended by various architects, planners, architecture experts, among others.
Sawant said technology should become the strongest ally of traditions, and artificial intelligence, digital twins, information modelling, and laser scanning, drone documentation, GIS-mapping and climate simulations, all these technologies now “allow us to preserve heritage more accurately than ever before”.
He emphasised that Goa’s vision is to “use technology to bring the past to life”.
“That is why I always tell GSIDC and our departments that every new government building in Goa should not only be modern, but also be Goan in character. Let our building reflect our climate. Let them respect the local material. Let them conserve energy. Let them harvest rainwater. Let them maximum daylight. Let them inherit solar energy. Let them remain rooted in Goa while embracing the global standard,” he asserted.
Sawant said the society now has “unprecedented opportunities” to combine traditional architectural wisdom and contemporary emerging excellence.
“Our aspiration is simple. We want Goa to becomes India’s living laboratory for sustainable architecture. A place where the heritage conservation, climate resilience, technology and public infrastructure, grow together. A place where traditional wisdom guides the future innovations,” he said.
“Let us ensure that the future generation inherits not only the strong infrastructure, but also stronger identity. Let us build not only smarter cities, but also the more meaningful communities. Let us prove that heritage and development are not competitors, they are partners in nation building,” the CM added.
Shekhawat, while interacting with reporters later, said, “Considering the way efforts are being made to preserve both built heritage and intangible heritage — specifically, how the state of Goa, under the leadership of its chief minister, is working in this direction in alignment with the prime minister’s vision — I believe Goa can serve as a role model and a source of inspiration.” PTI KND MNK MNK
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