Panaji: State govt has declared 15 ancient monuments and archaeological sites across Goa as protected under the Goa Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1978. The archaeology department issued the notification after inviting public objections and suggestions to a proposal published in March.The newly protected sites include Malar cave; Haat Katro Khambo (Pelourinho Novo), Old Goa; the cave at Sirdona; the ruins of the Convent of Our Lady of Mount Carmel at Chimbel; and the remains of the Gopakkapattnam port at Goa Velha. Also notified are Bawlyache Mol, Pirla, Balli Mutt; and the remains of a temple at Sasore Khaddem at Cordem. Additional sites include Tamsuli cave at Khandola; Mardangad fort at Queula; the ruins of Surya Temple; and Thadgi memorials at Kudnem. Jacquem cave at Sanguem, the rock-cut tank at Dabolim, and the Shree Damodar Temple tank at Fatorda, Margao are also protected.The status provides legal safeguards against unauthorised development, encroachment, and structural alteration.
