The Old Goa panchayat has halted fencing work initiated near the historic St Augustine Tower, a UNESCO world heritage site. Acting swiftly, the panchayat issued a stop-work notice under the Goa Panchayat Raj Act, 1994, after concerns were raised about unauthorised activity in the heritage zone. The builder has been asked to furnish valid documentation within three days to justify the work.
A stop-work notice was served by the Old Goa panchayat to a builder for carrying out fencing activities close to the St Augustine Tower. The action came after a local representative alerted the panchayat, prompting an on-site inspection. Citing the site’s cultural significance, the panchayat acted under section 64 (j) of the Goa Panchayat Raj Act to prevent any unauthorised development near the protected heritage monument.
The area where the fencing was initiated lies in close proximity to the St Augustine Tower, a recognised UNESCO monument. The panchayat’s intervention was aimed at safeguarding the site’s heritage status, ensuring that no construction work takes place without proper permissions. The builder has been given three days to submit all necessary approvals or face additional action as per provisions of the panchayat law.
Authorities confirmed that no complaints had been filed by NGOs or local residents regarding the fencing activity. The action was initiated based on internal observations during routine governance. The panchayat has clarified that any future developments near heritage structures must comply strictly with legal and conservation norms to preserve Goa’s architectural legacy and maintain the sanctity of heritage zones.
The panchayat has made it clear that failure to submit the required licences or approvals will result in further legal measures under the Goa Panchayat Raj Act. This intervention is being seen as a proactive step to ensure no violations occur around heritage sites. The move reinforces the importance of strict regulatory compliance in sensitive zones like Old Goa, home to globally recognised cultural landmarks.
The Old Goa panchayat’s swift action to halt unauthorised fencing near the St Augustine Tower underscores the importance of preserving heritage zones. If the builder fails to provide valid permissions, stricter steps will follow under the law. The incident highlights the need for continuous vigilance and enforcement to protect Goa’s world-renowned cultural monuments from encroachment or unregulated construction in their immediate vicinity.
