Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant has stressed that rapid infrastructure development should never come at the cost of the state’s rich architectural heritage and environmental identity.
Speaking at the National Conference on Goan Architecture and Sustainability, Sawant said Goa’s future development must combine modern infrastructure with heritage conservation, climate resilience, and environmentally responsible construction practices.
Addressing the conference, Sawant said Goa’s architectural heritage remains a living legacy that continues to shape the state’s future.
He emphasized that as Goa expands its infrastructure to meet growing urban needs, development must:
- Preserve cultural identity
- Protect architectural heritage
- Promote sustainable construction
- Encourage climate-resilient infrastructure
- Improve energy efficiency
- Respect local geography and environmental conditions
According to the Chief Minister, progress should strengthen—not diminish—the qualities that make Goa unique.
The conference, organized by the Goa State Infrastructure Development Corporation (GSIDC), brought together architects, urban planners, policymakers, researchers, and sustainability experts.
Union Tourism and Culture Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Rajya Sabha MP Sadanand Shet Tanavade, and several national and international experts attended the event.
The conference featured discussions on four key areas:
- Goan architecture and contextual design
- Heritage conservation and sustainable habitats
- Energy-efficient and green building certification
- Climate-smart construction practices
Experts explored how future infrastructure can reduce environmental impact while preserving Goa’s architectural character.
Participants discussed the importance of cooperation among:
- Government agencies
- Architects
- Urban planners
- Researchers
- Construction industry stakeholders
The discussions focused on creating infrastructure that balances economic growth with environmental protection and cultural preservation.
The conference included participation from several prominent institutions, including:
- TERI
- Charles Correa Foundation
- INTACH
- GRIHA Council
- World Bank
- International Finance Corporation (IFC)
- Centre for Science and Environment
- Auroville Earth Institute
- European Union
- Royal Danish Embassy
- Embassy of the Netherlands
Experts shared ideas on green technologies, sustainable building materials, and heritage-sensitive urban planning.
A major focus of the conference was promoting:
- Energy-efficient buildings
- Climate-responsive architecture
- Environment-friendly construction materials
- Sustainable urban planning
Participants discussed integrating heritage conservation into broader city planning rather than treating it as an isolated activity.
The event also featured an exhibition of GoVAN products, highlighting local craftsmanship, manufacturing, and small businesses that contribute to Goa’s sustainable development.
