Massive Land Conversion Proposal Sparks Alarm Near Historic Seminary Ruins and Bird Sanctuary
By Staff Reporter
CHORAO, GOA: Fresh concerns are being raised across Goa after a controversial proposal involving the conversion of nearly 19,892 square metres of land on Chorao Island was reportedly moved through the Town and Country Planning (TCP) framework, triggering fears of irreversible damage to one of Goa’s most ecologically and historically sensitive regions.
The proposed land conversion site lies close to the protected ruins of the historic Real Colégio de São Bartolomeu, commonly known as the Chorao Seminary ruins, a landmark deeply connected to Goa’s colonial and Jesuit history.
Local residents, environmental activists, and heritage conservation groups have expressed alarm over the increasing use of the controversial Section 39-A of the TCP Act, which permits the conversion of agricultural and natural zones into settlement or construction zones.
Historic Seminary at the Centre of Concern
The Real Colégio de São Bartolomeu was founded by Jesuits in 1761 and once served as a major religious and educational institution in Portuguese Goa. Situated atop a hill on the river island of Chorao in Tiswadi Taluka, the seminary remained active until around 1859 before being abandoned due to disease outbreaks and political instability.
Today, the ruins are regarded as an important archaeological and heritage site, attracting historians, researchers, tourists, and photographers interested in Goa’s rich cultural past.
Conservationists argue that permitting large-scale land conversion activities near such a protected monument could permanently alter the visual, environmental, and archaeological landscape surrounding the heritage structure.
Ecological Sensitivity of Chorao Island
Chorao Island, located along the Mandovi River and just a few kilometres from Panaji, is internationally recognised for its ecological importance. The island is home to the renowned Dr. Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary, one of Goa’s most important wetland ecosystems and a habitat for numerous migratory and resident bird species.
Environmental observers warn that unchecked construction activity and large-scale land use changes could severely impact the fragile biodiversity of the island, disrupt water flow patterns, increase pressure on natural resources, and threaten mangrove ecosystems.
Activists also fear that continuous conversion of agricultural and natural lands into settlement zones may gradually urbanise the island and damage its unique rural and ecological character.
Questions Over TCP Decisions
Critics of the TCP process claim that repeated use of Section 39-A has opened the door for large-scale land conversions without adequate public consultation or scientific assessment.
Several heritage and environmental groups are now demanding greater transparency from the Town and Country Planning Department regarding the Chorao proposal and similar conversions across Goa.
Citizens have also called for:
- Independent heritage impact assessments.
- Environmental clearances before approvals.
- Public disclosure of all conversion proposals.
- Protection buffers around archaeological sites.
- Stronger safeguards for ecologically sensitive zones.
Residents say Chorao’s identity as a heritage and ecological treasure must not be compromised for short-term development interests.
Growing Public Debate
The issue has once again reignited wider debates over development planning in Goa, with critics arguing that heritage sites, traditional village landscapes, wetlands, and agricultural lands are increasingly vulnerable under rapid land conversion policies.
Observers warn that unless stricter protections are enforced, Goa risks losing not only its environmental balance but also irreplaceable parts of its historical identity.
As public scrutiny intensifies, many are now waiting to see whether authorities will reconsider the proposal or proceed with the controversial conversion despite mounting opposition.
Cuncolim News Independent Community Reporting from Goa and the Goan Diaspora
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