State denies land, restoration of Campal lighthouse uncertain

Panaji: Plans to restore the Campal lighthouse have hit a roadblock after Goa govt turned down a request by the directorate general of lighthouses and lightships (DGLL) for land near the Kala Academy. The state has asked the DGLL to consider upgrading the lighthouse without seeking any land from the ports department.

Captain of Ports Octavio Rodrigues said the lighthouse falls within a heritage neighbourhood, making it unsuitable for handover. The DGLL conducted a feasibility study to determine whether the crumbling structure can be repaired or needs to be demolished and rebuilt. Sources said that the lighthouse plays an integral role for vessels entering the Panaji port but could also be opened up for tourism.

“The DGLL carried out a study and site inspection and requested some land, which we have put up to govt. Since the land is near the heritage area of Kala Academy, we have declined it. We have asked DGLL whether they would like to take up the project with their own funding without any land being handed over. Their reply is awaited,” Rodrigues said.

The Campal Heritage Precinct is recognised as one of the five declared areas for “conservation” in the development control regulation by Goa govt under the Goa Land Development and Building Construction Regulation 2010. Govt wants to preserve the architectural heritage of Campal because of the significant heritage structures in Campal. Between 1827 and 1835, six bridges were constructed in the Campal precinct as part of a large-scale reclamation project led by Viceroy D Manoel Francisco de Portugal-e-Crasto.

The Goa Land Development and Building Construction Regulation 2010 has identified three significant heritage structures in Campal— the statue of Dr Francisco Luis Gomes, the house of Paulo Mesquita, and the house of Professor Leao Fernandes.

He added that a decision on whether the Campal lighthouse will be developed by the DGLL or state govt will depend on the response from the central agency. The PWD conducted a structural audit and reported that the lighthouse is beyond repair.

The DGLL operates several lighthouses in and around Goa, including the Aguada lighthouse. Traditionally serving as navigational aids for seafarers, the Union ministry of ports, shipping and waterways wants to reinvent these iconic structures as tourism destinations.

Rodrigues also revealed that Goa is working to upgrade coastal lighthouses to Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) standards. He stressed the need for a River Information System (RIS) to strengthen vessel navigation, security, and safety. “Private companies have submitted proposals, but discussions have dragged on for eight years without progress,” he noted.