Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant urged preservation of built heritage and argued that heritage and development are partners in nation building. At a national conference on Goan architecture and sustainability in New Delhi he said the state follows a model where modern and traditional forms co-exist and that the phrase Vikas Bhi Virasat Bhi reflects India’s developmental philosophy. The conference was organised to showcase Goan architecture and raise awareness.

The government of Goa is conserving heritage buildings while creating new structures that respect local materials and respond to climate and geography. The administration is strengthening documentation through GIS based heritage mapping, digital inventories and scientific conservation, and it is restoring forts such as Chapora, Corjuem, Sacli and Colvale while developing heritage villages including Chandor. The archaeology department, with central assistance, is digitising manuscripts and documents to preserve ancient literature alongside architectural heritage.

Energy efficiency and climate responsive design were stressed as necessities, with emphasis on lower energy consumption, water conservation, maximised natural light and ventilation, and minimised environmental footprints. The state will encourage green building principles in future public projects so schools, hospitals, offices and tourism facilities are modern yet sustainable. Technology was presented as an ally of tradition, with digital twins, information modelling, laser scanning, drone documentation and climate simulations enabling more accurate preservation.

The conference, organised by the Goa State Infrastructure Development Corporation (GSIDC), brought together architects, planners and specialists to discuss combining traditional wisdom and contemporary practice. Sawant said the aspiration is for Goa to become India’s living laboratory for sustainable architecture where heritage conservation, climate resilience, technology and public infrastructure advance together. He said the aim is to ensure future generations inherit strong infrastructure and a stronger identity, proving that heritage and development are complementary partners. The Union culture minister praised Goa’s efforts and suggested the state could serve as a role model.