Daijiworld Media Network – Panaji

Panaji, Sep 23: The 16th-century pillory Hat Katro Khambo, also known as Pelourinho Novo or New Pillory, is among 15 ancient monuments, archaeological sites and remains across Goa that have been formally declared protected under the Goa Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1978.

The Department of Archaeology, in a notification, said the 15 sites have been notified as protected monuments. Of these, 11 are privately owned, while the remaining four belong to the government.

The sites were proposed for protection by the government in February, following which public suggestions and objections were invited.

The newly protected sites include the Malar Cave in Malar, Tiswadi, and a cave at Sirdona. The ruins of the Convent of Our Lady of Mount Carmel at Chimbel, considered historically significant, have also been included.

Other sites include the remains of the Gopakkapattnam Port at Goa Velha, Jacquem Cave at Neturlim in Sanguem, Bawlyache Mol at Pirla in Quepem, and Pandurang Math and Mukhyapran (Maruti) Math at Balli.

The notification also covers the remains of a temple at Sasore Khaddem in Cordem, Tamsuli Cave at Candola, Mardangad Fort at Queula, and the ruins of the Surya Temple and Thadgi memorials at Kudne.

A rock-cut tank at Dabolim and the Shree Damodar Temple tank at Fatorda in Margao have also been included among the newly protected sites.