Goa to become India's 'living laboratory' for sustainable architecture: CM Sawant
New Delhi, July 31
Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant on Friday declared that the state is set to become India's premier "Living Laboratory" for sustainable architecture, as he inaugurated the National Conference on Goan Architecture & Sustainability in New Delhi alongside Union Tourism & Culture Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat and MP Sadanand Shet Tanavade.
Organised by the Goa State Infrastructure Development Corporation (GSIDC), the landmark event brought together top architects, urban planners, engineers, and policymakers to reshape the country's approach to sustainable urban design.
Emphasising Prime Minister Narendra Modi's mantra of "Vikas Bhi, Virasat Bhi", CM Sawant said Goa is blending heritage with technology for climate-responsive infrastructure.
"We are fusing centuries-old heritage wisdom with cutting-edge green technology to create climate-responsive public infrastructure. Goa will lead the nation in proving that tradition and technology can build a resilient, environmentally responsible, and Swayampurna state," stated CM Sawant.
In his X post, CM Sawant reiterated that the conference aimed to bring together experts and stakeholders from across disciplines to deliberate on building a sustainable future rooted in Goa's unique architectural heritage while encouraging discussions on conservation and sustainable urban development.
The Chief Minister further said the conference was organised to promote Goan architecture and sustainability and to facilitate discussions with experts from across the country. He said the Goa government is committed to advancing both heritage conservation and development simultaneously.
"This National Conference, which we have organised here to promote Goan Architecture and Sustainability, in Goa we are always promoting nature-friendly infrastructure in the state of Goa to promote a discussion with the National Level Architecture, National Level Urban Development Designers, Planners to discuss with them and to promote Goa at a National Level. Just as PM Modi talks about heritage and development, the Goa government is doing work to take forward both heritage and development..." he said.
Highlighting changing tourism trends in the state, CM Sawant said Goa is witnessing growing interest beyond its traditional attractions of beaches and churches. He noted that tourists are increasingly exploring spiritual, sports and wellness tourism, prompting the state government to diversify its tourism offerings while ensuring sustainability remains at the centre of development.
"Regarding tourism--people used to visit solely for beaches and churches, but today, those same people are driving interest in spiritual, sports, and wellness tourism. We are actively promoting various national-level programs that are being organised in Goa for sports tourism. Sustainability is essential; we cannot move forward without it. That is why I emphasised that, alongside Goan architecture, sustainability is of utmost importance for the state. We are definitely in talks with other states as well as other countries," said CM Sawant.
— ANI
Reader Comments
The idea is great on paper, but I hope this isn't just another political photo-op. Goa's real estate lobby is huge and they've been building concrete jungles everywhere. Will the CM actually implement these sustainable guidelines or just talk about them in conferences in Delhi? Actions speak louder than words.
As someone who has visited Goa multiple times, I've seen how tourism has degraded the natural environment. It's refreshing to hear about sustainable architecture and diversified tourism like wellness and sports. If India can pull this off, it will set a great example for other tourist destinations worldwide.
"Vikas Bhi, Virasat Bhi" — this is the approach we need everywhere, not just Goa. Our traditional Indian architecture was inherently sustainable — natural cooling, local materials, ventilation. We lost that in the race to build Western-style glass towers. Good that Goa is showing the way. Hope other states follow.
The spiritual and wellness tourism angle is interesting. Goa has always been about beach parties, but now it can be a place for yoga retreats and eco-stays too. Just hope the government doesn't go overboard and destroy the natural charm that makes Goa special. Sustainable doesn't mean expensive luxury resorts only! 🌿
I appreciate the CM's vision, but where are the specifics? What building codes will change? What incentives for developers to adopt green architecture? Without a proper regulatory framework, "living laboratory" is just a slogan. India needs dedicated green building policies, not just conferences and statements.
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