New Delhi [India], 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.