Team Herald
PANJIM: The State government has decided to form a co-ordination committee with representatives from the State, Centre, ASI and the Basilica of Bom Jesus over issues pertaining to the restoration of the World Heritage site at Old Goa.
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The decision is taken at a meeting chaired by Chief Minister Dr Pramod Sawant and attended by Dy CM Manohar (Babu) Kavlekar, Chief Secretary Parimal Rai, Basilica Rector Fr Patricio Fernandes, St Andre MLA Francis Silveira and PWD Minister Deepak Pauskar to review the ongoing work of ASI at the Basilica, a UNESCO world heritage site.
“The ASI has been asked to fast-track the work to avoid any possible damage due to the monsoon. Further, a committee would be established with representation of the State government and ASI for better coordination, planning and monitoring,” the chief minister said after the meeting.
The CM said such a committee exists in Hampi, Karnataka for national monuments. “I have asked for the rules and regulations of such a committee and once that comes we will go ahead in framing rules of the committee,” Sawant said.
Kavlekar said the meeting discussed various issues of the Basilica placed by the Rector. “They also spoke about funds crunch with the ASI for works,” Kavlekar said adding, “All the issues will be taken care of now.”
The Rector said, he finds himself helpless because, according to Act, ASI are restorers, conservators, protectors and sole caretakers of the Basilica and others cannot touch the monument unless ASI grants permission, which is difficult to obtain from them.
“In the meantime, the deterioration worsens, and the monument can fall apart. It is a fact that the Basilica, Casa Professa and the property belong to the Church and ASI sees to the restoration, conservation and protection only of the Basilica and not the other parts,” he said.
He said that in the present setup, ASI has not been able to carry out professional care of the Basilica. “The tendering is done to the lowest bidder, the funds are never sufficient, the office is ill-equipped with personnel and they feel helpless,” he said.
He said the State has been very co-operative and taking all steps to help and the Chief Secretary, in particular, has great knowledge of the subject.
