PANJIM: A five-member committee of experts appointed to scrutinise the applications and representations for consideration and selection of suitable sites for reconstruction and restoration of temples destroyed during the Portuguese regime, will submit its preliminary report by February end, informed Archaeology Minister Subhash Phal Desai.
Phal Desai said that the committee is scrutinising all the claims made by the people. About 19 applications were received by the government and the committee is physically visiting these sites, talking to locals and collecting information and seek references from the Archives Department. He said that after receiving the preliminary report, the government will decide on how to go about it.
“The Committee will compile the report with recommendations of sites for reconstruction of temples,” he said.
Last month, the government had constituted a committee under Chairpersonship of Dr Varsha Kamat, professor and head, Department of History, PES College, Farmagudi and comprising Dr Rohit Phalgaonkar, Dr Varad Sabnis, Balaji Shenoy and Ulhas K Prabhu Dessai as members. The committee was asked to submit its report within a period of 30 days.
To a question, Phal Desai said that if anybody produces the records or evidence of demolition of churches during the Portuguese time, then the government may consider the proposal to reconstruct such churches.
A provision of Rs 20 crore has been made in the State Budget for restoration and renovation of religious places destroyed during Portuguese era.