PANJIM: The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), Goa Circle has said that the ongoing nationwide lockdown halted the repair and maintenance work of the UNESCO’s World Heritage Site Basilica of Bom Jesus.
Following the relaxation granted by the State government, ASI has now undertaken repair of the roof top, engaging a local contractor. The work is expected to be completed within two weeks.
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It may be recalled that recently, Fr Patricio Fernandes, the Rector of the Basilica of Bom Jesus, had complained to the State and Federal officials that ASI has neglected the maintenance of the Basilica.
“As a result of ASI’s sheer negligence, the Basilica has sustained considerable damage and is in serious danger of further deterioration,” said Fr, in his letter to the Chief Minister, ASI and others.
Defending its side, ASI Goa Circle Superintending Archaeologist, K Amarnath Ramakrishna said they get only five months, from January to May, to undertake all kind of repair and maintenance work of the structure. “From June to October, due to the monsoons, we cannot do any work, followed by Novenas in November and the feast in December,” he explained.
He added that the work, including the repair of the roof, was awarded to contractor from Aurangabad in January and the same had begun.
“But due to the COVID-19 pandemic, all the monuments were closed for public from March 15. The work was also stalled. Then the lockdown came into force,” he said.
Ramakrishna added that the heavy rains on April 20 – had resulted in the collapse of a portion of the roof. “By engaging around 30 labourers, we cleaned the entire thing and have now awarded work to a local contractor to undertake the repair. The work will be completed in next two weeks,” he said.
Speaking about the anti-termite treatment requirement, Ramakrishna said that it has been dealt by the ASI chemical branch in Aurangabad. However, the official concerned remained unavailable for the comment.
Rector rejects ASI’s ‘excuses’
Meanwhile, Fr Patricio said blaming the delay on the ongoing COVID-19 lockdown is ‘no excuse’ and that it only highlights the ASI’s inefficiency to complete work that should have been completed much before the lockdown.
He added that last year, the ASI had decided to undertake repairs to the side roof, false ceiling and flooring of the Basilica. “It was shocking that the ASI wanted to undertake this work in May, barely a month before the monsoons. Moreover, tenders were obtained from persons who did not understand the monsoon conditions in Goa,” he charged.
Fr added that the project did start in January this year, but that it was a total fiasco. Within a month, the work was abandoned, with no responsibility on the part of the ASI to expedite the work before the arrival of the pre-monsoon April showers.
