Panjim: The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has once again found itself in the eye of the storm for failing to ensure fire safety measures at the Basilica of Bom Jesus.
While it has resumed repairs of the world heritage monument after much criticism from the Church authorities, the Directorate of Fire & Emergency Services is dissatisfied on the ignorance towards fire safety. A team of fire personnel inspected the premises on Monday, a day after Herald reported about resumption of structural repair works to preserve the Church.
“This monument needs to be preserved because of its importance as a heritage structure. As the heritage monument is being refurbished the authorities such as ASI and the Church need to look into the aspect of passive and active fire protection measures to be installed in the premises,” DFES Director Ashok Menon said while speaking to Herald.
The officer explained that National Building Code of India 2016, provisions needs to be complied with.
In October 2004, a fire broke out inside the Church of Bom Jesus, in close proximity to Xavier’s mausoleum. It is learnt that time, the DFES has been sending reminders for ensuring fire safety measures at the complex.
Basilica Rector Fr Patricio Fernandes termed the present situation as a wake-up call. “It is time to wake up… we have to do things in the right way. I am certain it will happen,” he said. Fr Fernandes conceded that ASI had ignored this aspect but is still optimistic about complying with the fire safety norms henceforth.
