Team Herald
PANJIM: Pressure from Chief Minister Dr Pramod Sawant, ministers, politicians and people has worked wonders in getting the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) to act with urgency in undertaking repair workS at the Bom Jesus Basilica at Old Goa within the two weeks allotted to them.
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Political leaders pressurised the ASI to expedite the repair work within two weeks, as soon as the Rector Fr Patricio Fernandes highlighted the considerable damage to the Basilica when water due to pre-monsoon showers entered through the exposed roof on the side wing of World Heritage monument.
Following the visit of Ports Minister Michael Lobo on April 23, work on the rafters and beams began and within three days, work to place the GI sheets on the roof commenced.
Within the next five days, the entire side roof was covered with GI sheets and simultaneously the rafters were placed on the GI sheets, to place the tiles and cover the roof.
Some anti-termite solution has been applied to the wood. When the roof is complete, the ASI will spray the area for anti-termite protection.
“Had they to work as they have been doing now with urgency and determination, they would have finished the work very well on time within two months and would given us the repaired roof and the ceiling by March,” said the Rector.
“However, I am convinced that once the damage is done, we have to assure that the entire complex is professionally protected against termites. The statues on the altars are already showing sign of deterioration,” Fr Patricio added.
Incidentally, the meeting proposed by Chief Minister Dr Pramod Sawant along with Church representatives, ASI and government officials, scheduled on May 1, failed to take place on account of Labour Day and has been postponed to May 5.
Meanwhile, political leaders continued to meet the Rector to take stock of the situation at the Basilica.
On April 27, Deputy Chief Minister Chandrakant (Babu) Kavlekar along with St Andre MLA Mr Francis Silveira visited the site to inspect ASI’s shoddy work in protecting the heritage monument.
Kavlekar lent a patient ear to the Rector and ASI officials to get a balanced picture of the exact situation, to act definitively in the restoration process.
After witnessing the sub-standard work Kavlekar expressed his dismay and stressed the need to change the ASI rules when they are unable to do justice in conserving the monument.
He commented on the selfless investments of the Goan clergy, who give themselves generously to the development of their churches and then leave it when their term is over for posterity.
He went around the compound to see other incomplete works, such as the toilets, which have not been replaced for the past three years. He observed all other works undertaken by the ASI which were left undone and poorly planned. Before leaving, he assured to take up the matter with the chief minister.
Later in the evening, Benaulim MLA Churchill Alemao and his daughter Valanka Alemao visited the Basilica and inspected all works neglected by the ASI. He was alarmed by what he saw and assured all possible help.
He said the matter has to be taken up with the Chief Minister and also assured to take up the matter with the Union Minister of Culture.
On his return, Alemao called the Rector and made necessary contact with the union minister of culture, to highlight the ASI’s apathy.
Besides the above leaders, other political leaders, who have also visited the Basilica or telephoned Fr Fernandes to take stock of the situation and to offer assistance in the last eight days were Chief Minister Dr Pramod Sawant, Union AYUSH Minister Shripad Naik, PWD Minister Deepak Pauskar, WRD Minister Filipe Neri Rodrigues, South Goa MP Francisco Sardinha and former MLA Victor Gonsalves.
