Team Herald
PANJIM: Goa Governor Satya Pal Malik on Wednesday approached the Central government seeking its intervention in the matter of negligence by Archeological Survey of India (ASI) in the preservation, conservation and restoration of World Heritage Site, Basilica of Bom Jesus at Old Goa.
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The Governor, first via a telephonic conversation and then in a letter to Union Culture Minister Prahlad Singh Patel, requested him to direct the ASI authorities to ‘pull up their socks’ to complete all the restoration works in a time bound manner and if possible, before the monsoon arrives in Goa.
On the request of Governor, the Union Minister assured to visit the site after the lockdown. The Minister also assured that he will send some senior ASI officials to visit the Basilica in the meantime.
A statement issued by the Governor’s office, states that the Governor, after receiving a copy of letter from Basilica Rector Fr Patricio Fernandes, called for a detailed report from ASl, Goa Circle.
“After going through the report, Governor is of the view that though ASI (Goa Circle) in its report has cited various constrains for the slow pace of work, the report reflects uncoordinated action and non-committal attitude of the different branches of ASI in dealing with preservation and restoration of the architectural marvel,” the office said.
“As ASI functions under Ministry of Culture, Governor has sought the intervention of Minister of Culture and has requested him to direct the ASI authorities to pull up their socks to complete all the restoration works in a time bound manner and if possible, before the monsoon arrives in Goa,” it added.
In a letter to Union Minister, Malik has said “You may be aware that Basilica of Bom Jesus, Old Goa is one of UNESCO’s world heritage sites and it is one of the most visited monuments in Goa. Basilica of Bom Jesus is one of the best examples of baroque architecture and holds special importance not only for Goans but also for entire Catholic community of the world. It holds the mortal remains of St Francis Xavier who is known as ‘Goencho Saheb’ in Goa”.
He further said that this monument being a UNESCO world heritage site, the task of preservation, conservation and restoration lies with the ASI.
“Recently, Rector of Basilica of Bom Jesus, Old Goa raised the issue of negligence and non committal behavior of the ASI in protection, preservation and conservation of this monument and expressed utter anguish on the colossal neglect of most frequented hallmark of Goa. He, in his letter to ASI, highlighted several instances of ASI’s negligence towards the Basilica, such as neglect of repairs of side roof and false ceiling of Basilica, toilets not repaired for three years, no safety measures despite threat to security, no proper landscaping for pavement at the north gate, wooden alters in danger of crumbling due to termites, lack of restoration of paintings in Basilica, neglect of mausoleum and mastrillian casket, neglect of interior repair works etc,” the letter mentioned.
