With government and tourism department neglecting the Saligao church, the church authorities were forced to utilize their own funds for the maintenance works of the ‘heritage structure’
Its unique architectural design has attracted a large number of tourists in the State, but the Mae de Deus church at Saligao appears to have been forgotten by the tourism department.
The church has not been illuminated by the tourism department for a couple of years despite various assurances and the ‘heritage structure’ is now being maintained by church authorities with contributions from parishioners and well-wishers.
Church authorities recently spent over Rs 3.5 lakh to paint the structure without any financial assistance from either the State government or the tourism department.
Confirming this, Saligao Assistant Parish Priest Fr Domnic Sequeira said they had spent over Rs 3.5 lakh to paint the entire church and to carry out other maintenance works.
“There was no financial assistance from either the government or the tourism department, even though it has been promoting Mae De Deus Church as a heritage structure. Illuminations around the church are in very bad shape and they need urgent attention from authorities,” said Fr Sequeira.
“The church is being maintained entirely from church funds, while Goa Tourism promotes it as a tourist site. Besides, the tourism department is organising a heritage festival from April 18 to 21 in the close proximity to the Church, but has neglected the heritage structure,” stated Fr Sequeira.
According to sources, the Church Fabrica had written to the tourism department to provide them with subsidies to pay the salaries of a ‘sweeper’ and ‘watchman’ to maintain and safeguard the heritage structure.
The Fabrica’s request was reportedly turned down by the tourism department on grounds that there was no such provision to provide a subsidy for a sweeper or watchman. Despite this, church authorities have sought the services of a night watchman to protect the church.
Some residents also claimed that the State government had done little to promote their cause.
“When we got together and opposed the setting up of a petrol pump close to the Church as it posed a threat to the heritage site, the government let us down by legalizing the petrol pump despite an assurance to stop the petrol pump,” remarked a parishioner.
When contacted, Tourism Minister Dilip Parulekar, who incidentally is the local Saligao MLA, claimed that he had made efforts to undertake the required works, whenever the matter was brought to his notice.
“The illumination was partially done some time back, but the fixtures and chokes were reportedly stolen. The electricity department had lodged a complaint with the Calangute Police in this matter,” informed Parulekar.
“The assistant engineer has assured to take up temporary illumination by April 15 and the entire replacement and permanent wiring will be done before the church feast in May,” assured Parulekar.
Parulekar also confirmed Goa Tourism plans to hold a Heritage Festival at Saligao grounds from April 18 to 21 to depict traditional culture, including folk dances, music and other entertainment.
