PANJIM: For a year, the Goa Tourism Development Corporation (GTDC) is awaiting the Archaeology Survey of India’s (ASI) response to execute a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in connection with the renovation and restoration of project Aguada Jail.
“The MoU between GTDC and ASI has been formulated by GTDC and sent to ASI for approval in January 2020 and GTDC is waiting revert from ASI to execute the MoU. Day to day supervision for the work of renovation and restoration of the former central jail at Aguada is being done by the consultants appointed by GTDC,” reads a statement issued by Assistant Engineer (SPV-GTDC) Rajendra Ballanavar to Herald, on Friday.
The GTDC also claims that the ASI is abreast of the works and all the terms and conditions of approval are being meticulously followed.
The Corporation issued a statement to rebuff allegations by Goa Heritage Action Group over destruction of the spring, replacement of Mangalore tiles among others during the process of the ongoing works at the former central jail.
Ballanavar said that the aging Aguada jail was decommissioned by the government nearly six years ago and during this period there was further deterioration of the structures including collapse of the fort wall due to wave action and the area was full of dense foliage and dangerous reptiles. The heritage structure was not being maintained.
“To conserve this pristine fort a master plan for restoration of the jail was prepared after several rounds of discussion with various stakeholders like ASI, NMA, GHAG, freedom fighters and Department of Tourism as the restoration of the old jail premises involved large monetary support. It was decided to obtain Central funds under Swadesh Darshan Scheme of Government of India, and to develop it as a world class cultural and heritage destination especially to depict the Goa Liberation Struggle and to showcase unique cultural ethos of the State to the visiting tourists. The restoration and renovation of the jail was commenced only after seeking approvals from the ASI, NMA, GCZMA, TCP etc based on the approval of Government of India,” it said.
The GTDC has denied that the spring is destroyed as water still flows through the channel and abutting water gallery full of water. So far as the main entrance is concerned, a new large gate is being constructed as per approved plan under supervision of conservation architects to cater to the large number of expected visitors to the complex and is approved by the authorities in the master plan. The expert, in the statement further said that the existing entrance was weak, on verge of collapse and was not suitable for movement of large number of people
About the Mangalore tiles, he said these were susceptible to breakages and damage caused due to monkeys and falling branches/coconuts from nearby trees.
“The area also receives strong cyclonic winds due to absence of natural barrier and Mangalore tiles would have led to breakages and damage to costly internal structures/furniture/fixtures and equipment. Since the complex is going to house a museum with antiques and artifacts and in order to minimise maintenance a tile profile roofing sheet with similar appearance with good thermal properties has been adopted,” he added.
