PORVORIM: Deputy speaker and Calangute MLA Michael Lobo on Wednesday demanded the former central jail at Aguada be converted into a museum.
This jail which was constructed during Portuguese era was shut down on May 30, 2015 after the state commissioned a new facility at Colvale.
Speaking on the floor of the House, Lobo demanded that this former jail, which is overlooking Arabian Sea, should be converted into a museum.
He said, “There are excessive artefacts at Goa State Museum, which can be shifted to this place which has a rich heritage. The museum has been a business internationally with the governments abroad charging fees for the visitors to visit such places. I think if museum is properly developed, the tourists won’t mind paying fee up to Rs 500 to have a look at the facility.”
Meanwhile, the deputy speaker pointed out that Goa Tourism Development Corporation (GTDC) has already got Rs 25 Crore sanctioned for the development of former Aguada Jail, which can be utilized to set up the museum.
Meanwhile, Cortalim MLA Alina Saldanha on the floor of the house demanded that the Goa State Museum be shifted to the old campus of the Goa Medical College (GMC) in Panjim.
“Presently due to the bad condition of the building at Patto, the museum was shifted to Adil Shah Palace but due to lack of space, only four galleries are shifted there and it also comes to the notice. There is ample space at the old GMC campus which can be utilised for the purpose. I am given to understand that ESG which is currently using the building would be shifted to convention centre after it is ready.” Alina said
She said, “The old GMC is an heritage building and is worth converting into a museum and most importantly it is centrally located.”
Curtorim MLA Aleixo Reginaldo demanded that the Goa’s heritage should be preserved while stating that Goa State Museum should be maintained.
