MARGAO: With hardly three months to go for the monsoon, concerns are mounting over the delay in administrative approval for the repair works of the damaged portion of the heritage building at the Margao Urban Health Centre. This delay could potentially worsen the existing damage and lead to further destruction.
According to reliable sources, the proposed estimate for the repair works was prepared and submitted for administrative approval as early as August last year. However, the file remains pending approval, leaving officials unable to initiate the necessary repair works.
A portion of the heritage building collapsed in July 2023, prompting immediate directives from Health Minister Vishwajit Rane to prioritise repair efforts. The Public Works Department (PWD) had subsequently drawn up plans for restoration, estimated at Rs nine lakh.
Despite the urgency of the situation, progress has been stalled due to the lack of administrative approval.
“We are still awaiting approval to carry out the works, without which the officials at the lower level are unable to make any move or start the works,” said sources.
Currently, the damaged portion of the building remains covered with tarpaulin, offering only temporary protection from the elements.
Sources revealed that although there was only one bidder for the repair tender, their quotation exceeded 40 percent of the estimated cost. As per regulations, bids exceeding this threshold cannot be accepted without administrative approval, necessitating further bureaucratic procedures.
In response to the delay, heritage activist Beena Raikar expressed frustration and accused the government of neglecting Goa’s rich heritage. She emphasised the importance of swift action to protect the heritage building from further deterioration, particularly considering the imminent onset of adverse weather conditions.
“It is shameful to note that the government fails to give administrative approval for a pitiful amount of a few lakhs, despite knowing the fact that more exposure to sun and rains can result in more destruction to the heritage building,” she stated.
Raikar urged authorities to prioritise administrative approval for the repair works, emphasising the need to safeguard Goa’s cultural legacy for future generations.
