PANJIM: Archaeology Minister Subhash Phal Desai on Tuesday said that the five-member expert committee appointed to identify temples destroyed during Portuguese rule has submitted its interim report to the government.
According to Phal Desai, the committee has informed that more than 1,000 temples were destroyed during the Portuguese regime and has suggested that a big memorial can be built instead of re-building/restoring these temples as it could end up in litigation.
“The committee members visited different villages across the State and inspected the things left at the temples which were destroyed. They studied the sites and then submitted the report. The committee has suggested that instead of restoring the destroyed temples, a big beautiful temple be constructed as it will have touristic value,” he said.
The committee has also suggested that Saptakoteshwar Temple in Narve-Bicholim can be rebuilt, the Minister said adding that the committee will continue its work.
“The report has been submitted. However, we are yet to discuss it. The committee has been given wider scope,” he said.
The State government in July had granted a 10-month extension to the expert committee to submit the report on the recommendation of sites for reconstruction of temples that were destroyed during the Portuguese regime.
The Department of Archaeology had granted extension to the committee appointed in January 2023 to submit its report by December 31 this year.
Chief Minister Pramod Sawant had said last year that he wanted to initiate the reconstruction of temples that were destroyed by the Portuguese.
