VIBHA VERMA
PANJIM: Few of Goa’s oldest manuscripts and records, dating to the Portuguese era are currently facing a major threat to their very existence and if not preserved systematically.
The State archives and Archaeology department, arguably one of the most neglected departments in terms of space and infrastructure has been facing problems as it struggles to maintain important data. Lack of space, staff crunch and failure to adopt appropriate technology are just few of the problems threatening the survival of the precious documents.
A visit to the department reveals how the ancient books and documents struggle to find space on the shelves. They are piled precariously atop each other on the shelves and have to be saved from leaking roofs, even as the department claims that it is taking precautions so that original documents do not get damaged. The staff is prompt to show you the records but handling of the papers leaves much to be desired. Many documents are either torn or in a bad shape.
The department does not maintain additional sets, as an alternative as the archives department uses an archaic method of preserving the records. An archivist told Herald they use chemical treatment which is an effective means to preserve records.
However, since the procedure is done manually, not all the documents have been chemically treated as of now. Old scanners, old printers and non air-conditioning of the library where the stacks of files and documents are stored seem to be of very little help in the bid to preserve the rich history and important documents.
The government had announced digitization and micro filming of the records in addition to improving accessibility but the promises are yet to be put into force. “The work has to be accelerated…till now, not all documents are chemically treated. It has to be full proof,” said an archivist seeking anonymity.
Another official said it is high time the old techniques are soon replaced with latest technology to preserve the recorded history.
“The records if lost it will efface this pat of the history forever. One cannot take the risk of losing the long documented history… our future generation should know their past,” he said.
The department, which in the past regime has not outlined its priorities, continues to do so under the present dispensation as well. The officials however deny this saying the government has allocated the required budget.
A proposal in this regard is at the consideration stage. When contacted Secretary, Archives and Archaeology Dr Jaydev Sarangi said, “The challenge is to use the latest technology to see that archival material is preserved for the future. Planning is being done. For digitization, microfilming and preserving of records, it will go hand in hand with the manual technology for preserving the hard copies of the valuable documents.”
Director of Archives and Archaeology M L Dicholkar was not available for comments despite repeated attempts to contact him.
Secretary, Archives and Archaeology Dr Jaydev Sarangi said, “The challenge is to use the latest technology to see that archival material is preserved for the future. Planning is being done
