Public heritage buildings in Panjim may get a facelift

TEAM HERALD

teamherald@herald-goa.com

PANJIM: Public heritage buildings in the Capital City are likely to get a facelift with Town and Country Planning Department working on an action plan with heritage promoters to refurbish and conserve these aesthetic structures.

For the moment, the Goa Heritage Action Group is going to work closely with Town and Country Planning Department on this initiative and has already submitted a list of 10 heritage buildings in Panjim which need urgent attention.

Chief Town Planner S T Puturaju said, “There are several public buildings which have not been maintained and if left in their present condition they will eventually disappear.”

Puturaju pointed out that over the years only one public building was given a facelift ~ Singbal building, near Panjim Church, which houses the Administrator of Comunidades office and stands out prominently in the picturesque Church Square.

“We thought we should do something and take up the conservation of other buildings as well through the conservation committee and Goa Heritage Action Group,” he explained, stating that the government wants to involve genuine heritage lovers rather than leave it to institutions.

“Preserving heritage buildings with their architecture will give a facelift to the city’s image,” Puturaju observed.

“If we are able to make a difference in Panjim we would take this initiative to Margao and other places which have heritage structures in need of conservation,” Puturaju informed, while disclosing that TCP has a conservation fund and additional finances could be sourced from government to carry forward the initiative.

Prajal Sakhardande, Chairperson of GHAG submitted a list of 10 heritage buildings to Chief Town Planner.