Team Herald
PANJIM: The State government’s heritage policy, which is likely to make local bodies like panchayats and municipal councils the guardians to preserve and conserve the architectural monuments in their jurisdiction, is expected to be ready by this year end.
The State archeological department is also working on preserving around two crore documents pertaining to the Portuguese rule of around 450 years, which throws more light on the State’s heritage.
Speaking to Herald, Deputy Chief Minister Chandrakant Kavlekar said that the process to draft the heritage policy has begun, with Town and Country Planning’s (TCPs) conservation committee working on it.
Kavlekar, who holds the Archeology portfolio, said, “The policy will aim at preserving, conserving and promoting the heritage structures of the State. By end of 2020, the policy would be adopted.”
He also said that the department is translating the Portuguese-era documents into English and is digitizing it.
The process to draft the policy was initiated by then deputy CM Vijai Sardesai and a sub-committee of experts was also put in place to decide on the conservation and protection of heritage structures, besides giving them a particular look.
Sources said that financial assistance will be provided to the bodies, which are working for conservation and preservation of heritage structures in the State. “It would be better to make these local bodies the guardians of the heritage structures,” sources said.
Sources added that the policy will envisage providing financial help for the protection and conservation of heritage structures located on private properties.
