Team Herald
Panjim: The other two Lok Sabha MPs also visited the Basilica to inspect the condition of the world heritage site and have assured to follow up with the Centre to ensure the restoration and protection of the monument.
Union AYUSH Minister and North Goa MP, Shripad Naik, had visited the Basilica on April 25 and inspected the state of affairs at the site, which had been neglected by ASI. He offered all possible assistance to complete the repair work as fast as possible and for any other support needed to protect the Basilica.
On May 2, South Goa MP, Francisco Sardinha, visited the Basilica to inspect the ongoing repairs of the quadrangle roofs of the Basilica, which had been expedited by the ASI following pressure from the Chief Minister, ministers, MLAs, priests and the public.
Sardinha told the attending Archaeologist that the onus of the neglect in completing the roof repair work lies with him, since he (the Archaeologist) is responsible for the protection of the world famous heritage monument. “The tendering may be done in Delhi, but checking the execution plans, time duration, weather conditions, completion of work within the specified period and review of work done, whether proper or substandard, to preserve the prestigious heritage structure is the responsibility of the archaeologist. This deterioration was avoidable, had he done his job and there would be no cause for alarm to be raised by the Rector, who is ultimately responsible for the Shrine, as the appointee of the Archdiocese of Goa, to whom the Basilica belongs. The ASI is only conservator, restorer and protector of the heritage monument,” Sardinha added.
Sardinha saw for himself that ASI under pressure had quickly completed the covering of the two sides of the roof with GI sheets, with rafters simultaneously being laid on one side. However, since the open roof has already been wet twice the with torrential rains, the wooden beams, rafters, mud walls, wooden false ceiling and wooden floors are all in danger of being attacked by termites. The next in priority is the anti-termite treatment for the entire Basilica complex.
He listened to the issues raised by the Rector and the ASI from their perspectives and promised to intervene with the ASI DG in Delhi through the Union Culture Minister to expedite urgent works like anti-termite treatment and toilets. He also promised to push for anti-termite treatment, and work towards a chemical treatment office being posted at ASI Goa; and to help in whatever manner possible within his capacity.
