Old Goa: Pressure from Chief Minister Dr Pramod Sawant, ministers, politicians and people has worked wonders in getting the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) to act with urgency in undertaking repair work at the Bom Jesus Basilica within the two weeks allotted to them.
Political leaders began pressurising the ASI to expedite the repair work within two weeks, as soon as the Rector Fr Patricio Fernandes highlighted the considerable damage at the Basilica after pre-monsoon rains had entered through the exposed roof on the side wing of World Heritage Site.
After the visit of Ports Minister Michael Lobo on April 23, work on the rafters and beams began and within three days, work commenced to place the GI sheets on the roof. Within the next five days, the entire side roof was covered with GI sheets and simultaneously the rafters were placed on the GI sheets, to place the tiles and cover the roof.
Even some anti-termite solution has been applied to the wood. When the roof is complete, the ASI will spray the area for anti-termite protection.
“Had they worked as they have been doing now with urgency and determination, they would have finished the work very well on time within two months and would given us the repaired roof and the ceiling by March,” said the Rector, Fr Fernandes.
“However, I am convinced that once the damage is done, we have to assure that the entire complex is professionally protected against termites. The Statues on the Altars are already showing sign of deterioration.”
Incidentally, the meeting proposed by Chief Minister Pramod Sawant along with representatives of the church, ASI and government officials, which was scheduled on May 1, did not take place on account of Labour Day and has been postponed to May 5.
Meanwhile, political leaders have continued to meet the Rector and to take stock of the situation at the Basilica. Deputy Chief Minister Chandrakant (Babu) Kavlekar went along with St Andre MLA Francis Silveira on April 27 to inspect the shoddy work of the ASI in protecting the heritage monument.
Kavlekar listened carefully to the Rector and ASI officers present to get a balanced picture of the exact situation, in order to act definitively in the restoration process. After witnessing the sub-standard work, Kavlekar expressed dismay and felt changes are needed in the ASI rules when they are unable to do justice in conserving the monument.
The deputy chief minister commented about the selfless investments of the Goan clergy who give themselves generously to the development of their Churches and then leave it when their term is over for posterity. He went around the compound to see other incomplete works, such as the toilets which have not been replaced for the past three years. He observed all other works undertaken by the ASI left undone and poorly planned. Before leaving, he assured to take up the matter with the chief minister.
Later in the evening, Benaulim MLA Churchill Alemao and his daughter Valanka Alemao visited the Basilica and inspected all works neglected by the ASI. He was alarmed by what he saw and assured all possible help. He also said the matter has to be taken up with the chief minister. He also assured to take up the matter with the Union Minister of Culture.
On his return, Alemao called the Rector and made necessary contact with the union minister of culture, to highlight the apathy of the ASI.
Besides the leaders mentioned above, other political leaders who have also visited the Basilica or telephoned Fernandes to take stock of the situation and to offer assistance in the last eight days included Chief Minister Dr Pramod Sawant, Union AYUSH Minister Shripad Naik, PWD Minister Mr Deepak Pauskar, WRD Minister Mr Filipe Nery Rodrigues, South Goa MP Francisco Sardinha and former minister Victor Gonsalves.