By Verghese V Joseph –
Old Goa: The Rector of the Basilica of Bom Jesus, Fr. Patricio Fernandes, S.J., has expressed deep anguish and concern over the lackadaisical attitude and colossal negligence of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) in protecting, preserving and conserving the world heritage monument – Basilica of Bom Jesus, and Shrine of ‘Goyencho Saib,’ St Francis Xavier, at Old Goa.
In a strongly-worded letter, addressed to the Superintending Archaeologist, ASI (Goa Circle), which has also been market to the Archbishop of Goa and Daman, Governor of Goa, Chief Minister of Goa, Minister of Archives & Archaeology, Goa and others, Fr Fernandes highlighted several instances of ASI’s sheer negligence towards the Basilica.
In the letter, Fr Fernandes alleged that as a result, the Basilica has sustained considerable damage in the past few days and is in serious danger of further deterioration. “Besides, the ASI’s indifference towards the Basilica — considered of religious and tourist importance all over the world for several centuries — has been most shocking and unacceptable,” he said.
He pointed out that, “The failure to undertake repairs on time and absence of proper and necessary facilities gives a clear indication that the Basilica has not been a priority for the ASI. Whether it has been the shoddy repair work, the poor drinking water and toilet facilities, lack of barricades or general maintenance work, the ASI has been guilty of gross neglect.”
Repair Work
Last year, the ASI had decided to undertake repairs to the side roof, false ceiling and flooring of the Basilica. He said it was shocking that the ASI wanted to undertake this work in May, barely a month before the monsoons. Moreover, tenders were obtained from persons who did not understand the monsoon conditions in Goa.
While the restoration project began in January this year, but ended up in a total fiasco. Within a month, the work was abandoned, with no responsibility on the part of the ASI to expedite the work before the arrival of the pre-monsoon April showers.
“The delay due to the ongoing lockdown brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic is no excuse and only highlights the ASI’s inefficiency to complete a work that should have been completed much before the lockdown,” the priest rued.
The pre-monsoon rains at Old Goa a few days ago have wet the walls, the wooden beams and the wooden floor. “The damage is colossal!” said Fr Fernandes.
The present situation of the neglected side roof of the Basilica has caused immense loss, because the wood and the walls are wet and they will easily be attacked by termites, destroying the centuries-old structure and posing a serious threat to the entire wooden floors and Altars of the Basilica.
“With this shocking display of neglect and apathy, we are left to conclude that there is no will on the part of the ASI to take care of the monument and to allow the Basilica to fall into ruin,” he alleged.
Utter Neglect
In addition, the toilets at the Basilica, which are maintained by the ASI, are in a state of utter neglect and in need of constant repairs and replacement. There have been numerous complaints from visitors, but repairs to the toilets have not been the ASI’s priority. The blame has always shifted to someone else and as a result, the pilgrims and tourists have been made to suffer.
New toilets are not in sight, causing further inconvenience to the visitors. They have dismantled the toilet and have left it as an eyesore to the visitors. That’s the scale of restoration and protection by the ASI of the world-famous monument!
With thousands of people visiting the Basilica on a daily basis, the place should be equipped with necessary and adequate security measures for the safety of the pilgrims and visitors. Even after the recent bomb blasts at places of worship in New Zealand and Sri Lanka, the only security measure was restricting the visitors to one entry and same exit.
But for the rest, it remained the same, with hordes of people crowding the Basilica and endangering the lives of the people. At some instances, pickpocketing goes on because of crowding in and around the Basilica.
“Constant pleas to barricade the place from entrance to exit, with security checks at the entry-point have fallen on deaf ears. The ASI’s excuse is always lack of funds. Finally, an entry and an exit was implemented, but people were not checked and so, both sides were being used as entry and exit points,” he added.
Danger of Termites to Wooden Altars
It has been repeatedly pointed out to ASI authorities to take cognizance of the termites attacking the Altars and the Statues. For years, the ancient Altars and priceless Statues – true heritage artefacts — have been left to crumble, due to sheer neglect. All that is seen are mere visits to the Basilica by a few representatives of the ASI.
Those experts and art lovers who understand art conservation and restoration have assessed that the invaluable paintings in the Basilica are being destroyed by the ASI’s lack of care and expertise in the restoration work.
The Mausoleum which contains the Sacred Relic of St. Francis Xavier has been collecting dust due to sheer neglect by the ASI over the years. The Bronze Reliefs have turned green. The unique Mastrillian Casket, if not attended to with utmost urgency, will fall apart within a few years.
The walls at the Basilica are crumbling and the restoration is taking a long time. It has not been a priority to ensure that a good job is done with dedication and without inconvenience to devotees who come to worship daily and to the thousands of visitors who want to see a good heritage monument.
Repairs have been undertaken after much delay and that too, the work has been haphazard. The repair work of the windows has been shoddy and substandard, with holes left by the side, latches of poor quality and windows which do not shut properly.
To contain the menace of pigeons, the windows have been fitted with an iron mesh, which makes it look like a bird cage. Despite this, the menace continues with no measures taken to keep the pigeons away.
Utmost urgency, efficiency and competency are needed for immediate maintenance work, to ensure that the Basilica is not only protected, preserved and conserved for the present generation, but is safeguarded and remains intact for the benefit of the future generations.
In this connection, Fr Fernandes suggested restoration of the two side roofs to be completed immediately before more pre-monsoon April-May showers descend. He also sought architects and experts assessment of the damages and a report to be submitted to competent church and civic authorities. He also wanted immediate measures to be undertaken to prevent termite menace in the entire Basilica structure, in addition to safety of the walls of the Basilica and Quadrangle has to be assessed and work has to be implemented.