By Verghese V Joseph –
Old Goa: The Union Minister of Culture Prahlad Singh Payel on Wednesday assured the Governor of Goa Satya Pal Malik on the restoration work at the Basilica of Bom Jesus at Old Goa.
In a telephonic conversation, the Governor drew the minister’s attention and sought his intervention over the matter of negligence by Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) in preservation, conservation and restoration of Basilica of Bom Jesus. Prahlad informed the Governor that he would instruct senior ASI authorities to visit the Basilica and attend to it.
As ASI functions under Ministry of Culture, Governor Malik sought the intervention of Prahlad Singh, and requested him to direct the ASI authorities to pull up their socks to
complete all restoration works in a time-bound manner and if possible, before the monsoon arrives in Goa. The Governor also invited Prahlad Singh to visit Basilica of Bom Jesus and the minister assured that he would visit the Basilica once the lock-down ends.
Earlier, the Governor after receiving a copy of the letter from Fr Patricio Fernandes, Rector of Basilica of Bom Jesus, had called for a detailed report from ASI, Goa Circle. After going through the report, the Governor was of the view that though ASI in its report had cited various constrains for the slow pace of work, the report reflected uncoordinated action and non-committal attitude of different branches of ASI in dealing with preservation and restoration of the architectural marvel.
The Basilica of Bom Jesus, a UNESCO’s World Heritage site, is one of the most visited monuments in Goa. The Basilica is one of the best example of baroque architecture and holds special importance not only for Goans but also for the entire Catholic community of the world. The Basilica holds the mortal remains of St Francis Xavier who is known as “Goencho Saheb” in Goa. The embalmed body of St Francis Xavier lies in an airtight coffin positioned in a silver casket crafted by the 17th century Florentine sculptor Giovanni Battista Foggini. The saint is believed to have miraculous powers of healing and pilgrims come from all over the world to offer prayers. The silver casket is lowered for viewing once in a decade during public exposition.
Being a UNESCO’s World Heritage monument, the task of preservation, conservation and restoration lies with the ASI. Recently, Fr Paricio raised the issue of negligence and the non-committal behaviour of ASI officials in protecting, preserving and conserving the monument; and expressed utter anguish on the colossal neglect of most frequent hallmark of Goa. He in his letter to ASI (Goa Circle) highlighted several instances of ASI’s negligence towards the Basilica, such as neglect of repairs of side roof and false ceiling of Basilica, toilets not repaired for three years, no safety measures despite threat to security, no proper landscaping for pavement at the north gate, wooden altars in danger of crumbling due to termites, lack of restoration of paintings in Basilica, neglect of mausoleum and mastrillian casket, neglect of interior repair works, etc.
On receiving the letter from the Rector and a detailed report from ASI, Goa Circle, the Governor felt the attitude of ASI appeared casual and lackadaisical. The Governor observed that the ASI report reflected uncoordinated action and non-committal attitude of different branches of ASI in dealing with preservation and restoration of the architectural marvel.