It is so very anguishing that it took Chief Minister Pramod Sawant so many days to pay a visit to the world renowned Basilica of Bom Jesus at Old Goa which is currently in structural distress. It was Pramod Sawant's duty to rush to the site when the news came to light.
The Government needs to look into the total mismanagement and poor administration at the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) which is the caretaker of historical monuments including the Basilica. Old Goa is UNESCO protected area but with the tacit blessings of the ASI officials illegal constructions by the local MLA and Panchayat politicians have blatantly mushroomed all over. Last year while on a visit to Delhi I had met ASI officials at the head office who candidly admitted that it was difficult to act against the illegalities by ruling politicians.
While commending the very pro-active Rector of Bom Jesus Basilica Rev. Fr. Patricio Fernandes for doing everything to hightlight the need to preserve the upkeep of this invaluable monument, let us hope the Goa Government will act swiftly to do all that is needed as the monsoons are fast approaching and the Basilica needs to be rescued from a man made disaster on account of the sheer negligence and laxity by the authorities.
Carrying out the urgent maintenance and restoration of all historical monuments is the priority. At the same time an investigation must take place into the ASI to ensure that our heritage and treasured historical monuments are never again compromised and threatened in this way. They must also be equipped to take whatever action is required to stamp out illegal constructions that interfere with such heritage sites without favour or prejudice. Our society will be defined not only by what we create but by what we refuse to destroy.
Aires Rodrigues
Advocate High Court
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