Conservation and repairs of Unesco sites in Old Goa completed for Exposition: ASI

Old Goa: With a significant convergence of pilgrims from across the country and beyond for the Exposition of St Francis Xavier’s relics, the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) said all monuments at the church complex have received due conservation for the decennial event.

“The conservation and preservation work of all the seven churches and monuments at the Unesco World Heritage site under our charge has been completed,” Hemasagar A Naik, superintending archaeologist, ASI at Old Goa, said.

The maintenance and conservation had been accorded priority as the decennial event registers a massive increase in footfall. “We had set the timetable well in advance, and the planning for the Exposition had begun three years ago,” Naik said.

Despite issues of illegalities, lack of hygiene, and planning at the former capital raised by heritage activists, the makeover for the monuments showed in the form of freshly whitewashed edifices, viewed from the highway or nearby.

The core structural conservation and woodwork and repair of roofs have been carried out at these monuments. “Black spots on monuments have been taken care of through scientific treatment while bell towers have been conserved,” Tarang Gharpure, assistant archaeologist, ASI, said.

The flooring and other details at these monuments have been attended to, the ASI stated.

The churches and convents of Goa, or Old Goa, comprise world heritage sites, and these include Se Cathedral, Basilica of Bom Jesus, St Cajetan’s Church, St Francis of Assisi Church, St Catherine’s Chapel, St Augustine’s Church complex, and Our Lady of Rosary Church.

Most of the monuments register significant footfalls, including the ASI museum. “On average, 1,500 to 2,000 visitors per day enter here to view the artifacts on display,” the official said.

ASI plans to deploy adequate staff at the site of all monuments due to the upswing in the arrival of pilgrims and visitors to Old Goa.





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