Govt fast-tracks repair of crumbling basilica roof

Panaji: Days after the rector of the Basilica of Bom Jesus issued an appeal to the government that the historic monument needs urgent repairs, work on its roof has been fast-tracked.

Rector Fr Patricio Fernandes told TOI on Monday that additional labourers have been brought in to complete the roof, work on which was abandoned during the initial lockdown.

“This work has to be completed quickly. They have begun placing galvanised iron (GI) sheets on part of the roof,” he said.”

In a letter last week to the chief minister, governor, ASI and Archbishop of Goa highlighting the ASI’s neglect of the structure that houses the relics of St Francis Xavier, Fernandes said that rain water had already seeped in with the roof open, and appealed for help to prevent further deterioration.

He also said in the letter that the heritage artefacts in the basilica have been left to crumble due to sheer neglect. Following his appeal, politicians, priests and several people visited the basilica and offered support.

Union Ayush minister Shripad Naik assured Fernandes of the support required to protect the Basilica, and said that ASI officials requested him for a chemical treatment unit at Old Goa. South Goa MP Francisco Sardinha also told Fernandes that secretaries in New Delhi and Goa would get in touch with him (the rector) to take this further.

Meanwhile, ports minister Michael Lobo suggested the deployment of Goa Tourism Development Corporation (GTDC) funds if the ASI could not accomplish the task, and also offered to repair the damaged toilets and take up repairs of the basilica’s ancient chairs.

Lobo also offered to speak to authorities in New Delhi to send the Mastrillian casket to Italy for repairs and get the Union culture ministry to visit the Basilica to inspect all works . Basilica committee president and vicar general Fr Jose Remedios Fernandes, also visited the basilica and recommended the need for a thorough assessment before and after restoration work in all future projects involving the structure.

The rector explained that the most urgent need was anti-termite treatment, because the wet wood and mud walls would attract termites, thereby destroying not only the affected places but would endanger the ancient and priceless altars, statues and wooden floors throughout the basilica complex.