ASI flayed for negligence as rain enters Old Goa heritage church TNN | Mar 2, 2015, 02.57 AM IST Isidore Domnick Mendes Old Goa: The sudden unseasonal showers on March 1 went through the open roof of the 17th century church of St Francis of Assisi, as archaeological survey of India (ASI) is carrying out maintenance of the heritage monument. Apprehensions are being raised about the likely damage to the edifice, as no precautions were in place in the form of durable water proof plastic sheets across the building. Sources alleged that ASI often carries out roof works on monuments in April and May. As most of these monuments are built in laterite stone and walls plastered with limestone mortar, the pre-monsoon showers may lead to their deterioration. Sources in ASI said that the rain water seepage was immediately mopped up and the walls were covered up. "If the water remains and walls are exposed for long periods, only then damage can be caused," the source said. While ASI has conservation work of monuments in the world heritage complex, the lack of a proper management policy for the site as a whole has disappointed heritage lovers and experts. Heritage experts, while applauding ASI's conservation work and improvement in the outlook of churches and monuments at Old Goa since the 1970s, say the government body has to adopt a proper strategy for the protection of the site. "It is sad that the world heritage village of Old Goa does not have a permanent plan for preservation, protection and beautification," a source said. One of the main tasks of the ASI is maintaining the vast gardens and lawns in Old Goa. "The maintenance of the gardens costs a lot of money and labour," the source added. ASI has to take stakeholders and experts into confidence and carry out management and development in the place in tune with its heritage character. "The management policy and strategy for the place has to be in harmony with the ambience of the monuments," the source said. In the past, ASI has been accused of using concrete insensitively, especially in the ruins of the convent below the St Augustine's tower. A part of the floor has been concretized. In another instance, it had constructed a ground-plus-one structure of a chemical laboratory opposite Se Cathedral, but, it is being used as an office and for other purposes, including a guesthouse. On the positive side, ASI's conservation work has helped keep many monuments standing in Old Goa. ASI also played a passive role while the work of creating infrastructure for the Exposition was taken up at the last moment by the government. The new infrastructure has been praised by the pilgrims as it has helped the smooth flow of traffic and amenities for them. A heritage expert said pouring too much tar and concrete in a heritage area is not advisable. "The tar and concrete should be seen less, and it is better to have laterite cobble, which matches with the monuments. The new tar looks out of place, as also the pavers and checkered tiles," the expert said. ASI has also tried to highlight its own identity instead of the monuments under its charge. In the name plaque near Se Cathedral, the name of the monument is shown in small fonts but that of ASI is more prominently displayed, stating that ASI is maintaining and preserving it.
