PANAJI: Stating that the 51 precious monuments under the state archaeological department have become vulnerable after the Goa Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains (Amendment) Act, 2010 came into force with retrospective effect, from March 1, 2007,
the Goa Heritage Action Group on Tuesday stated that the government has created a doubt in the minds of people as regards the future of these monuments, by redefining the term ‘maintain’ in the amended Act.
"The government should explain as to whether its decision of bringing out the state heritage policy in the form of a legislation has been taken to suit anyone’s interest or not," the GHAG demanded. The 51 monuments include temples, churches, chapels, forts, caves and other sites.
The executive committee member of the GHAG, Mr Prajal Sakhardande, addressing a press conference said that addition of terms like renovation, re-erection and re-construction in the Clause (7) of Section 2 of the original Act are vague and can provide right to the government to handle the state monuments, the way it needs.
"Furthermore, the provision in the Act of involving any agency appointed by the government to undertake adaptive re-use of the monuments, to defray maintenance cost of such monuments through revenue earned from such use, is highly objectionable," he maintained, pointing out, "Finally, the provision in the Act, wherein no court would be able to take cognizance of an offence punishable under this Act, except upon a complaint in writing made by an officer, generally or specially authorised in this behalf, gives a final blow to the security of these monuments."
Speaking further, Mr Sakhardande said, "The fact that the Governor, Dr S S Sidhu has given consent to the Act makes the task of the GHAG more difficult." "Presently, we are seeking legal advice on this matter and examining as to whether a public interest litigation could be taken up," he noted, adding that the GHAG has already written a letter to the Governor, informing him about these facts.
Stating that a racket smuggling antiques is functioning in Goa, Mr Sakhardande also predicted that the robbery of a 13th century Hero Stone or ‘Veergal’ in Sattari taluka, earlier this month could be the work of this racket.
Replying to a question, he said that the Cabo da Rama fort is right at the top on the list of monuments, which are sought by private parties or agencies.
A conservation architect, Ms Poonam Verma Mascarenhas observed that minimum intervention is the best kind of conservation of a monument, and reconstruction of a monument should always be the last resort. "Public awareness should be spread that people are the owners of these monuments, while government is their caretaker," she added.
The GHAG secretary, Mr Jack Ajit Sukhija was also present at the briefing.
