PANAJI: The government has decided to bring the Goa Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains (Amendment) Act, 2010 into force with retrospective effect, from March 1, 2007.
This is being done as a memorandum of understanding was signed between the state government and the Indian National Trust for Art and Culture (INTAC) on that day, disclosed the director of archives and archaeology, Mr M L Dicholkar adding there is no other ulterior motive in the particular decision.
The architectural heritage division of INTAC undertakes conservation of historic buildings, which are neglected or endangered. These projects are undertaken at the initiative of private owners or public bodies seeking specialised expertise. This includes comprehensive architectural and structural documentation and analysis of historic fabric, interior finishes as well decoration, renewal and adaptive reuse.
Mr Dicholkar, speaking to ‘The Navhind Times’ on Wednesday pointed out that INTAC has since taken over the task of restoration of three important monuments in Goa namely Church of St Anne, Talaulim popularly known as Santana Church; St Estevam Fort located in the island village of Kumbharjua and Reis Magos Fort situated in Verem.
"The scope of such works is very wide and therefore, the restoration work of these three monuments could not be completed on schedule," the director of archives and archaeology maintained, adding that the restoration work of the Santana Church is nearly finished, while that of the Reis Magos Fort is 80 per cent complete. "As for the St Estevam Fort, we had to re-create the entire fort with the help of its available picture, from whatever little ruins existed," he informed, observing that in every case care was taken not to disturb the original character of the structure.
"As for the concern expressed by some heritage groups, pertaining to the use of modern material in restoration work, I must maintain that cement and steel is used only where traditional material like lime and mortar do not work," Mr Dicholkar said, pointing out that the 20 feet by 20 feet main gate of the Cabo da Rama Fort in South Goa was repaired in the past by using cement and steel, as also the base of the Mahadev temple in Khandepar, Ponda strengthened with these materials.
He further added that cement and steel have also been put into use in the restoration of the Reis Magos Fort, and the same is mentioned in the government report.
"We, in the recent past had restored Halarn Fort, in Pernem taluka and Chapora Fort, in Bardez taluka, but as these structures are open, and prone to rains, they immediately provided access to growth of plants," he maintained, suggesting that such monuments should be put to adaptive re-use, by holding some traditional festivities in them or presenting light and sound show in their precincts.
Replying to a question as regards the addition of a provision in the Goa Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains (Amendment) 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, Mr Dicholkar said that the same provision existed in the Antiquities (Export Control) Act of 1947, and is nothing new.
