Raya Shankhwalker,an architect and a founder member of Goa Heritage Action Group (GHAG), feelsthat the government does not appreciate the necessity of heritage conservation.Shankhwalker says, “Heritage conservation is wrongly perceived as a need onlyfor tourism development.
We must undertake restoration for our own benefit, to maintainour cultural heritage.” Preciseknowledge of the kind of work needed will certainly help the ordinary man understandthe job being undertaken.
Abhijit Sadhale, an architect who has worked on the restorationof temples in Maharashtra and Karnataka says, “The actual work of restorationcommences with having a basic knowledge of what needs to be restored and whatshould be let untouched.
Many a time unwanted restoration work is detrimental to the heritagestructure.”
Contrary to popular belief, the ASI(Archaeological Survey ofIndia) does not govern all the heritage structures in Goa. Shankhwalker says,“ASI looks after only few structures which have been identified as structuresof national or international interest. Goa is one of the few states that doesnot have heritage regulations. Firstly, the government of Goa needs to enactlegislation and undertake a listing process that will comprehensively list themonuments and structures that need to be looked after.”
Funding agencies play a vital role in the process ofrestoration. Divay Gupta, Principal Director, INTACH says, “There are a numberof factors that the funding agencies consider before funding a project, such asthe need for restoration, significance of the monument at all levels etc.”
Experts feel people in Goa are averse to using heritage monumentsfor commercial purposes, post restoration. Financial viability will help thesegenerate revenues for their upkeep.
